Umbrellas with Ads Might Get the Green Light from Village

The rules on shade umbrellas used by local businesses is on the road to change. The Sussex Architectural Review Board has been approached by local businesses because of an old village law that specifically prohibits advertisements on outdoor shade umbrellas. After the board reviewed the law and circumstances, both it and the Plan Commission agreed it was an outdated law that needed to be changed. The umbrellas are primarily used by bars and restaurants in outdoor seating areas. “Local businesses were getting free umbrellas from vendors, but couldn’t use them,” explained Village President Greg Goetz. “So a business owner approached us, and this is an example of small town government where old ordinances no longer apply. This is only better for the businesses that get freebies from vendors.” After laughing at the outdated ordinance, the Plan Commission members unanimously agreed that it be brought to the Village Board for final approval during next month’s meeting.