David Williams, OV Interim Planning Division Manager introduced Amanda Jacobs, OV Economic Development:
Ms. Jacobs gave a brief history of the sign code task force, scope of work and current sign policies. Ms. Jacobs introduced members of the focus group and staff involved. Ms. Jacobs said there were 12 task force meetings, 3 focus group meetings and one open house.
Ms. Jacobs reviewed Exhibit A showing Current Code and Task Force Recommendations.
Ms. Jacobs said that staff recommends support and approval of sign code task force recommendations.
Commissioner Caine asked if there will be a separate presentation on the wording of the code. Ms. Jacobs responded that there would not.
Commissioner Caine asked if there was a change to the code regarding halo illuminated signs. David Williams responded that current code permits internally illuminated monument signs where only the letters can omit light, so that is not a departure from current code.
Commissioner Caine said there needs to be a definition on kiosk signs in the code.
Commissioner Swope asked about energy conservation in regards to daylight hour use of light. Ms. Jacobs said the comments would be more confusing because they would have two turn off times.
Chairman Reddin asked if photo cells were brought up in any of the meetings. Commissioner Caswell responded that they would have to purchase a more expensive system to put timers in and dual timers are extremely costly.
Commissioner Buette asked if what is being proposed for permanent sign standards for multiple tenant signs is 72 feet, is that correct. Ms. Jacobs responded that is correct. Ms. Jacobs went on to state that property owners were present in the focus groups and they were comfortable with 72 square feet.
Chairman Reddin asked if a business owner can re-apply and go to the new standards.
Ms. Jacobs said yes.
Commissioner Swope stated there is no section on enforcement and how is this enforced. Mr. Williams said staff will be doing night and weekend inspections. Mr. Lew confirmed that he has enforced current code by going out at night and weekend and weekly sign runs are done. Mr. Williams added that enforcement is in chapter 30 of the Zoning Code.
Commissioner Swope asked about flag pole illumination and model home flags. Mr. Lew responded that the answer is found in the description of the sign and it’s under federal code. Mr. Andrews said if the American flag is up at night then by federal law it has to be illuminated.
Commissioner Swope requested clarification on banner size. Mr. Lew said the 3-day banners are associated with temporary special events. Commissioner Swope commented on a typo under Section 28.6.a.1.c the "whichever is less" is in the wrong place. Mr. Lew said it would be corrected.
Chairman Reddin asked if temporary signs can only be used on weekends. Mr. Lew said yes. Chairman Reddin asked how about the signs that are directing people to developments in the right-of-way. Mr. Andrews said they fall into the permanent signage category.
Zev Cywan, OV resident and member of the sign task force said the decisions presented were recommended based on an in-depth study. He recommends that it be adopted.
Mark Jones, non-resident, said he believes the proposal shows what can happen when people with different background work together to provide relief to the business community. He also would like to vouch for enforcement.
Bob Semple, OV resident and member of the OV sign task force recommends approval from this Commission so it can go on to Council.
Lee Horner, non resident and OV business owner, recommends midnight as a reasonable turn off time.
MOTION: A motion was made by Commissioner
Caswell
and seconded by Commissioner
La Master
to approve OV7-09-007, Amendments to Oro Valley Zoning Code, Revised Chapter 28, Signs as shown in Exhibit B and a correction made to Page 38, Section 28.6a1.c adding the term "whichever is less" to the end of the first sentence.
Commissioner Caine said the task force and staff did a good job but is concerned with what is happening to the temporary sign codes and how those relate with what is in this code modification.
Ms. Jacobs said these are two separate actions from Town Council and the temporary sign relief expires in February 1, 2011, but may have an option to extend it.
Chairman Reddin clarified that the temporary sign code is not a part of this sign relief. It is something done at Town Council and has no bearing on the code itself. Mr. Williams said staff is to report the results of the program to Town Council.
Commissioner Caswell thanked the members she served with on the task force including Ms. Jacobs and Mr. Lew.
Commissioner La Master also wanted to thank them as well.
MOTION: A motion was made by Chairman
Reddin
and seconded by Commissioner
La Master
added a friendly amendment to the already approved motion to define Kiosk Sign more appropriately.
MOTION carried, 6-0.
Mr. Wiliams said we do have a change in clerk. Roseanne Flores will be the primary recording secretary and Suzy Molinar is the current clerk supporting the Commission.
Election of Vice Chair at the next P&Z meeting.
Filling the vacancy on the P&Z Commission.
MOTION: A motion was made by Commissioner
La Master
and seconded by Commissioner
Caswell
to adjourn the P&Z Commission Meeting at 7:25 pm.