Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Planning & Development Services

TO:	Diane Stoddard, Interim City Manager
FROM:	Barry Walthall, Building Safety Manager
CC:	Scott McCullough, Director, Planning & Development Services Kurt Schroeder, Assistant Director, Planning & Development Services
DATE:	July 20, 2015
RE:	Proposed Sign Code Text Amendments to Accommodate Corporate Sponsorship of Public Facilities

Background

The City is currently pursuing corporate sponsorship of the facilities at Sports Pavilion Lawrence.  One aspect of such corporate sponsorship is the display of signs throughout the site as well as on and within the SPL structure.  Display of signs inside the building is not regulated by the Sign Code, and would only be restricted by compliance with any applicable building and fire code regulations.

However, display of exterior signs at the site is regulated by the Sign Code, and certain types of signs and sign content that are proposed are in conflict with the Sign Code regulations.  For example, banners mounted to parking lot light pole structures are not currently permitted; additionally, graphics that contain advertising for off-site goods or services are prohibited.

Staff Recommendation

Staff recommends that text amendments be considered that would allow signs for corporate sponsorship of public facilities within GPI (General Public and Institutional) zoned districts.  Amendments should address temporary and permanent sign types allowed to be displayed, and the issue of off-site advertising for sponsoring entities.

The process for development of text amendments would include staff development of proposed text amendments, and review and recommendations by the Sign Code Board of Appeals to the City Commission.

Action

Authorize staff to initiate text amendments to the Sign Code (Chapter V, Article 18 of the City Code) to accommodate corporate sponsorship of public facilities within GPI zoned districts, if appropriate.