Coral Springs is set to implement a two-year pilot program that will reduce cost of grand-opening ground signs and give new businesses a chance to have the signs up for a longer period of time.

According to the decision made at a recent City Commission meeting, new businesses will also be allowed to put up grand opening signs, for a maximum period of 30 days, at any time until six months of obtaining a license. Earlier, the window of opportunity for businesses was 60 days.

The city decided on implementing the program by itself after the Coral Springs Chamber of Commerce sought a reduction in costs from the $1,290 each that new businesses had to pay for putting up a grand-opening sign. The program will reduce the cost to $800 for 14 days, $1,000 for 21 days and $1,200 for 30 days.

Under the new arrangement, businesses will contact the city’s community development department. The department will then work with the city’s communication division for the design and production of the signs. Public works will install the signs and remove them. The signs will be put up within seven days from approval.

Bruce Weinberg, Coral Springs Chamber of Commerce co-chair of government affairs, said the chamber approved the city’s decision. “We are very much in favor. The fee schedule is very fair and will also help the city recover its costs.”