title
TEXT CHANGE - AMEND SIGN REGULATIONS IN THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE. (B)
Ordinance No. 130157; Petition No. PB-13-57 TCH
An ordinance of the City of Gainesville, Florida, updating, clarifying and reorganizing the sign regulations in the Land Development Code by amending Article IX. - Additional Development Standards, Division 1. - Sign Regulations; providing directions to the codifier; providing a severability clause; providing a repealing clause; and providing an immediate effective date.
recommendation
The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance.
explanation
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT REPORT
This ordinance updates, clarifies, and reorganizes the sign regulations in the Land Development Code. Beginning in 2011, staff has met with stakeholders regarding the sign code and has developed the following proposed revisions:
Permanent signs and structures
Increases the allowable sign area in certain circumstances based on frontage.
Reduces the frontage requirement from 600 linear ft. to 500 linear ft. for a second frontage sign.
Provides an allowance for signage on secondary street frontages.
Removes the provision requiring Florida Nursery Grade 1 landscape plants.
Building-mounted signs
Provides a consistent measuring system based on the width of the building or leased area.
Provides additional signage for businesses on multiple street frontages.
Clarifies when window signage will be counted towards building-mounted signage.
Adds an exemption for 12 sq. ft. of window signage.
Increases the amount of signage allowed for most non-residential businesses.
Adds flexible signage regulations for multi-story buildings over 2-stories.
Adds a signage allowance for Parking Garages.
Temporary signs
Clarifies short term versus long term temporary signs.
Extends the time frame for long term temporary signs from 60 days to 120 days.
Increases the number of Contractor and Real Estate signs allowed on a property.
Nonconforming and abandoned signs
Defines the term development activity as it relates to abandoned signs and extends the determinative time period for abandoned signs from 120 days to 12 months.
Amends the time period for removing an abandoned sign from 10 days to 30 days.
Defines what reasonable repair and maintenance means as it relates to nonconforming signs.
After public notice was published in the Gainesville Sun on June 11, 2013, the City Plan Board held a public hearing on June 27, 2013, and by a vote of 5-0 recommended approval of the petition with certain revisions. The City Commission held a public hearing on August 15, 2013, and approved the petition by a vote of 5-0.
CITY ATTORNEY MEMORANDUM
This ordinance requires two readings and shall become effective immediately upon adoption at second reading.