An improved version of an ordinance targeting electronic messaging centers was passed 7-0 by the Crestwood Board of Aldermen April 12.

The ordinance was heard by the board in March, and was tabled to address monotony and possible variances. The new ordinance calls for EMCs to be made of masonry coherent with nearby architecture, with a new condition that would allow the Planning and Zoning Commission to approve other materials that fit nearby architecture. 

The board liked the changes overall, but Ward 3 Alderman Scott Shipley questioned if pole signs should be exempt since masonry bases can look odd on them, but City Administrator Kris Simpson said that could lead to an unwanted increase in pole signs.

“If you do this, you’re probably incentivizing businesses to go with a pole sign to avoid the masonry and save costs,” Simpson said.

City Attorney Brian Malone said the changes would help limit odd-looking pole signs because of the commission’s ability to review each sign’s design.

The ordinance was passed 7-0 by the board.