Title
Consider and take action on an ordinance amending Chapter 90 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of League City, Texas entitled “Signs” regarding the regulation of signs within the City (Director of Planning and Research)
Zoning Board of Adjustments recommended approval 3-0-0 on October 7, 2010.
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Over the past 5 months, staff has been working with various boards and commissions, business leaders, and sign industry leaders to draft a new sign ordinance that was a more user friendly document and allowed more flexibly in signage options for the community.
It was determined that real purpose of the ordinance was to provide effective communication while controlling “sign fights”, maintain community and district character and protect the health and welfare of the community.
With the initial review of our current sign ordinance, staff determined that the current ordinance was too restrictive and inflexible (especially with regards to the Scenic Byways Sections), did not provide specifications for electronic reader board signs, was too restrictive on multi-faced/frontage buildings, and lacked appropriate language for enforcement of abandoned signs.
On May 24, 2010, the Zoning Board of Adjustment conducted a kick-off meeting where business leaders, sign professionals, and other appointed boards and commissions were present to provide feedback in a very rough draft of a proposed ordinance, the goal of that meeting was to receive feedback on the overall format changes and to discuss the philosophy. Overall the feedback on the changes was positive.
On July 8, 2010, the Zoning Board of Adjustment received a presentation from Clear Channel representatives regarding the technology of Light Emitting Diode (LED) signage and how those signs were being used in other communities.
On July 20, 2010, the Historic District Commission was briefed on the proposed changes to the sign ordinance specifically related to the Scenic Byway Standards and what changes would affect the Main Street Historic District.
On August 19, 2010, staff coordinated a breakfast with the Chamber of Commerce to encourage local business leaders to participate in a roundtable discussion on the proposed sign ordinance and to give them a chance to see how the changes would benefit their business. Turn-out was not as high as hoped but staff did receive feedback on the billboard height requirements from the industry.
On September 20, 2010 staff invited three business owners within the community to discuss the sign ordinance proposal and how the changes would directly affect their business. Staff received good feedback from this meeting and incorporated changes as needed.
In summary, the major changes of the proposed ordinance are:
1. The sign ordinance has gone from a 40 page document to a 13 page document;
2. Utilized charts and graphs to illustrate achieve the goal of simplicity;
3. Regulated signs based on type of road frontage and not land use categories; and
4. Allowed the business owner the flexibility in how to advertise their business or service.
Attachments:
1. Excerpts from ZBA Meeting on 10/7/10
2. Proposed Sign Ordinance Amendments
3. Ordinance
4. Exhibit "A" to Ordinance
Recommendation:
On October 7, 2010, the Zoning Board of Adjustments recommended approval by a vote of 3-0-0.
Funding:
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