SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve amendments to Appendix C, Downtown Zoning District and Design Standards of the Community Development Code, to establish new sign regulations for the Downtown District and pass Ordinance 9217-19 on first reading. (TA2018-04002)
Body
SUMMARY:
Two major initiatives were approved for Downtown in 2018. One was the update of the Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan and the other was the adoption of a new formed based code zoning code. The goals of these efforts are to create a thriving urban core that has a dense, livable development pattern, quality urban design and a high-quality public realm. Signage can play an important role in defining an area’s brand and attracting customers to an area. Well-designed signs made with quality materials and coordinated with the overall building/storefront design play an important role in creating a vibrant street environment. Signage that is not well thought-out and of low quality design and materials can detract from an area and send a negative message to potential investors and customers. To aid in the creation of a dynamic urban environment as envisioned by the Downtown Plan, new sign regulations are proposed for the Downtown District.
At present, all sign requirements are located in Article 3, Division 18 Signs. Ordinance No. 9217-19 proposes to revise and relocate sign regulations applicable to the Downtown District to Appendix C, Division 7. Below is a summary of the substantive provisions of this ordinance.
• Deletes regulations specific to Downtown in Article 3, Division 18, as well as the Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan. Provides new language in their place to direct users to Appendix C, Division 7.
• Amends Article 4, Division 10 Sign Permit to ensure signs erected in Downtown are subject to the sign permit requirements.
• Provides for definitions of various types of signs
• Establishes rationale for sign standards specific to the Downtown District.
• Clarifies that certain requirements in Article 3, Division 18 will continue to apply to Downtown including those pertaining to exempt signs, prohibited signs and temporary signs.
• Establishes the design principle of a sign hierarchy to guide sign planning involving multiple signs.
• Increases amount of building signage allowed.
• Increase the area of allowable freestanding signage.
• Allows multiple signs to be erected within certain parameters (numbers, design, etc.)
• Revises window sign allowances due to increases in the area and number of allowable building signs.
• Establishes skyline signs for high-rise buildings.
• Provides for higher quality signs and prohibits certain lower quality sign designs/materials based on existing code requirements and former Downtown design guidelines.
• Provides standards for the allowable sign type in terms of number of signs allowed per establishment/building or parcel, dimensional requirements and other standards.
The Planning and Development Department has determined that the proposed text amendments to the Community Development Code are consistent with and furthers the goals, objectives and policies of the Comprehensive Plan and the Community Development Code as outlined in the staff report. The Community Development Board (CDB) will review the proposed text amendment at its meeting of November 20, 2018 and staff will report its recommendation at the meeting.
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