The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutRFD - 23-00565 – Sign Code - Development Code Amendment(208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org Reason for Decision 23-00565 – Sign Code – Development Code Amendment 1. August 15, 2023, An application was received for an ordinance amendment to the Sign Code section of Ordinance No. 1200 - Development Code. 2. August 3, 2023, Application was discussed at Strategic Team Meeting. 3. October 9, 2023, Staff reviews were approved. 4. October 11, 2023, Notice was sent to the newspaper to be published October 17, 2023 and October 24, 2023. 5. November 2, 2023, the application was presented to the Planning & Zoning Commission. 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. 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) (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org 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 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: 6. November 15, 2023, the application was presented to the City Council. Planning and Zoning recommendation to approve an amendment to the Rexburg Development Code, Ordinance No. 1200, as it pertains to the Sign Code #23-00565. Designated as Ordinance No 1304 if motion passes – Alan Parkinson Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson explained some of the changes to the Development (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org Code as it pertains to the sign code including expired information. They are making sure the definitions in the code are current standards. The pictures were replaced with up-to-date pictures showing up to date signs. Most of the changes were organizational. Council Member Flora questioned the accessory on premise sign: a sign, separate from the sign that identifies the business, that advertises brands or products available at the business. She wondered if the code is eliminating accessory on premise signs which would include event signs; such, as the Madison School District bake sale, Celebrate Youth, or Dancing with the Stars. Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson replied no, those types of signs are not being eliminated because those signs can only be displayed for a short time frame. Council Member Erickson moved to approve Ordinance No 1304 Amendment to the Rexburg Development Code, Ordinance No. 1200, as it pertains to the Sign Code and consider first read; Council President Busby seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Flora none Council Member Johnson Council Member Chambers Council Member Erickson Council Member Walker Council President Busby The motion carried. 7. December 6, 2023, City Council considered the application for a 2nd Read. Ordinance No 1304 Amend City of Rexburg Development Code Ord No 1200 – Sign Code amendments – Alan Parkinson Council Member Walker moved to approve Ordinance No 1304 Amend City of Rexburg Development Code Ord No 1200 – Sign Code amendments and consider second read; Council Member Johnson seconded the motion; Council President Busby asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Flora none (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org Council Member Johnson Council Member Chambers Council Member Erickson Council Member Walker Council President Busby The motion carried. 8. December 20, 2023, City Council considered the application for a 3rd and final Read. Ordinance No 1304 Amendment to the Rexburg Development Code, Ordinance No 1200 as it pertains to the Sign Code #23-00565 – Alan Parkinson CITY OF REXBURG ORDINANCE NO. 1304 DEVELOPMENT CODE ORDINANCE 1200 AMENDMENTS AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CURRENT DEVELOPMENT CODE (PLANNING AND ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 1200) CONCERNING SUBSTANTIVE AND NON- SUBSTANTIVE ITEMS; THE FOLLOWING CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE: AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS –MODIFIED DEFINITIONS PERTAINING TO SIGN TYPES; AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 3 SECTION 3.5 SIGN STANDARDS FOR ALL ZONES; REMOVAL OF SIGN REQUIREMENT REFERENCES IN ANY SPECIFIC ZONE; PROVIDING FOR VIOLATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE; PROVIDING FOR ENFORCEMENT OF THE ORDINANCE; AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE ORDINANCE. Council Member Johnson moved to approve Ordinance No 1304 Amendment to the Rexburg Development Code, Ordinance No 1200 as it pertains to the Sign Code and consider third read; Council President Busby seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Flora none Council Member Johnson Council Member Chambers Council Member Erickson Council President Busby The motion carried.