Acting Chair Cox opened the Public Hearing.
Town Planner Rosevelt Arellano presented Item #1 and discussed the following:
The reason for this fine schedule proposal is to maintain aesthetics in sign display, allow better sign enforcement of all types of sign violations and to have fewer violations by repeat sign offenders. This proposal would not affect political or real estate signs, as there are current state and town zoning codes that address those signs in the right of way areas.
There are three (3) steps to the sign enforcement process. When a code compliance violation is observed by staff, a warning will be issued to the sign violator. If that violation is not resolved, the next step includes an incremental 3-strike fine schedule of $25, $50 and then $100 per day fine for each day the sign(s) are in violation. The third step includes Planning and Zoning administrators’ ability to use discretion and waive a fine if discernible progress is made towards compliance by the sign violator.
Bill Adler, Oro Valley Resident, expressed his concerns and opposition about the sign fine proposal.
Dave Perry, President/CEO for Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce, is opposed to the sign fine proposal and stated his concerns about perceptions by the business community.
Acting Chair Cox closed the public hearing
Commissioner Rodman was opposed to the sign fine proposal. He wanted to know the number of sign violations and would support having more outreach to the business community on this matter so a future proposal could be made.
MOTION: A motion was made by Commissioner
Buette
and seconded by Commissioner
Rodman
to deny the proposed amendments to Section 28.2D of the Zoning Code as the proposed amendment is not warranted at this time.
Commissioner Leedy supports this sign fine proposal and commented that it isn’t anti-business, as the businesses in the Town understand the code and comply with it. He would support a motion to send this back to staff to develop collaboration with the business community that identifies the problem and seeks their input for solving the problem.
Commissioner Buette commented that he agreed with the public speakers and doesn’t see a need for the sign fee proposal.
Acting Chair Cox doesn’t support the sign fine proposal but would support a different proposal. He commented that business community input should occur. He prefers that businesses be given a written notice that their sign is out of compliance.
MOTION carried, 3-1 with Commissioner Leedy opposed.
David Williams, Planning Manager, discussed upcoming events. The second week of September will be neighborhood meetings for the Major General Plan Amendment. On August 29, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. a public outreach event will occur at Sanofi Corporation regarding the Economic Expansion Zone Project. The next Planning and Zoning Commission meeting topics will include Fry’s Gas Station PAD Amendment and the Economic Expansion Zone. A tentatively scheduled Special Meeting is planned for September 18, 2012 regarding annexation work to be done for Tohono Chul Park PAD. Interviews for the vacancy on the Planning and Zoning Commission Board will take place on September 12, 2012 to enable Town Council to act at their September 19, 2012 meeting to appoint that person. The newly appointed commission board member can join the October 2, 2012 Planning and Zoning Commission regular meeting.
Acting Chair Cox wanted to include a discussion regarding appropriate dialog and interaction of participants during the Call to Audience portion of board meetings.
MOTION: A motion was made by Commissioner
Buette
and seconded by Commissioner
Leedy
to Approve adjourning the meeting. Motion carried 4-0.