10/23/1989 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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councilors present voting aye, the bill was declared passed e (and became Ordinance No. 19646). At this point, Mayor Miller asked councilors to complete their ballots for the vacant positions to be considered under item IX. VIII. RECOMMENDATION FOR SIX-MONTH MORATORIUM ON BILLBOARDS, ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTERS, AND FLASHING SIGNS City Manager Mike Gleason introduced the item. Marsha Miller, Building and Permit Services Division, reviewed the sign code update process. After the council's adoption of an interim code in June 1988, a lengthy citizen involvement process began. The purpose of a revised code was to rewrite unclear language; evaluate standards; and propose changes in light of State court requirements, new technology, and input from the community; and streamline the regulations and permit process, At its September 26 work session, the Planning Commission directed staff to develop a proposal for a moratorium on billboards. Since then, 13 applications for billboard permits within the city have been received. Nancy Nathanson, Planning Commission president, reported that the Planning Commission has reviewed the many comments received at its public hearing and requests the imposition of this temporary moratorium on sign permits for billboards, electronic message centers, and flashing signs. She expressed a concern that discussion of these types of signs could encourage a large e number of applications for new sign permits that are based more on speculation than demand or need, resulting in an increase in the number of signs for which limitations or prohibitions are being considered. Mr, Rutan asked about current restrictions on the types of signs included in the proposed moratorium. Ms. Nathanson responded that although regulations apply to size and placement of these signs, there may be a safety hazard which has not been adequately explored. Additionally, she expressed a concern relating to community values and said that protecting the city's environment is an important aspect of the economic development strategic plan. Answering Ms. Ehrman's inquiry, Mr, Sercombe said the effect of the moratorium on the 13 applications already received would depend on the direction of the council. Saying she would support the moratorium, Ms. Bascom said she thought more signs are being allowed in Oregon than elsewhere and she hoped to see that trend reversed. She asked that the moratorium be made applicable to those applications already submitted. Mr, Green pointed out the interesting fact that electronic signs had been delivered to the Hult Center earlier in the day. He said he considered neon lighting critical to the vitality of the downtown area. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 23, 1989 Page ,11 ~