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HomeMy Public PortalAbout9ATemple M EMORAT DL AGENDA MTEM 9A. Staff Report TO: THE HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL DATE: SEPTEMBER 21, 2010 FROM: JOSE E. PULIDO, CITY MANAGE BY: JOSEPH M. LAMBERT, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER SUBJECT: PREPARATION OF A NEW CITYWIDE SIGN ORDINANCE REGULATING COMMERCIAL SIGNAGE SUMMARY At a recent City Council meeting the topic of signage in commercial zones was discussed and staff was asked to further research this issue. At this time, staff has prepared two options for the City Council to consider in updating the City's sign ordinance. BACKGROUND At the July 6, 2010 City Council meeting, Councilmember Sternquist inquired about the current signage requirements for businesses, and what design controls the City may exercise in reviewing new signs. There was also discussion about the content of signs (i.e., can the language on signs be restricted) as well as a discussion about the quality and design of new signs. DISCUSSION The current Citywide sign ordinance regulates signs in the C-2, C-3, M-1 and M-2 zones. The existing Downtown Specific Plan (DSP) includes all of the properties. adjacent to Las Tunas Drive from Sultana Avenue to Rowland Avenue, and the existing Downtown Specific Plan has its own sign design guidelines and standards. It was suggested by the City Council that a new Citywide sign ordinance should be adopted to make signage in the City more uniform. Staff was asked to find out an approximate cost of hiring a consultant to help draft a new sign ordinance. Following are the two options for the City Council to consider in drafting a new Citywide sign ordinance with approximate costs: Option One: Consultant RFP Direct staff to generate a Request for Proposals (RFP) to hire a consultant to draft a Citywide sign ordinance which would govern signage for all commercial, industrial, and institutional land uses, including properties in the existing Downtown Specific Plan area. It is estimated that hiring a consultant to do this would cost approximately $40,000- $60,000. City Council September 21, 2010 Page 2 Option Two: In House Direct staff to conduct the research and draft regulations "in house" for a Citywide sign ordinance. The only cost involved with this option is staff time, legal expenses and the other costs associated with performing public outreach to involve the business community, the Chamber of Commerce, and other stakeholders. FISCAL IMPACT No Impact at this time. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the preparation of a Citywide sign ordinance, which would be accomplished by having the City Council choose either Option One or Option Two.