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...
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