Planning Commission Agenda and Packet 2019 04 11

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Planning Commission Staff Report April 11, 2019 example, political signs differently than a special event banner. The lens for application of these new rules basically examines the need to read the message on the sign to determine its regulations, and if so then the regulations are no longer legal. Rather, you can generally regulate instead on the length of time, the allowed location, and the manner of the sign itself (what it is constructed of, how tall, how big, etc). • Sandwich boards beyond downtown. Currently, sandwich boards are only allowed downtown. The draft sign code proposes allowing sandwich boards in Commercial and Mixed -Use areas, as well. Unlike in downtown, where sandwich board signs are allowed on sidewalks in the public right of way, in other commercial areas of the City the location of sandwich board signs would be limited to private property. In all parts of the City, including downtown, sandwich board signs would only be allowed immediately adjacent to the storefront. • Larger signs. The draft sign codes proposes the following changes to allow larger signs: o Properties adjacent to US 36 may receive an additional allowance for height and area for signs fronting US 36. o Size of development. Currently, the maximum allowed area for freestanding signs is generally standard for all sizes of development. The draft sign code includes ranges of sign regulations based on size of development, smaller allowances for smaller properties, and larger allowances for larger developments. o Removal of Character Height regulations. Currently the maximum allowed character height for wall signs in the CDDSG is 24" and is 18" in the IDDSG. The draft sign code removes this limit to allow flexibility in design. • Murals. Currently, murals are only allowed in downtown under specific regulations for allowed areas, size and circumstances on the structure. The draft sign code proposes to allow murals in Commercial, Mixed -Use and on buildings with Institutional uses (museums, schools, recreational, etc) in Residential areas. • Electronic Message Centers. Currently, electronic message centers are not allowed in any area of Louisville. The draft sign code proposes to allow them on freestanding signs for gas stations, display signs (menu boards) in Commercial and Mixed -Use areas, kiosks, and through the PUD process elsewhere. The draft sign code includes revisions to many other regulations. A summary table comparing existing regulations to the draft sign code is included as an attachment. NEXT STEPS: At this time, numerous groups are providing feedback on the draft sign code, in addition to Planning Commission. This includes: • Business Retention and Development Committee 2