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Item # 2.b.
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| Town Council Regular Session |
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| Information |
| SUBJECT: |
| PUBLIC HEARING: ORDINANCE NO. (O)16-09, AMENDING CHAPTER 28 OF THE ORO VALLEY ZONING CODE TO ESTABLISH STANDARDS FOR A-FRAME SIGNS |
| RECOMMENDATION: |
| The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval, with a sunset clause of December 31, 2017.
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| EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: |
In 2011, Town Council approved the use of A-frame signs on a temporary basis. A-frames are portable signs that businesses place near the entry door of their store or restaurant to attract pedestrian traffic. Town Council has continually renewed the temporary allowance for A-frames over the past five years.
On January 20, 2016, Town Council directed staff to work with the business community to find alternative or permanent solutions to the temporary A-frame sign allowance. The Economic Development Division and Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce reached out to the business community who are in support of changing the temporary A-frame sign allowance into permanent code, which provides predictability for the business community. The business community also indicates that A-frame signs are an important tool to direct pedestrians to their businesses.
This code amendment (Attachment 1) is intended to make the A-frame sign standards a permanent part of the Zoning Code. This amendment would allow businesses to direct pedestrian traffic by obtaining one permit for an indefinite period of time.
The Planning and Zoning Commission held a study session to discuss the amendment on July 14, 2016, followed by a public hearing on August 2, 2016 (The staff reports and minutes from these meetings are provided as Attachments 2 through 5). At the conclusion of the public hearing, the commission made the following motions:
- The commission’s first motion was to recommend approval of the A-frame code amendment as written. This motion failed with a tie vote
- The commission made a second motion to recommend approval of the A-frame code amendment as written, but with a sunset clause of December 31, 2017, with the code to be revisited prior to the expiration date. This motion passed.
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| BACKGROUND OR DETAILED INFORMATION: |
Prior to 2011, the only temporary sign type available to a business was a banner permit. A business would have to obtain multiple permits to install banners for limited time frames and for a limited number of times throughout the year.
The Town established standards to allow A-frame signs in 2011 as a temporary relief strategy for businesses during difficult economic times. The temporary allowance has been continually renewed by Council since 2011. During this five year period, 70 businesses have obtained A-frame permits. In 2014, the Town received two resident derived complaints related to the use of A-frame signs, which were resolved through education to businesses about the need for a permit and A-frame sign placement requirements.
Over this time period, concerns that A-frame signs would clutter shopping centers and overwhelm the landscape have proven to be unfounded.
Business Outreach
As directed by Town Council, the Economic Development Division and the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce surveyed the business community regarding the use of A-frame signs. In general, input from the business community can be summarized as follows:
- A-frame signs result in a noticeable increase in customers directly related to the signs
- Permanent code will provide predictability for the business community
Detailed comments received from the business community are included in Attachment 6.
A-frame Sign Standards
The proposed A-frame sign standards are essentially the same standards used over the past five years, with minor updates. The standards are summarized as follows:
- Design: Businesses may use an A-frame or similar design
- Number: One (1) sign per businesses
- Size/Height: 6 square feet in size and 42” in height
- Location: 20’ from door of business
- Materials: No paper, cloth, flags, balloon or other attachments
- Sign Copy: Must be neat and legible
General Plan Analysis
Zoning Code amendments are evaluated for conformance with General Plan policies. These policies generally focus on balancing citizen concerns about increased levels of signage, with the business need to attract customers. The amendment allows a business to attract customers with a sign type that is limited in size, quantity and placement to prevent intrusive signage. The proposed amendments are consistent with the General Plan policies.
A detailed review of the amendment in relation to the General Plan polices is included in Attachment 7.
Public Notification and Comment
Public notice has been provided as follows:
- All HOAs in the Town were notified of this hearing
- Public hearing notice was posted:
- In the Territorial newspaper
- At Town Hall
- On the Town website
One letter of concern with the amendment was received, which is provided as Attachment 8.
Planning and Zoning Commission Review
The amendment was discussed by the commission at the July 14, 2016 study session and again heard on August 2, 2016. The main topics discussed at the meetings included sign design and continued allowance on a temporary basis.
During the meeting, staff asserted that allowing A-frame signs for another temporary period of time will continue to create uncertainty for the business community. Additionally, staff reported that the Town has already had a five-year test period and A-frame signs have not dominated shopping areas or the landscape. Furthermore, participating businesses find the signs helpful and the number of resident complaints have been minimal. Most violations have resulted in staff educating businesses about the need to obtain a permit and proper placement.
At the conclusion of the public meeting, the commission voted to recommend approval of the amendment and the motion failed. A second motion was made to approve the amendment with a sunset clause of December 31, 2017, with the code to be revisited prior to the expiration date. The Planning and Zoning Commission staff reports and minutes are included as Attachments 2 through 5.
The intent of the commission’s recommendation was to allow another one year testing period until December 31, 2017, to determine if the Town wants A-frame signs to be a permanent sign type. |
| FISCAL IMPACT: |
| Having appropriate, visible signage is one tool used by businesses to attract customers. When businesses have a strong customer base, they tend to remain in operation longer, providing employment opportunities and contributing to a stable sales tax base in Oro Valley.
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| SUGGESTED MOTION: |
I MOVE to approve Ordinance No. (O)16-09, an amendment to Chapter 28 of the Oro Valley Zoning Code establishing A-frame sign standards, with a sunset clause of December 31, 2017, with the code to be revisited prior to the expiration date.
OR
I MOVE to approve Ordinance No. (O)16-09, an amendment to Chapter 28 of the Oro Valley Zoning Code establishing A-frame sign standards.
OR
I MOVE to deny Ordinance No. (O)16-09, an amendment to Chapter 28 of the Oro Valley Zoning Code establishing A-frame sign standards. |
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