Proposed ordinance regulating sidewalk displays gets first approval

The City of Decorah is one step closer to having an ordinance regulating sidewalk displays.

The Decorah City Council Monday night approved a first reading of an ordinance that would require businesses to get permits for signs and other displays on the sidewalks in front of the businesses.

City council members had a long discussion about what kinds of fines--if any--should accompany violations.  They finally settled on giving written warnings for the first violation, imposing a $25 fine for the second violation, and revoking the permit on the third violation.

The proposed ordinance still needs to have two more approved readings before passing.