CORTLAND — City council and the planning commission will review and update the sign ordinance passed in 2009 after issues have arisen with temporary signs in yards and on properties that need a permit.

Councilman John Picuri said at Monday’s meeting he has received calls from residents concerned with political signs and other temporary signs on properties.

Based on what is on the zoning books, yard signs celebrating an athlete or graduate, or signs with Merry Christmas or Happy New Year are violations and need permits.

“The current regulations are too stringent. No signs are allowed without a permit. I feel what we currently have overreaches,” he said

Picuri said he proposed adding a section for signs that do not require a permit such as allowing two temporary signs at any given time on a parcel for an unspecified amount of time as long as they do not contain a commercial message except for the sale or leasing of the property on which they are located. The temporary signs shall not exceed 8-square feet, must not exceed 4 feet in height and must sit back a minimum of 10 feet from the right-of-way and from the lot lines.

Mayor Deidre Petrosky said while the sign regulations are being reviewed and updated, there will be no enforcement or citations issued. She said she does not believe a permit should be needed for commercial signs that state who did work on a property owner’s roof.

Law Director Patrick Wilson said most communities have restrictions on how long political signs can be up.

Residents Judy and James Wade were among 10 people at the meeting questioning how long it will take to update the sign regulations.

Petrosky said both the planning and zoning commission will have a public hearing on any changes, as will city council, which then will give the ordinance on any updates three readings.

Councilman Jim Bradley said there will be a lot of discussion and input on the sign ordinance updates, so changes will be made from what is originally proposed to the final approved version.

In other business, Petrosky reported that she and other officials traveled to Washington, D.C., to see what funds from the federal budget the city can receive for the $3.5 million safety service complex being planned.

She said several state and national officials were spoken to about the matter and were informed the federal budget is not expected to be passed until March 2025.