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HomeMy WebLinkAboutP&Z Minutes 11.2.23(208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org Planning and Zoning Minutes - November 2, 2023 City Staff and Others: Alan Parkinson – P&Z Administrator Katie Jo Saurey – P&Z Administrative Assistant Kyle Baldwin – Planner 1 Natalie Powell – Compliance Officer Spencer Rammell – Commissioner Attorney Chairperson Smith opened the meeting at 6:30 PM. Planning & Zoning Meeting: 1. Welcome 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. ROLL CALL of Planning and Zoning Commissioners: Present: Vince Haley (Vice Chair), Todd Marx, Sally Smith (Chairperson), Jim Lawrence, Eric Erickson, McKay Francis, Vanessa Johnson, Bruce Casper Absent: Randall Kempton, Aaron Richards 4. Approval of the P&Z Minutes for October 5th, 2023 and October 19th, 2023 (Action) MOTION: Motion to approve the Planning & Zoning minutes as recorded for October 5th, 2023 and October 19th, 2023 (Action) Action: Approve, Moved by Eric Erickson, Seconded by Todd Marx. Commissioner Discussion on the Motion: None VOTE: Motion carried. (Summary: Yes = 7, No= 0, Abstain = 0). Yes: Vince Haley (Vice Chair), Todd Marx, Sally Smith (Chairperson), Eric Erickson, Vanessa Johnson, McKay Francis, Jim Lawrence No: Abstain: 5. Public Hearing – (23-00565) Sign Code – Development Code Amendment – Proposed updates to the Sign Code (Action) Presentation: Alan began by explaining that the majority of the updates to the Sign Code are due to reorganizing and clarifying. The images and definitions have also been updated and modernized. He then asked for any questions. (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org Chairperson Smith asked if sign fees were based on a fee schedule. Alan responded that yes, the fees are listed on the master fee list of the City. Chairperson Smith then initiated a brief conversation regarding a Facebook post about a speed limit sign that is in the bike lane and right-of-way. Alan explained that those signs fall under the police department and are allowed since they are a warning to drivers. Vince inquired about what prohibits people from bringing in not so boxy, more attractive signs. Alan agreed cost is a major reason. Vince asked if the current sign code doesn’t allow some applicants to do what they want. Alan answered that off-premise signs and banners are not allowed but often requested. Vince followed up asking if well built, permanent signs were denied. Alan replied that there are some restrictions on size and lighting. Eric discussed the distance between signs. Alan confirmed that the code prohibits the blanketing of other signs and mentioned sign height being a challenge. Eric inquired about the signs of closed businesses. Alan referred to the abandoned sign portion of the code that states there is a timeframe in which a sign must either be updated or removed. Eric voiced his concern about billboards and cleaning up the entrances to the city. Alan explained that billboards within the city are grandfathered, but the state regulates the billboards along Highway 20. (video index 19:10) Chairperson Smith opened the public input portion of the hearing at 6:48 pm. Favor: none Neutral: none Opposed: none Written Correspondence: none Rebuttal: none Chairperson Smith closed the public input portion of the hearing at 6:49 pm. Commissioner Discussion: Jim commented that he likes changes and agrees it flows a lot better. McKay commented on the red lines being an effort to combine and remove unnecessary items to clean up the document. Alan reiterated that the changes reorganized it to make it easier to read. Eric inferred about home occupation signs. Alan explained the requirements are to prevent a sign from being intrusive in a neighborhood. Vince agrees the effort to clarify and simplify is great and encouraged the commission to be familiar with the sign ordinance for potential controversial sign proposals in the (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org future. Chairperson Smith added that signs were a hot topic 10-15 years ago. The group briefly discussed signs near interchanges. Vince expressed his desire to ensure that the ordinance doesn’t prohibit beautiful, attractive signs, giving the example of plaza signs in Idaho Falls. McKay complimented Hemming Village on the aesthetics of their signs and mentioned encouraging similar signs. MOTION: Motion to recommend City Council approve the proposed updates to the sign code in that it simplifies the language, makes it easier to follow and still meets what we want to have set for signs in the city. Action: Approve, Moved by Jim Lawrence, Seconded by McKay Francis. Commissioner Discussion on the Motion: VOTE: Motion carried. (Summary: Yes= 8, No= 0, Abstain = 0). Yes: Vince Haley (Vice Chair), Todd Marx, Sally Smith (Chairperson), Jim Lawrence, Bruce Casper, Eric Erickson, McKay Francis, Vanessa Johnson No: Abstain: Heads Up for November 16th, 2023: Vince asked for upcoming meeting items. Alan indicated that there may be a few plats coming, but mostly code updates. Sally presented her printed Comprehensive Plan and Map. Alan asked the Commissioners to let staff know anytime they would like a paper copy. McKay invited the students to ask questions. Haden Weekes asked about being appointed versus being elected. Adjourned at 7:04 PM.