Title
Sign Code Update
Brief Description: Staff has completed several meetings with community stakeholders to look at possible amendments to the Sign Code, focused on window signs and A-frame signs.
Body
Legislative History
Ordinance No. 19-41: Temporary moratorium until December 31, 2019, on the enforcement of Land Development Code Regulations related to window signs erected for non-residential uses.
Purpose & Explanation
The community stakeholder group met to review the Land Development Code sign regulations in response to Ordinance 19-41, which established a moratorium on City enforcement related to window signs. The group also discussed the proposed A-frame sign ordinance and signage options for upper level tenants, as this was a concern expressed by the Merchants of Hudson Association. The three meetings focused on the following discussions:
a. City and stakeholder review of the sign allowances and understanding how they are interpreted.
b. Understanding merchants needs and any frustrations/difficulties with the current regulations.
c. Balancing business needs with aesthetics.
d. Determining improved signage options for upper level tenants.
e. Simplifying the standards for both City staff and merchants.
Summary of the key proposals include:
§ Increased allowance for window signs: Proposed update would allow thirty-three (33) percent, or 1/3 coverage of storefront windows. This percentage will include both temporary window signs and permanent window signs. No permit would be required for window signage.
§ Projecting signs for both upper or lower floor tenants: Proposed update would allow both upper and lower floor tenants to place a hanging sign above ground floor entrances along their dedicated frontage or adjacent to a street level entrance for upper level tenants.
§ Increased allowance for permanent ground signs: Proposed update would reduce the street frontage requirement for additional ground signs from five hundred (500) feet to three hundred (300) feet.
§ A-Frame signs: Proposed update would allow A-Frame signs where previously prohibited, with certain stipulations.
Timing Considerations
Staff requests feedback on the draft text November 12, 2019, to allow a formal draft amendment to be forwarded to Planning Commission on November 19, 2019. The Planning Commission would conduct a public hearing in January, 2020 and forward a recommendation for consideration. City Council would need to conduct a second public hearing in February to allow for possible action in March, 2020.
The temporary moratorium expires on December 31, 2019, unless extended by City Council. Staff requests Council consideration to extend the moratorium for 90 days until March 31, 2020.
Fiscal Impact
Currently Budgeted (Account #, $)
Supplemental Appropriation Required (Account #, $)
X Appropriation Not Required.
Recommendation
Suggested Action
Staff recommends City Council review the proposed update to the Sign Code and provide feedback. Based on discussion at the November 12, 2019 workshop, staff would proceed with a proposed 90-day extension of the moratorium and commencement of the Land Development Code Amendment formal review process.
Submitted by,
Jane Howington, City Manager
Thomas J. Sheridan, Asst City Manager
Greg Hannan, Community Development Director