Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Planning & Development Services

TO:	Diane Stoddard, Interim City Manager
FROM:	Kurt Schroeder, Assistant Director, Planning & Development Services
CC:	Scott McCullough, Director, Planning & Development Services Barry Walthall, Building Safety Manager
DATE:	June 24, 2015
RE:	Proposed Sign Code Review and Amendment Process

Background

In September 2013, Planning & Development Services staff, with authorization from City Manager David Corliss, initiated discussions with Hugh Carter of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce regarding Sign Code amendments that could potentially benefit both the business community and the City.  On November 27, 2013, after receiving input from the Chamber and City staff involved in regulating the Sign Code, Planning & Development Services Director Scott McCullough sent Hugh Carter a letter suggesting eight (8) Sign Code items for amendment consideration, and proposing an incremental process to review and develop recommended Sign Code amendments for consideration by the Sign Code Board of Appeals and ultimately, the City Commission.  In late February 2014, after circulating Mr. McCullough’s letter to Chamber members for additional feedback, Mr. Carter informed staff that the Chamber agreed with the suggested list of eight (8) Sign Code review items and the proposed incremental review process (generally prioritized as listed in the letter).  

However, in April 2014, Planning & Development Services staff was directed by the City Manager to postpone the proposed Sign Code review and amendment process to focus on other City Commission projects and priorities.  

Recently, staff has been authorized to reinitiate the Sign Code review process.  In May 2015, staff again met with Hugh Carter to discuss possible Sign Code changes, as well as recommended review and amendment priorities.

Staff Recommendation

Staff recommends that review of the eight (8) Sign Code items outlined for amendment consideration in Mr. McCullough’s letter be completed incrementally over the next six (6) to 12 months in several phases, in the following order:

1. temporary sign permits;

2. real estate sign regulation (both commercial and residential, with primary focus on commercial signs);

3. possible allowance of onsite electronic/digital/LED signs and message centers (currently, such signs are only allowed for retail gasoline and fuel sales pricing);

4. vehicle dealership signage (other than currently allowed permanent wall or ground/monument signs) – this may generate discussion of regulations for advertising on pennants, “feather” signs, flags attached to poles/light poles and inflatable balloon signs; and

5. signs of community interest, possible allowances for temporary commercial service signs in residential areas, and nuisance/abandoned sign regulation (e.g., abandoned business signs, old pole sign support poles and pole cabinets that have no sign faces).

The incremental Sign Code review will include:

1. input from the Chamber of Commerce, sign industry representatives, other stakeholders/interested parties and Staff involved in regulation of the Sign Code;

2. public hearing and review of any proposed amendments by the Sign Code Board of Appeals; and

3. recommendations for Sign Code amendments from the Sign Code Board of Appeals to the City Commission.

Action

Authorize staff to initiate an incremental review of the Sign Code (Chapter V, Article 18 of the City Code), if appropriate.