PC Meeting Date: August 15, 2024
To: Members of the Planning Commission
From: Mikayla Schmidt, City Planner
Mathias Hughey, Associate City Planner
Title
Consideration of Recommending Approval of Text Amendments to City Council Related to Sign Regulations in the Historic-Overlay District.
Body
Action Requested:
The Planning Commission is asked to make a motion recommending approval of text amendments to City Council related to signs regulations in the Historic-Overlay District in:
• Chapter 34 - Land Development Code
o Article 6 - Signage; Section 6.10 - Standards for Permanent Signs by Zoning District
o Article 8 - Development Procedures; Section 8.5.8 - Heritage Preservation Commission’s Certificate of Appropriateness
o Article 9 - Definitions; Section 9.2 - Definitions
Summary Report:
The Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) is charged with reviewing and approving via the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) process, all signs within the Historic-Overlay District (H-O District) and on Heritage Preservation Sites.
The existing H-O sign regulations are the most restrictive among comparable cities. The HPC has denied COA’s for signs that did not meet specific requirements of the Land Development Code. HPC Commissioners and staff have engaged in multiple discussions regarding revisions to the sign regulations for the H-O District and Heritage Preservation Sites. These discussions have occurred on multiple occasions over several years and have focused on how to best reduce restrictions while effectively protecting the valued historic character of the H-O District.
At the August 7th, 2024 meeting of the HPC, commissioners passed resolution HPC 2024-009, approving a draft text amendment and requesting the Planning Commission (PC) consider the proposed changes and continue the text amendment process.
Notable proposed changes from the existing regulations include:
1. Changes to the limit of colors used for text from 2 to 4;
2. Eliminates requirement to coordinate sign colors and building colors;
3. Eliminates the limit on fonts and type styles (previously only 2 allowed, only serif fonts allowed);
4. Clarification and changes to physical relief requirements, alternative shapes, and more flexibility allowed;
5. Requirement to maintain “Ghost Signs:”
6. Moving previously approved signs may be approved administratively.
The PC is asked to review the attached redline version and come prepared with feedback.
Alternative Options:
The PC may propose alternative wording or different regulations for signs to City Council, including the number and type of colors, fonts, materials, or physical relief.
Financial Impacts:
N/A
Tentative Timelines:
August 7, 2024: Public Hearing Notice Published in the Northfield News
August 15, 2024: Public Hearing and Recommendation from the Planning Commission
September 3, 2024: First Reading of Ordinance with City Council
September 17, 2024: Second Reading and Summary Publication Notice with City Council
September 25, 2024: Summary Publication Notice Published in the Northfield News
October 25, 2024: Ordinance goes into effect