HomeMy WebLinkAboutA004 - Council Action Form dated June 22, 2004 COUNCIL ACTION FORM
ITEM # .3 r
DATE: June 22, 2004
SUBJECT: AMENDMENT TO SIGN REGULATIONS FOR AWNING AND CANOPY
SIGNS
BACKGROUND: The current language in the City of Ames Sign Ordinance states that
signage on awnings and canopies must be placed in a space not exceeding twelve (12)
inches in height. The Inspections Division is currently holding two sign permits applications
for awnings because the proposed sign area exceeds this size limitation. On May 6, John
Crawford wrote a letter requesting that the sign ordinance be changed to allow his business
to replace his awning at Copyworks Plus with a new awning that will exceed this limit. The
City Council referred this letter to staff.
The recommendation of staff from the Planning and Housing Department and the
Inspections Division is that the size restriction for signage on awning and canopy signs be
dropped. There are no general restrictions to the size of the message area on a wall sign.
This change would make the rules for awning and canopy signs more consistent with wall
signs.
Exterior signage for each property would still be limited to no more than three square feet
of signage for each lineal foot of frontage. Special design guidelines and zoning
regulations such as those in the Neighborhood Commercial zones and Somerset would still
apply.
This amendment to Section 5.228 was reviewed by the Building Board of Appeals at their
meeting on June 16, 2004. The Board recommended adoption of the proposed ordinance
amendment.
ALTERNATIVES:
1 . Approve the recommendation and approve this amendment to the City's sign ordinance.
2. Reject passage of the proposed amendment.
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative #1 ,
approving the amendment to the sign ordinance as shown on the attached ordinance.
COUNCIL ACTION: