Item 6: Ordinance on Sign Standards

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A question also arose at the work session as to whether the “maximum height” (six feet) of a freestanding sign referred to the dimension of the sign itself or the distance from grade to the top of the sign. The answer, set out in EC 9.0500 (definitions), is that it refers to height from grade to the top of the sign. To eliminate any uncertainty, the proposed ordinance now includes a parenthetical “from grade” for the height limitations for an exempt freestanding sign. Attachment C shows the changes made to the exemptions for “non-residential property signs” and “residential property signs” after the City Council’s October 24 Work Session. Those are the only changes from the previous draft. Overview of draft ordinance. The proposed amendments to the Sign Code would: 1. Eliminate the specific exemptions for conference and convention banners, contractor signs, flags, real estate signs and temporary activity signs, and replace them with a more general exemption. (An “exemption” means the signs are exempt from permit and fee requirements.) On a property used for a single-family residence or a duplex, the exemption would allow two freestanding signs or banners, or one of each. On all other properties, the exemption would allow one freestanding sign or banner. (A “banner” is a sign made of non-rigid material that is not enclosed by a frame; a flag is one kind of banner.) A freestanding sign could not exceed 12 square feet; a banner could not exceed 15 square feet. The reason for allowing two exempt signs on residential properties and only one on properties used for commercial, industrial or other purposes is that a range of signs are already available by permit in commercial and industrial zones. The size of the exempt freestanding signs –12 square feet– in the proposed ordinance is the same as the current Sign Code’s exemptions for “signs during elections” and “real estate signs.” Banners may be up to three square feet larger, so that the exemption would include flags of a standard size. The proposed amendments would also retain the existing exemption for election signs. 2. Make some minor wording changes to some of the other exemptions to make it clear that they are not based on the sign’s content. 3. Require the City to act on a sign permit application within three weeks of receipt of a complete application. Process. Because the Sign Code is in Chapter 9, consideration of the amendments follows Land Use Code amendment procedures. The City Council initiated the code amendment process at its May 29 Meeting. The Planning Commission held a public hearing and deliberated on the proposed amendments on June 19. The City Council held a work session on July 11, a public hearing on July 23, and another work session on October 24, 2012. S:\CMO\2012 Council Agendas\M121126\S1211266.doc