HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity/County Planning Board Minutes 08.06.2015 MINUTES
LAUREL CITY-COUNTY PLANNING BOARD
AUGUST 6,2015 10:00 AM
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT: Kathy Siegrist,Chairman
Judy Goldsby,County Rep.
Lee Richardson,County Rep.
Hazel Klein, City Rep.
Greg Nelson,City Rep.
OTHERS PRESENT: Monica Plecker,Contracted City Planner
Gary Colley, City Building Official
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Siegrist called the meeting to order at 10:00 am.
ROLL CALL: Members present were Goldsby, Richardson, Klein, Nelson and Siegrist.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: A motion to approve the minutes of the July 2, 2015
meeting was made by Judy Goldsby and seconded by Hazel Klein. The motion carried by a vote of
5-0.
NEW BUSINESS: Public Hearing: Zone Change request, Magelssen Road.
Chairman Siegrist opened the public hearing at 10:06 am and asked staff to present the application for
zone change.
Monica Plecker, Contracted City Planner spoke.
Engineering West has submitted an application for zone change on behalf of Tim and Sean Russell. The
affected parcel is located in Yellowstone County. The general location is approximately two road-miles
east of Laurel on North Magelssen Road,1/4 mile north of the intersection of South Laurel Road and
North Magelssen Road.
The legal description of the property is Parcel 1: S11,T02 S, R24 E, E2SESE. The parcel is approximately
20 acres in size.
The existing legal access is North Magelssen Road and is vacant land. The existing zone is Agricultural
Open. The proposed zoning is Residential Tracts. The proposed land use is single-family dwellings,
Minor Subdivision.
Land to the north is zoned Agricultural Open with a land use of agricultural. Land to the south is
unzoned with the land use of Agricultural and SW is residential. Land to the east is zoned Agricultural
Open with the land use of agricultural and residential. Land to the west is zoned Agricultural Open with
the land use of agricultural.
The owners of the property are Tim and Sean Russel from Columbus, Montana.
1
Concurrent Application: There is no concurrent application, but a forthcoming subdivision application is
mentioned in the zone change application materials.
STAFF FINDINGS:
1. LMC 17.72.030 requires a pre-application conference for persons or parties interested in
submitting an application for zone change. A pre-application meeting was held on June 10,2015
prior to the submission of the application. The Planning, Public Works and County legal were in
attendance.
2. The application, aerial map and zoning map have been attached.
3. The existing zoning of Agricultural Tracts requires a minimum of 20 acres for one dwelling unit.
The proposed Residential Tract designation requires only 1 acre for 1 dwelling.
4. The application refers to a forthcoming subdivision application. At the pre-application meeting
the applicant's agent stated the application would contain 5 lots.
5. The applicant has stated there are no covenants or deed restrictions on the property.
6. The parcel is currently vacant.
7. The lot has existing legal and physical access.
8. This parcel has not been identified on the Future Land Use map adopted as a part of the Growth
Management Plan. The future land use map only identified areas adjacent to Laurel City Limits.
Generally,the growth management plan supports fostering natural resources like agricultural
property while recognizing the need for house.
ZONING COMMISSION CONSIDERATIONS AND RECOMMENDATION:
As per LMC 17.72.060 the Zoning Commission shall make a recommendation to the City Council to:
1. Deny the application for amendment to the official map;
2. Grant action on the application for a period not to exceed thirty days;
3. Delay action on the application for a period not to exceed thirty day;
4. Give reasons for the recommendation.
PROCEDURAL HISTORY:
1. June 10, 2015—Pre-application meeting.
2. July 16th and July 23`d 2015 Public hearing noticed in Laurel Outlook(Certified Mailings)
3. August 6th 2015 Public Hearing and Planning Board Recommendation.
Applicant's Presentation:
Forrest Mandeville of Great West Engineering spoke regarding the proposed zone change. He is
representing Tim and Sean Russell.
Forrest stated that the owners need to go through this zone change in order to make a future
subdivision possible. With its current zone of Agricultural Open requiring a minimum lot size of 20 acres
it is hard to do anything with this property. They are hoping to come back with a 5-lot minor subdivision
if this zone change is approved. He thanked the board for their time.
2
PROPONENTS:
Chairman Siegrist read the public hearing procedures to the public and asked three (3)times if there
were proponents wishing to speak in favor of the zone change application. There were none.
OPPONENTS:
Gilbert Burdette,the agent for the owner of Flying Box Ranch which owns property that is adjacent to
two sides of the property requesting the zone change spoke. His concerns are:
• He thinks this is considered "spot zoning";
• He doesn't think it's a good use for the land;
• There was a request approximately 5 years ago to change the zone of this land that was denied
due the character of the land; (Zweifel zone change in 2008)
• It's been a 40 acre farm for many years;
• He thinks that the property on the north side is in the Entryway Zoning area; and
• He questioned that there is not(what is considered) residential properties to the east of the
property because some of those residences have been vacant for some time.
Chairman Siegrist asked two (2) more times if there were any opponents wishing to speak in opposition
of the zone change. There were none.
Chairman Siegrist asked staff to speak regarding the questions that need a response.
Monica Plecker,Contracted Planner stated she didn't hear any questions that came out of the public
hearing that needed a response.
Chairman Siegrist closed the public hearing at 10:16 am.
Monica stated at this time she cannot answer the question as whether or not this would be considered
spot zoning as she is not familiar with what is considered spot zoning in rural areas. She suggested that
the board postpone the decision on this zone change so she can get legal counsel on this matter.
Chairman Siegrist stated that the Zweifel zone change request was in 2008 and it was for the entire 40
acres of the property, not 20 acres as requested in this application. The Zweifel zone change request
was also requested prior to the current Growth Management Plan.
A motion was made by Hazel Klein to postpone the decision on the requested zone change for no more
than 30 days to get legal counsel regarding as to whether or not this zone change application is
considered spot zoning. The motion was seconded by Judy Goldsby and passed by a vote of 5—0.
The board set a special meeting date of Thursday,August 20, 2015 at 10:00 am in the Council Chambers
to consider the proposed zone change.
3
w
PUBLIC HEARING: LMC Chapter 17.25.070B
STAFF PRESENTATION:
Monica Plecker,Contracted Planner for the City of Laurel spoke. The city recently adopted the
Downtown Overlay District which basically has site, building design, landscaping and parking
requirements for structures within the Downtown area. One of the items that the board has since re-
visited is a part of 17.25.070B which states" If off-street parking is proposed it shall be located in the
rear of the building. Shared parking is encouraged when property owners have a written agreement.
This agreement is not subject to approval by the City but should be presented if it is applicable to
meeting off-street parking requirements. See Figure 6." Monica is proposing to add: "When parking
cannot be located in the rear, the planning board shall make a recommendation ". While the Planning
Board still encourages parking be in the rear this gives some flexibility and evaluation to that site design.
Chairman Siegrist opened the public hearing at 10:24 am.
PROPONENTS:
Chairman Siegrist asked three (3)times if there were any proponents wishing to speak in favor of the
proposed change. There were none.
OPPONENTS:
Chairman Siegrist asked three (3)times if there were any opponents wishing to speak against the
proposed change. There were none.
Chairman Siegrist closed the public hearing at 10:26 am.
Judy Goldsby made a motion to approve the proposed change to LMC 17.25.070B as written. The
motion was seconded by Hazel Klein.
DISCUSSION:
Hazel Klein and Judy Goldsby stated this will give new businesses more flexibility to be able to come up
with parking for customers.
The motion was voted on and passed by a vote of 5—0.
OLD BUSINESS: Discussion on LMC 17.42 Sign Code
Monica stated that even with the lengthy discussion held at the July 2,2015 meeting this is still a work in
progress. She and Gary Colley sat down and reviewed the Sign Code line by line and made changes they
thought were needed. She reminded the board that these codes are designed for private signage. (See
the additions and changes on the attached LMC 17.42 Sign Code).
Discussion was held on the changes below.
4
17.42.040 Definitions:
• The Definition of"Animated Sign" was changed.
• The Addition of a "Bandit Sign" definition was added.
• The definition "Changeable copy sign"was changed.
• The definition of"Fixed Message Electronic Sign"was changed.
• The definition of"Computer Controlled Variable Message Electronic Sign"was changed.
• The definition of"Copy"was changed.
• The definition of"Free standing sign"was changed.
• The definition of"Projecting sign" was changed.
• The definition of"Sign" was changed
LMC 17.42.050 Signs prohibited
• H) Bandit signs was added to "snipe signs"
LMC 17.42.080 Title was changed to Overlay Zoning District and the addition of"SE 4th Overlay district,
or downtown overlay district"was added to the wordage.
17.42.130 Signs permitted.
• The word Entryway was removed.
• N)The sentence "Where zoning allows for one hundred percent lot coverage or zero setbacks,
projecting signs shall never extend beyond the sidewalk and must be 10 feet over the sidewalk"
• 0)was removed
• P)was changed to O.
• Q)was changed to P.
17.42.160 Nonconforming Signs
• A.3) was removed
• D)was removed
17.42.180 City fees and/or charges for signs was added...along with:
• "The City Council shall establish reasonable fees and/or charges for all signage within the
jurisdiction of the City by annual resolution after a public hearing(Ord.07-06(part), 2007".
Monica hopes to make a few more changes as related to tonight's discussion and have a final draft of
the Sign Code at the September 3, 2015 meeting.
Miscellaneous:
• Special meeting on Thursday August 20, 2015 at 10:00 am for Zone Change for Magelssen Road.
• Next meeting will be September 3, 2015 where the board will consider a variance on the
property at 208 E. 1th Street.
Public Comment on non-agenda topics: No public comment.
5
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Judy Goldsby and seconded by Hazel Klein to adjourn the meeting. The meeting
was adjourned at 11:36 am.
Respectfully submitted,
Nt&A/-0--
Cheryl Lund, Secretary
6
17.4442
SIGN CODE
Sections:
17.42.010 Adoption.
17.42.020 Updated references.
17.42.030 Intent.
17.42.040 Definitions.
17.42.050 Signs prohibited.
17.42.060 Portable and banner signs.
17.42.070 Signs not requiring permits.
17.42.080 Entryway Zoning District.
17.42.090 Calculation of sign area.
17.42.100 Maintenance.
17.42.110 Lighting.
17.42.120 Changeable copy.
17.42.130 Signs permitted(exceptions to this section are noted in the
Entryway Zoning District).
17.42.140 Shopping center signs(exceptions to this section are noted
in the Entryway Zoning District).
17.42.150 Common signage plan.
17.42.160 Nonconforming signs.
17.42.170 Construction specifications.
17.42.010 Adoption.
The Uniform Sign Code, 1997 Edition,published by the International
Conference of Building Officials,together with any appendix or subsequent
amendments or additions thereto,adopted or as may be adopted in the future by
the City of Laurel,is 17.42.010 adopted by and declared to be the sign code of the
City.
One full printed copy of the code shall be available in the offices of the
city.The aforesaid,Uniform Sign Code is adopted by reference and made a part
of this chapter as fully,and for all intents and purposes,as though set forth herein
at length.It shall be known and designated as the"Uniform Sign Code"of the
City.(Ord.99-10(part), 1999:Ord.96-1I, 1996:Ord.859, 1986:prior code§
15.52.010)
17.42.020 Updated References.
The sign code described in Section 17.42.010 may be amended by Resolution
or Administrative Order of the Mayor.(Ord.99-10(part), 1999:Ord.860, 1986:
prior code§ 15.52.020)
17.42.030 Intent.
This code shall not regulate official traffic or government signs;the copy and
message of signs;signs not intended to be viewed from a public fight-of-way;
window displays;product dispensers and point of purchase displays;scoreboards
forks oil
®RA T
on athletic fields;flags of any nation,government or fraternal organization;
gravestones;barber poles;religious symbols;or any display or construction not
defined in this chapter as a sign.(Ord.02-32(part),2003)
17.42.040 Definitions.
"Animated sign" -- - •_... - - - -- -•- - •.-
- . . : - ---.A sign depicting action,motion,
light,or color change,or that change the sign displayed through electrical or
mechanical means.Excludes those signs defined as revolving signs.
"Area of sign"means the entire area of a sign including the area within a
perimeter,which forms the outside shape including the frame,forming an integral
part of the display,but excluding the necessary supports or uprights on which the
sign may be placed.The frame of a sign may be excluded from the area where
such frame conveys no message and is constructed or affixed for aesthetic reasons
beyond the necessary supports.
For computing the areas of any wall or canopy sign,which consists of letters
mounted or painted on a wall or canopy,the area shall be deemed to be the area of
the smallest rectangular figure which can encompass all of the letters.(See below
section calculation of sign area.)
"Bandit sign"means an illegal commercial sign posted on a utility pole.street
sign.or other street furniture;or any other sign placed within a public right of way
or public property or on private property.A bandit sign generally has less than six
square feet or less of advertising area and are made of vinyl.paper.cloth or fabric,
polvboard,corrugated plastic.poster board.plastic core.cardboard.wood,or
plywood.including signs with wood or wire framing-posts or stakes.
"Banner sign"means any sign(other than an official flag)made of cloth,paper
or fabric of any kind,which is used to attract attention,whether or not imprinted
with words or characters.
"Beacon"means any light with one or more beams directed into the atmosphere
or directed at one or more points not on the same lot as the light source;also,any
light with one or more beams that rotate or move.
"Building marker"means any sign indicating the name of a building and date
and incidental information about its construction,which sign is cut into a masonry
surface or made of bronze or other permanent material.
"Canopy sign"means any sign that is a part of or attached to any awning,
canopy or other fabric,plastic or structural protective cover over a door,entrance,
window or outdoor service area,and which does not extend horizontally beyond
the limits of the canopy.
"Changeable copy sign"means a sign whose informational alphabetic and
numeric content can be changed or altered by manual or electric,
electromechanical or electronic means. • _ -- - •:- -- .- -- - - •-
tYPe
a.Fixed Message Electronic Signs.Signs whose basic informational content
has been preprogrammed to include only certain types of information projections,
such as time,temperature, : -: ..: - . . . : _ . _. - - - ., -- --
b.Computer Controlled Variable Message Electronic Signs.Signs whose
informational alphabetic or numeric content can be changed or altered by means
of computer-driven electronic impulses.
"Copy"means the graphic content of a sign surface in either permanent or
removable letter,alphabetic or numeric :'- :: .:-. , :: • : -
form.
"Directional/informational sign"means an on-premise sign giving directions,
instructions or facility information and which may contain the name or logo of an
establishment but no advertising copy,e.g.,parking or exit and entrance signs.
The sign may contain a logo provided that the logo may not comprise more than
twenty percent of the total sign.
"Director"means the Director of Planning-of the city of Laurel or his or her
designee.
"Flag"means any fabric,banner or bunting containing distinctive colors,
patterns or symbols,used as a symbol of a government,political subdivision or
other entity.
"Freestanding sign"means : ... ::.
. - - -,•- - • _ : - --- ••_- anv sign supported by uprights or
braces permanently placed upon the ground,and not attached to any
building.
"Government sign"means any temporary or permanent sign erected and
maintained by the city,county,state or federal government for traffic direction or
for designation of or direction to any school,hospital,historical site or public
service,property or facility.
"Height of sign"means the vertical distance measured from the highest point of
the sign to the crown of the adjacent street,not including the interstate highway.
"Lot"means any piece or parcel of land or a portion of a subdivision,the
boundaries of which have been established by some legal instrument of record
that is recognized and intended as a unit for the purpose of transfer or ownership.
"Maintenance"means for the purposes of this code,the cleaning,painting,
repair or replacement of defective parts of a sign in a manner that does not alter
the structure of the sign
"Monument sign"means a sign mounted directly to the ground with maximum
height not to exceed ten feet.
"Nonconforming sign"means a sign,which was erected legally,but which does
not comply with subsequently enacted sign restrictions and regulations.
"On-premise sign"means a sign that advertises solely for the property on which
it is located.
"Portable sign"means any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other
permanent structure,or a sign designed to be transported,including,but not
limited to,signs designed to be transported by means of wheels;signs converted
to A or T frames;menu and sandwich board signs;balloons used as signs;
umbrellas used for advertising;and signs attached to or painted on vehicles
parked and visible from the public right-of-way,unless said vehicle is used in the
normal day-to-day operations of the business.
"Principal building"means a structure accommodating the principal use to
which the property is devoted.Lots with multiple principal uses may have
multiple principal buildings,but storage buildings,garages and other clearly
accessory uses shall not be considered principal buildings.
"Projecting sign"means a sign,other than a wall sign,which is attached to
and projects from a building no more than 12 inches,wallothcr stFucturc
• - ..:.- • •: .Supports shall be covered in a neat
and orderly fashion.Guy wire support is prohibited.
"Roof sign,above-peak"means any sign erected and constructed wholly on and
over the roof of a building,supported by the roof structure,and extending
vertically above the highest portion of the roof.
"Roof sign,integral"means any sign erected or constructed as an integral or
essentially integral pan of a normal roof structure of any design,such that no part
of the sign extends vertically above the highest portion of the roof and such that
no part of the sign is separated from the rest of the roof by a space of more than
six inches.
"Setback"means the distance from the property line to the nearest part of the
applicable building,structure or sign,measured perpendicularly to the property
line.
"Sign"means:- • -, • - -,
l te-the-per.Any identification,descriptions,illustration or device
illuminated or nonilluminated which is visible from any public place or is
located on private property and exposed to the public and which directs
attention to a product,service,place,activity,person,institution,business or
solicitation,including any permanently installed or situated merchandise;or
any emblem,painting,banner,pennant,placard or temporary sign designed
to advertise,identify or convey information,with the exception of window
displays and national flags.For the purpose of removal,signs shall also
include all sign structures.
"Snipe Sign"means a sign made of any material when such sign is tacked,
nailed,posted,pasted,glued or otherwise attached to trees,poles,fences or
other objects and the advertising matter appearing thereon is not applicable
to the present use of the premises upon which such sign is located.
"Street"means a public way for vehicular traffic,whether designated as a
street,highway,thoroughfare,parkway,throughway,road,avenue,boulevard,
land,place or however otherwise designated which has been dedicated to or
•
acquired for public use,and which extends the full width between right-of-way
lines.
"Street frontage"means the length of the property line of any one premise
along each public right-of-way it borders excluding alleys,government easement
accesses,and the interstate highway.
"Suspended sign"means a sign that is suspended from the underside of a
horizontal place surface and is supported by such surface.
"Temporary sign"means a nonpermanent sign erected and maintained for a
specific limited period of time.
"Wall sign"means any sign attached parallel to,painted on the wall surface,or
erected and confined within the limits of an outside wall of any building or
structure,which is supported by such wall or building,and which displays only
one sign surface.Wall signs shall not exceed twenty two twelve inches in depth
measured from the face on the wall on which the sign is mounted.
"Wind-driven sign"means any sign consisting of one or a series of two or more
banners,flags,pennants,ribbons,spinners,streamers or other objects or material
fastened in such a manner as to move upon being subjected to pressure by wind or
breeze.
"Window sign"means any sign,pictures,symbol or combination thereof,
designed to communicate information about an activity,business,commodity,
event,sale or service that is placed inside a window or upon the window panes or
glass and is visible from the exterior of the window. (Ord.02-32(part),2003)
17.42.050 Signs prohibited.
All signs not expressly permitted under this section or exempt from regulation
hereunder in accordance with the following section are prohibited.Such signs
include,but are not limited to:
A.Beacons;
B.Wind-driven signs,except flags as defined in this chapter;
C.Strings of lights not permanently mounted to a rigid background,except those
exempt under the following section;
D.Inflatable signs and tethered balloons;
E.Animated signs;
F.Above-peak roof signs;
G.Abandoned signs;
H.Snipe signs or '_• . - _ _ . -- , - . . :: - , :.: - -- ,
- •- = _ • - :-- • = -- - - -•- • •- - - bandit signs;
I.Signs placed on vehicles or trailers,which are parked or located for the
primary purpose of displaying,said signs(this does not apply to signs or lettering
on buses,taxis,or vehicles operating during the normal course of business).
(Ord.02-32(part),2003)
17.42.060 Portable and banner signs.
Permits required.It shall be unlawful for any owner or person entitled to
possession of any property or business,or their authorized representatives,to
erect,construct,move,or display a temporary sign or cause the same to be done,
without first obtaining a temporary sign permit from the sign administrator.A
temporary sign permit may be issued.
A.To new businesses or to existing businesses which are relocating and shall
be limited in use to one time for no longer than sixty days;or
B.To existing businesses for the purpose of advertising and shall be limited to
a maximum of thirty consecutive days per calendar year.Such thirty-day period
may be split into no more than two separate periods of fifteen consecutive days
each.(Ord.02-32(part),2003)(Laurel Supp.No.3, 12-04)
17.42.070 Signs not requiring permits.
The following types of signs are exempted from permit requirements but must
be in conformance with all other requirements of this section:
A.Construction signs of sixteen square feet or less;
B.Special event or holiday lights or decorations;
C.Nameplates of two square feet or less;
D.Public signs or notices,or any sign relating to an emergency;
E.Real estate signs;(see signs permitted,Section 17.42.130(B);
F.Political signs;(see signs permitted,Section 17.42.130(D);
G.Interior signs not visible from the exterior of the building;
H.Directional signs not to exceed twelve square feet in area or six feet in
height.(Ord.02-32(part),2003)
17.42.080 Entryway Zoning Districts.
The provisions of the entryway zoning district,SE 4th overlay district,or
downtown overlay district pertaining to signs shall apply to all signs in that
district and are in addition to the provisions of this section.(Ord.02-32(part),
2003)0
17.42.090 Calculation of sign area.
The sign area for a sign with more than one face shall be computed by adding
together the area of all sign faces visible from any one point.When two identical
sign faces are placed back to back,so that both faces cannot be viewed from any
point at the same time,and when such sign faces are part of the same sign
structure,the sign area shall be computed by the measurement of one of the faces.
(Ord.02-32(part),2003)
17.42.100 Maintenance.
All signs shall be properly maintained.Exposed surfaces shall be clean and
painted if paint is required.Defective parts shall be re placed.(Ord.02-32(part),
2003)
17.42.110 Lighting.
Unless otherwise prohibited by this code,all signs may be illuminated provided
they do not cause or contribute to a public nuisance. Lighting restricted to the
sign face.(Ord.02-32(part),2003)
17.42.120 Changeable copy.
Unless otherwise specified by this section,any sign in this chapter allowed may
use manual or fixed message electronic sign.
Computer controlled variable message electronic signs shall be permitted
provided that the bottom of the reader board is ten feet above the crown of the
adjacent road.(Ord.02-32(part),2003)
17.42.130 Signs permitted(exceptions to this section are noted in the
Zoning District).
A.One non-illuminated sign for each street frontage of a construction project,
not to exceed forty-eight square feet in sign area.Such signs may be erected thirty
days prior to beginning of construction and shall be removed thirty days following
completion of construction.
B.One non-illuminated real estate sign per lot or premises not to exceed
sixteen square feet in sign area for residential properties and thirty-two square feet
for commercial properties.Such signs must be removed fifteen days following
sale,rental,or lease of the real estate involved.
C.One non-illuminated attached building nameplate per occupancy,not to
exceed two square feet in sign area.
D.Non-illuminated political signs not to exceed sixteen square feet in sign area
each.Such signs shall not be erected more than forty-five days prior to the
election or referendum concerned and shall be removed ten days following such
election or referendum.Political signs may be placed only on private property and
only with the permission of the property owner.
E.One subdivision sign per street frontage not to exceed forty-eight square feet
in sign area in each location.
F.One identification sign per entrance to an apartment or condominium
complex,not to exceed thirty-six square feet in sign area.
G.The total square footage of all signs located on the property,including,but
not limited to freestanding,wall,projecting,integrated roof,canopy,under-
eanopy and directional signs,shall not exceed three two square feet in sign area
for each lineal foot of property frontage.This frontage shall be calculated using
local streets(not the interstate highway).
H.One on-premise,freestanding sign may be installed to a height of forty feet
and may be a maximum of three hundred fifty square feet if the principal purpose
of such signs is to address interstate traffic as determined by the director.The sign
must be oriented perpendicularly to the interstate so the sign is visible to the
interstate traveler.
I.Freestanding signs which are not on-premise and which do not address
interstate traffic as determined by the director may be installed to a maximum
height of twenty-four feet and may have a maximum size of one hundred fifty
square feet.Exceptions to this are noted in the Entryway Zoning District.
J.The setback for the leading edge of freestanding signs shall be a minimum
often feet.
K.No sign may be placed or designed so as to simulate or interfere with traffic
control devices or official highway directional/informational signs.
L.Wall signs shall not exceed twenty percent of the square footage of the wall
area upon which they are installed.Electric awning and canopy signs shall not
exceed twenty percent of the square footage of the wall area upon which they are
installed.The combination of wall signs,electric awning,canopy signs and
projecting signs shall not exceed twenty percent of the allowed wall sign area.
M.Integrated roof signs may be used instead of wall signs.The integrated roof
sign size shall not exceed the allowable size for a wall sign.Integrated roof signs
shall be constructed so as to conceal all structures and fastenings.The height of
the sign shall not exceed the roof to which it is attached.
N.Projecting signs may be used instead of any wall or freestanding signs
provided they do not project beyond the property line and maintain a clearance of
ten feet over sidewalk and fourteen feet over any parking lot,driveway or crown
of the street,whichever is higher.Where zoning allows for one hundred
percent lot coverage or zero setbacks,projecting signs shall never extend
beyond the the sidewalk and must be 10 feet over the sidewalk.Projecting sign
size shall not exceed the allowable size fora wall sign.
PO.Window signs shall not cover more than thirty percent of the window area.
QP.On-site directional signs as required. (Ord.02-32(part),2003)
17.42.140 Shopping center signs(exceptions to this section are noted in the
Entryway Zoning District).
A.Shopping centers shall be allowed one freestanding sign directory sign per
frontage. The sign shall not exceed one hundred fifty square feet plus five percent
of the one hundred fifty square feet per tenant.Maximum sign size shall not
exceed three hundred fifty square feet.
B.Shopping centers signs shall not exceed the maximum allowable
freestanding signage.
C.Shopping center signs cannot be used if the common signage plan is used.
(Ord.02-32(part),2003)
17.42.150 Common signage plan.
A.If the owners of two or more contiguous or adjacent(disregarding
intervening streets and alleys)lots or the owner of a single lot with more than one
building(excluding accessory buildings)or multiple use buildings file with the
director for such lot(s)a common signage plan conforming with the provisions of
this section,a twenty-five percent increase in the maximum total sign area shall
be allowed for each included lot.This bonus shall be allocated within each lot as
the owner(s)elects.
B.Provisions of Common Signage Plan.
The common signage plan shall contain all of the following information:
1.An accurate plot plan of the lot,at such scale as the director may reasonably
require;
2.Location of buildings,parking lots,driveways,clear vision triangles and
landscaped areas on such lot;
3.Computation of the maximum total sign area,the maximum area for
individual signs,the height of signs and the number of freestanding signs allowed
on the lot(s)included in the plan under this chapter;
4.An accurate indication on the plot plans of the proposed location of each
present and future sign of any type,whether requiring a permit or not;
5.Window signs may simply indicate the areas of the windows to be covered
by window signs and the general type of the window signs(e.g.,paper affixed to
window,painted,etched on glass,or some other material hung inside the window)
and need not specify the exact dimension or nature of every window sign.
The common signage plan shall also specify standards of consistency among all
signs on the lots affected by the plan with regard to:
1. Color scheme;
2. Letter or graphic style;
3. Lighting; •
4. Location of each sign on the building(s);
5. Material;and
6. Sign proportions.
C. Limit on Number of Freestanding Signs Under Common Signage Plan.
The common signage plan,for all lots with multiple uses or multiple users,shall
limit the number of freestanding signs to a total of one for each street on which
the lots included in the plan have frontage and shall provide for shared or
common usage of such signs.Where street frontage exceeds five hundred feet,
one additional freestanding sign may be allowed per five hundred-foot increment.
D.Other Provisions of the Common Signage Plan.The common signage plan
may contain other restrictions as the owners of the lots may reasonably determine.
E.Consent.Common signage plan shall be signed by all owners or their
authorized agents in such form as the director shall require.
F.Procedures.Common signage plan shall be included in any development
plan,site plan,planned development or other official plan required by the city for
the proposed development and shall be processed simultaneously with such other
plan.
G.Amendment.Common signage plan may be amended by filing a new
common signage plan that conforms with all requirements of the code in effect.
H.Existing Signs Not Conforming to Common Signage Plan.If any new or
amended common signage plan is filed for a property on which existing signs are
located,it shall include a schedule for bringing into conformance,within five
seven years,all signs not conforming to the proposed amended plan or to the
requirements of this section effective on the date of submission.
I.Binding Effect.After approval of a common signage plan,no sign shall be
erected,placed,painted or maintained,except in conformance with such plan,and
such may be enforced in the same way as any provision of this chapter.In case of
any conflict between the provisions of this section and common signage plan,the
section shall control.
J.Dissolution of Common Signage Plan.If the signatories of a common
signage plan wish to dissolve the common signage plan,written notice must be
submitted to the director.All signs on the property for which the common signage
plan was dissolved must bring all signs into conformance with this section within
thirty days of the date written notice was submitted to the director.(Ord.02-32
(part),2003)
17.42.160 Nonconforming signs.
A.Existing signs which do not conform to the specific provisions of this section
may be eligible for the designation"legal nonconforming"provided that:
1.The director determines such signs are properly maintained and do not in any
way endanger the public;
2.The sign was installed in conformance with a valid permit or variance or
complied with all applicable laws on the date of adoption of this section;and
thiEty-days:
B.A legal nonconforming sign may lose this designation if:
1.The sign is relocated or replaced;or
2.The structure or size of this sign is altered in any way except toward
compliance with this section.This does not refer to change of copy or normal
maintenance.
C.The legal nonconforming sign is subject to all requirements of this section
regarding,safety,maintenance,and repair.However,if the sign suffers more than
fifty percent damage or deterioration,as based on appraisal,it must be brought
into conformance with this section or removed.
within rs I --- Comment 1MP11:Sam,We need your
(Ord.02-32(part),2003) feedback on whether to keep a provision that
would allow the City to remove signs or
whether it should be deleted altogether.I'm
17.42.170 Construction specifications. leaning towards striking.
A.Plans and specifications and the required review fee for all signs,including
those in the Entryway Zoning District,must be submitted to the city of Laurel
building department prior to the start of construction.The building department
must grant a construction permit prior to any construction activity.
B.All signs shall be installed in compliance with the International Building
Code(IBC)and applicable electrical codes required,permitted and enforced by
the State of Montana.
C.All signs shall be inspected by the City of Laurel building department for
compliance with all applicable codes.(including,but not limited to structure,
wind load,and electrical hook-up).
D.All electrical freestanding signs must have underground electrical service to
such signs.
E.Any change in sign construction or face,excluding changeable copy as
defined in this chapter,shall require a new construction permit and fee.(Ord.02-
32(part),2003)
17.42.180 City fees and/or charges for signs.
The City Council shall establish reasonable fees and/or charges for all
signage within the jurisdiction of the City by annual resolution after a public
hearing.(Ord.07-06(part),2007)