05/14/1990 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e D. Approval of findings and recommendations of Hearings Official and Approval of Improvement Project (Sanitary Sewers in Byron Avenue) Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Mr. Holmer, to approve the items on the City Council Consent Calendar. Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously, 6:0. IV. PUBLIC HEARING: SIGN CODE ORDINANCE REVISIONS City Manager Mike Gleason introduced the topic. Gary Chenkin, Planning and Development Department, gave the staff report. On June 27, 1988, the council adopted an interim sign code. At that time, the council also directed staff and the Planning Commission to prepare a revised, permanent sign code. The comprehensive, updated draft code before the council was the result of a thorough and lengthy process that included public forums and several Planning Commission public hearings and work sessions. The two items that have drawn the most attention have to do with billboards and their spacing and reduction in size; and the removal or amortization of signs. e Planning Commissioner Nancy Nathanson reported that the Planning Commission considers the proposed ordinance a balanced, compromise proposal that simplifies the Sign Code and makes it easier to apply, allows more flexibility, is fair to business, and demonstrates regard for community appearance. She strongly recommended council adoption of the proposal. Responding to Mr. Rutan's request for clarification of the council's initial direction to the Planning Commission, Ms. Nathanson reported that a May 10, 1989, project description prepared by the lane Council of Governments and the City's Building Division described the revision of the Sign Code as being to clarify, update in light of State court requirements and new technology, and streamline regulations and permit processes. Mr. Rutan asked staff to provide more specific information on the council's direction to staff. Referring to the recent issue of tree-cutting within the urban growth boundary, Ms. Ehrman stressed the importance of coordination between the City and County. Mr. Chenkin informed the council that if the revised code is adopted, it will become part of the City's zoning ordinance and then will be adopted by the County according to the urban transition agreement. Mayor Miller opened the public hearing. Gerald McDonnell, 2672 Baker Boulevard, identified himself as an architect and spoke in support of the proposed Sign Code revision. He considered the inclusion of the Sign Code in the zoning ordinance appropriate and applauded the language of the proposed amendments for being comprehensible as well as comprehensive. Mr. McDonnell said the reduction of billboard clutter and e MINUTES--Eugene City Council May 14, 1990 Page 2