HomeMy WebLinkAboutITEM IV-BAGENDA BILL APPROVAL FORM
Agenda Subject:Date:
Ordinance No. 6263 - Amendments to ACC 18.56 September 2, 2009
(Signs) for temporary and portable signs
Department:Attachments:Budget Impact:
Ordinance No. 6263 N/A
Planning, Building & Community
Administrative Recommendation:
Approval of amendments to ACC 18.56 (Signs) as contained in Ordinance No. 6263
Background Summary:
Chapter 18.56 (Signs) of the Auburn City Code (ACC) contains regulations and standards for the use of
different types of signage on private properties and publicly owned land within the municipal limits of the City
of Auburn. The Auburn City Council has previously passed ordinances establishing and amending ACC
18.56 (Signs) inclusive of Ordinance No. 4229 in 1987, Ordinance No. 4705 in 1994, Ordinance No. 5993 in
2006 and Ordinance No. 6166 in 2008. The Auburn Planning, Building and Community Department and the
Mayor’s Office have received numerous requests from local businesses for increased regulatory allowances
for portable and temporary signs to help stimulate local business activities during the current significant
economic downturn.
Planning, Building and Community Department staff met with the City of Auburn Planning and Community
Development Committee on July 27, 2009 and the Planning Commission on August 4, 2009 to discuss
issues and ideas for possible amendments to Chapter 18.56 in response to these requests. Following these
meetings, City staff prepared draft amendments to ACC 18.56 (Signs) addressing potential additional
flexibility for portable signs, temporary signs (i.e. special event signs and banners) and off-site directional
signs.
The Planning Commission conducted a duly advertised public hearing on August 25, 2009 on proposed
amendments to ACC 18.56 (Signs). Following the close of the public hearing, the Commission deliberated
and on a positive unanimous motion recommended City Council adoption of the proposed amendments. As
part of its motion, the Commission recommended that the proposed amendments be valid for a one year
period from the effective date of the adopting ordinance with the opportunity for two additional six-month
effectiveness extensions. The Commission further recommended that prior City authorization be required for
the placement of temporary or portable or off-site directional signs in the public rights-of-way.
The Planning and Community Development Committee met in a duly advertised special meeting on
September 1, 2009 to review the Planning Commission’s recommended text amendments as contained in a
draft version of Ordinance No. 6263. The Committee discussed potential modifications to the Commission’s
recommendations inclusive of: 1) requiring temporary sign permit authorization for temporary and portable
signs on private property and the public rights-of-way to regulate the validity of these signs following the
expiration of the proposed temporary regulations; 2) limiting the square footage of banners for single
businesses to 32 square feet; 3) removing the requirement for portable signs to only be displayed during
regular business hours and be brought in at night; 4) allowing off-premises directional signs to measure 12
inches by 24 inches instead of 8 inches by 24 inches; and 5) adding language regarding the need for
temporary and permanent signs to be maintained in a good and safe condition. At the conclusion of its
review of the draft ordinance, the Committee voted unanimously on a positive motion to recommend
approval of Ordinance No. 6263 to the Auburn City Council with amendments.
Ordinance No. 6263 is scheduled for review by the Public Works and Finance Committees and for City
Council consideration on Tuesday, September 8, 2009.
Agenda Subject:Date:
Ordinance No. 6263 - Amendments to ACC 18.56 September 2, 2009
(Signs) for temporary and portable signs
Reviewed by Council & Committees:Reviewed by Departments & Divisions:
Arts Commission COUNCIL COMMITTEES: Building M&O
Airport Finance Cemetery Mayor
Hearing Examiner Municipal Serv. Finance Parks
Human Services Planning & CD Fire Planning
Park Board Public Works LegalPolice
Planning Comm. OtherPublic Works Human Resources
Information Services
Action:
Committee Approval: Yes No
Council Approval: Yes NoCall for Public Hearing___/___/____
Referred to _________________________________ Until ____/___/____
Tabled ______________________________________ Until___/___/____
Councilmember:Staff:
Norman Baker
Meeting Date:Item Number:
September 8, 2009 VIII.A.4
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