4.3 PCSR 11-12-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Increase maximum height for wall signs from 24" to 36". • Remove language regulating sign material (section 30-872 (b) (9)). • Remove language banning internally illuminated signs (section 30-872 (b) (11)). • Permit monument and freestanding signs using C-1 freestanding sign regulations as a guide. • Increase maximum window sign area from 50% to 80%. • Remove regulations for temporary banner type signs, or create an annual permit to regulate them. Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) The HPC discussed the proposed sign ordinance amendment as it pertained to downtown during the meeting on October 17th and recommended the following: • Permit freestanding signs in the downtown district at key entrances to the area. • Increase maximum window sign area from 50% to 80%. • Continue to prohibit cabinet signs in the downtown district. Planning Commission The Planning Commission discussed the ordinance amendment during their October 22nd workshop and recommended the following changes: • Use 10% of facade area as the limiting factor for wall signs. • Maintain window signs at 50% of individual window area,but allow vacant commercial spaces to cover 100% of their window areas. • Increase the temporary sign size limit from 48 to 56 square feet, continue enforcing all temporary signs with a permit, and continue to limit display time to 90 days per year. • Continue prohibiting cabinet signs in the downtown district. • Increase the number of portable signs in the downtown district from one total, to one per public entrance. • Permit monument style signs in the downtown district with the following limitations: one per multi-tenant facility,maximum height of 10 feet,maximum sign area of 40 square feet, and a setback of 15 feet from the property line. • Continue to prohibit billboards in the CRT and maintain the principle use clause. • Increase billboard height from 25 to 35 feet and measure height from nearest roadway grade. Staff incorporated all of the recommendations from the Planning Commission workshop into the proposed ordinance amendment. Additionally, the Commission may consider the following changes to the Planning Commission's workshop recommendation. By allowing additional freestanding signs in the downtown district, the Commission should determine that freestanding signs enhance the pedestrian friendly environment of the Old Town (Downtown area) as required by the Comprehensive Plan. If that is the determination, then staff proposes a reduction in the height of monument signs in the downtown district to six feet and reduce the setback from 15 to 10 feet. Staff believes the reduced size better fits the pedestrian scale of downtown,while furthering the business community's goal of additional advertising opportunities. The reduced setback increases visibility from the street and matches the remainder of the sign ordinance, improving clarity and readability. N:\Departments\Community Development\Planning\Case Files\OA\OA 13-02 Sign Ordinance\SR PC Sign-Ord_11-12-13.docx