HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Memo to Mayor and City Council dated May 22, 2017 ---- - - - --- - --- -- - ---
CITY OF
77
Ames"
MEMO
INSPECTIONS
49
To: Mayor Campbell and Members of the Ames City Council
Cc: Shawn Bayouth
From: Sara Van Meeteren, Community Codes Liaison
Date: May 22, 2017
Subject: Proposed Ordinance to Allow Commercial Signage on Residentially Zoned
Mixed-Use Developments
At the special meeting of the Ames City Council on Tuesday,May 16, 2017, City Council referred, in a
6-0 motion, an item directing staff to initiate a text amendment to Chapter 21 of the Municipal Code.
This referral was the result of a letter(Attachment A) sent to the Mayor and Council on May 10, 2017
from Aspen Heights regarding the restrictions on signage at their property at 3306 Lincoln Way.
Section 21.121 of the Ames Municipal Code permits I 1 different types of signs on residentially zoned
properties. These types of signs are more directional or informative than they are promotional and are
consistent with the types of use typically found in residential zones. Commercial signage is not listed as a
permitted sign type due to the fact that commercial uses are not found in residential zones.
The concept of a mixed-use development,one which requires commercial tenant spaces along with
residential housing,in a residential zone was not considered when Chapter 21 was first drafted. As
a result,compliance with Chapter 21 would leave any commercial tenants without signage
advertising their business,as indicated in the letter from Aspen Heights.
In an effort to promote economic development, staff is proposing to amend Chapter 21 to allow for
signage on buildings with a commercial use located in a residential zone. The proposed amendment
would treat the commercial area as if it were located in a commercial zone,but would not affect the
residential area of the development. Without the amendment,the commercial tenants would be prohibited
from having a sign for their business.
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