STAFF REPORT
TO: Planning & Zoning Commission Members
FROM: Planning Division Staff
REQUEST:Title
Request for Amendments to Title 14, Zoning (Development Code), Section 14.04.08, Sign Standards, and Section 14.06.03, Definitions, Adding Development Standards for Changeable Copy and Electronic Reader Board Signs, Establishing Minimum Free-Standing Sign Base Width, Amending Political Sign Standards, and Amending Sign Definitions (Luke Morris).
Body
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Application No.: 22-3469 (P&Z #22-00500003)
Property Legal: N/A
Lot Size: NA
Applicant: City Staff
Owner: N/A
Staff Project Manager: Luke Morris
Current Zoning: N/A
Existing / Proposed Use: N/A
APPLICATION BACKGROUND:
City staff recently received comments expressing concerns about the width of free-standing sign bases, the size of electronic reader board signs, and regulations for political signs.
Following is an overview of the proposed amendments.
1. Freestanding Sign Base. A note has been added to Sign Table 4.08-2 establishing that a freestanding sign base must be at least 50% as wide as the full sign width. This has been the presumed standard for years and is now included in the code. Pole signs are prohibited, therefore, this standard is being included.
2. Changeable Copy and Electronic Reader Board Signs. Notes have been added to Sign Table 4.08-2 for changeable copy and electronic reader board signs establishing a maximum size of 32 square feet and a minimum of eight seconds between displayed images. Review of other Arizona jurisdictions found that 32 square feet was a common maximum sign size and eight seconds a common minimum display time.
3. Definitions and Misc Changes. ANIMATED OR MOVING SIGN, CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN, and ELECTRONIC READER BOARD SIGN definitions in Sections 14.06.03 and 14.04.08 have been updated and revised.
4. Political Signs. Reorganized the layout of Section 14.04.08.J and renamed to Political Signs. Removed reference to requiring payment of a fee. Added requirement that the person or organization planning to erect the sign must provide the City Clerk with the name, address, and telephone number of a person responsible for the placement and removal of the sign. Replaced the Sign Free Area map with a legible version. No other major changes were made.
A copy of staff’s tracked changes is attached for reference. New language is red and underlined and deleted language is red and struck-through. Staff will discuss each change individually as part of the presentation during the public hearing.
The Development Code is too large to attach to this staff report. If you would like to view the entire Sign Code portion of Development Code (Section 14.04.08), please visit the following Planning Division website address to download a PDF: <https://www.lhcaz.gov/development-permitting/planning-zoning> or view the entire Development Code at the following website: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/lakehavasucity/latest/overview
ATTACHMENTS:
Tracked Changes Sign Code Amendment
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval of Item No. 22-3469, amending Title 14, Zoning (Development Code), Section 14.04.08, Sign Standards, and Section 14.06.03, Definitions, adding development standards for changeable copy and electronic reader board signs, establishing minimum free-standing sign base width, amending political sign standards, and amending sign definitions per the attached Tracked Changes Sign Code Amendment document.
SUGGESTED MOTION:Recommended Action
I move to recommend the City Council approve Item No. 22-3469, amending Title 14, Zoning (Development Code), Section 14.04.08, Sign Standards, and Section 14.06.03, Definitions, adding development standards for changeable copy and electronic reader board signs, establishing minimum free-standing sign base width, amending political sign standards, and amending sign definitions per the attached Tracked Changes Sign Code Amendment document.