Heritage Preservation Meeting Date: September 30, 2024
To: Members of the Heritage Preservation Commission
From: Mathias Hughey, Associate City Planner
Title
Discussion of Text Amendments Related to Sign Regulations in the Historic-Overlay District in Chapter 34 - Land Development Code of the Northfield City Code.
Body
Action Requested:
The Heritage Preservation Commission is asked to provide comments following the Planning Commission recommendations regarding proposed text amendments to the City Code related to sign regulations in the Historic-Overlay District.
Summary Report:
Following the Heritage Preservation Commission’s (HPC) August request to the Planning Commission (PC) to consider proposed text amendments to the portions of the City Code related to signs within the Historic-Overlay (H-O) district, the PC made a recommendation to City Council to consider an ordinance adopting similar text amendments.
The PC made two substantial changes to the draft amendments provided by the HPC as part of their recommendation. The first was to remove the limit of four (4) colors of sign text. The second was to classify Certificates of Appropriateness (COA) for signs as Minor Work, subject to approval by City Staff as opposed to full HPC approval.
City Staff originally planned to present three versions of the ordinance to the City Council. Alternative 3 retains the HPC review of signs, the 4-color limit for text, and the ban on fluorescent colors. Alternative 2 retains the HPC review of signs but removes the 4-color limit for text and the ban on fluorescent colors. Alternative 1 classifies signs as Minor Work and removes the 4-color limit and ban on fluorescent colors.
The mayor requested that HPC review the PC recommendation before the City Council considers the matter. Staff will create a supplemental memo to the City Council so they can review the discussion of tonight’s HPC meeting.
Staff Recommendation:
City staff recommends the adoption of Alternative 1. This version streamlines the process of sign approvals in the H-O District and would allow staff and HPC time to be dedicated to more impactful elements of the HPC work plan. It is also the most equitable version, because the color limitations may have disproportionate impacts for applicants from other cultures.
Alternative Options:
The HPC may recommend any of the three alternatives, develop another recommendation, or submit comments or a statement they would like the City Council to consider.
Financial Impacts:
N/A
Tentative Timelines:
July 31, 2024: Public Hearing Notice Published in the Northfield News
August 7, 2024: HPC reviews and recommends draft language to the PC
August 15, 2024: Public Hearing and Recommendation from the Planning Commission
September 30, 2024: HPC reviews PC recommendation and has further discussion
October 1, 2024: First Reading of Ordinance with City Council
October 15, 2024: Second Reading and Summary Publication Notice with City Council
October 23, 2024: Summary Publication Notice Published in the Northfield News
November 22, 2024: Ordinance goes into effect