pages: PlanningBoard/2005-01-10.pdf, 12
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PlanningBoard | 2005-01-10 | 12 | 9-B. ZA04-0001-Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment/City-wide. Review and revision of Section 30-6 of the Alameda Municipal Code (AMC), Sign Regulations (JS/JA). The purpose of this amendment is to clarify current regulations and establish internal consistency with various sections of the AMC with the primary focus on regulations pertaining to Window Signs. Mr. Cormack summarized the staff report. The public hearing was opened. Mr. Robb Ratto, Executive Director, PSBA, noted that they wanted the district to look as attractive as possible during the revitalization process. PSBA did not want businesses jamming their windows with posters obscuring the business, and which made the storefronts look junky. He expressed concern about the proliferation of grand opening signs, and the length of time that they are left up. He believed this ordinance would put an end to that practice. He noted that PSBA and WABA were in agreement that a grand opening would last 30 days, and that a permit would be necessary for that signage to remain up. He supported the Planning Board's recommendation to the City Council to enact this ordinance. Ms. Sherry Stieg, WABA, supported the proposed ordinance, and noted that it was the result of a lengthy collaboration between PSBA, WABA and the Planning & Building Department. The public hearing was closed for Board discussion. In response to an inquiry by Mr. Piziali regarding enforcement, Mr. Cormack confirmed that the Code Enforcement Division would be responsible. There was currently one full- time Code Enforcement officer, and a planner working part-time in that capacity. He noted that the Planning and Building Department made a commitment to PSBA and WABA for increased enforcement along Park Street and Webster Street and the revised ordinance would assist with that effort. Mr. Piziali believed that the merchants would police themselves. In response to an inquiry by Ms. McNamara regarding window signs, Mr. Cormack replied that a business would be in conformance provided no more than 25% of the window was covered by signage. The content would not be examined. He noted that many windows had more than 25% coverage, and that the merchants in violation would first receive a letter, and then the fine system would go into practice. He anticipated that some businesses would not be happy with the new ordinance, however, with the assistance of PSBA and WABA compliance could be achieved. In response to an inquiry by President Cunningham, Ms. Altschuler, replied that the fee for a sign permit was upward of $200. She noted that it was necessary to put language in place to address some of the proliferation of the temporary window signs. She noted this Planning Board Minutes Page 12 January 10, 2005 | PlanningBoard/2005-01-10.pdf |