City code section 5:508 prohibits "any freestanding exterior sign not permanently anchored or secured to either a building or the ground" unless the owner has a permit.

If he does have a permit, section 4:414 requires that the sign will not: "Interfere with the use of the street or sidewalk for pedestrian or vehicular travel" or "Reduce any sidewalk width to less than 6 feet." Also "A portable off-premises business sign shall in no case impede pedestrian travel in a sidewalk area."

In my opinion, looking at this photo, I would say this sign seriously impedes pedestrian travel.

Thank you, Jim, for the info.

TO COMMUNITY STANDARDS: Please issue a ticket to this arrogant business owner/manager. There have been complaints in the past for this business as well as others that defiantly continue to treat the sidewalks as their own, and with total disregard for pedestrian traffic. This practice will only cease if they and other offenders know that you WILL ticket them and that it WILL cost them.

If he has a permit, the sign may be legal. There's easily more than the required six feet of remaining sidewalk width. It may be less in the way if the sign were placed in line with the street trees, but I'm not sure why it's such a burden to pass the sign where it is.

Also, as someone who likes to sit outside at restaurants along Main St., and likes the vibrancy they bring to downtown, all I can say to guest is "tough". Better a bunch of people there spending money and enjoying the outside than a bunch of empty sidewalks.