Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,August 20,2018 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Sign regulations must be content neutral,regulations must apply based on the time,place,or manner of <br /> the speech rather than content. The city's current ordinance includes many references to the content of <br /> the sign. <br /> Barnhart noted the following: <br /> 1. The draft ordinance continues to prohibit pole signs.Where free-standing signs are allowed,they <br /> must be monument style. <br /> 2. The draft retains the four temporary sign permits annually. <br /> 3. The new regulations introduce a sign standard table. This table is central to the"content neutral" <br /> goals of this ordinance. All signs in the various districts are regulated the same manner. <br /> 4. Table 1 on Page 11 includes five districts. District 4 correlates to the B-3 zoning district and <br /> attempts to incorporate existing signage; i.e.,not creating a nonconforming situation. An <br /> attempt to tailor sign regulations in the other commercial districts to prevent non-conforming <br /> situations was made. <br /> 5. The draft ordinance allows up to 35 percent of changeable copy, either electronic or manual. <br /> 6. The draft ordinance does not require a permit to change the face or text of a sign. A permit would <br /> be required if the sign is made bigger. <br /> Thiesse asked if the City currently has a requirement regarding the changeability. <br /> Barnhart indicated the City does not. Staff recommends approval of the ordinance as drafted. <br /> Chair Thiesse opened the public hearing at 7:34 p.m. <br /> There were no comments relating to this application. <br /> Chair Thiesse closed the public hearing at 7:34 p.m. <br /> Lemke asked if political signs are addressed. <br /> Barnhart indicated political signs are allows and would be covered on Page 10. As written,District 1 <br /> allows a certain amount of signage that is allowed in a residential district, such as a home occupation sign <br /> or a political sign. <br /> Lemke asked whether this addresses setback from property line or right-of-way. <br /> Barnhart indicated there is a height limitation and a setback requirement. <br /> Thiesse asked if the City has the right to remove any noncompliant signs. <br /> Barnhart stated the City does have that right,and if the sign is a hazard,it will be removed immediately. <br /> People will also have the ability to get their sign back. <br /> Page 10 of 12 <br />