Pocatello business owners call for more sign law changes

A possible change in sign ordinances in old town Pocatello is causing a stir among local businesses.

The proposal would end a law prohibiting portable signs in front of businesses, but just for those in old town.

Gene Crawford owns Main Street Tobacco and said he’s long argued for a little more leeway when it comes to sign law.

“The sign code in Pocatello prohibits portable signs, and I feel that’s just a little too restrictive to small business,” Crawford said.

Even before the vote portable signs and sandwich boards lined the sidewalks up an down old town Pocatello.

Some business owners in the area said the prohibition needed to end for the whole city, not just old town.

“It is a very economical and viable means of advertising for any business, not just any business in old town,” Direct Results Marketing owner Greg Helms said.

Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad said it makes sense to treat old town different than the rest of the city.

“The need is different everywhere else than it is in old town. In old town we’re trying to get people to walk instead of drive,” Blad said.