HomeMy WebLinkAbout8.4 Attch 1 CC Minutes 5-5-09NEW BUSINESS
Proposed Modifications Designed to Provide Assistance to
Businesses and Property Owners in the City During the Economic Downturn
8:41 p.m. 8.1 (450-20/400-30/410-30)
Senior Planner Erica Fraser presented the Staff Report and advised that at the request of
the City Council, Staff had been reviewing the Zoning Ordinance for ways to assist the
business community during the current economic downturn. The Planning Division
had identified several alternatives to streamline the entitlement process for development
applications and to promote businesses in Dublin. These alternatives included
modifications to the Site Development Review Chapter (Chapter 8.104), regarding the
level of review required for projects and modifications to the Sign Regulations
(Chapter 8.84), to facilitate the use of banner signs and balloon signs. The proposed
modifications to the sign regulations included: a temporary elimination of fees for
promotional banners and balloons and other minor modifications to the Sign Ordinance.
Cm. Hart asked what a 60 square foot sign would look like.
Ms. Fraser stated signs would be sized to meet a business' needs, therefore, size would
vary. The City currently had a 60 sq. ft. maximum, but only within certain dimensions.
This would allow any dimensions, but no larger than 60 square feet total.
Vm. Hildenbrand stated she could support all the proposals before the City Council
except changes with sign size and balloons.
Mayor Sbranti asked that the City Council discuss these modifications one at a time.
Ms. Fraser stated that the proposed changes were not being enacted tonight. Staff was
asking City Council to provide direction on these topics., Draft ordinance language
would come before the Planning Commission and City Council later for adoption.
The City Council and Staff discussed the proposed waiver of a Site Development
Review in residential zoning for certain accessory structures, as detailed in the Staff
Report. By consensus, the City Council agreed that all multi-family, commercial and
industrial accessory structure, which are less than 120 square feet in size or are not
visible from the right-of-way, be reviewed pursuant to a Site Development Review
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Waiver. Accessory structures in a single-family residential zoning district would not
longer require a Site Development Review.
The City Council and Staff discussed the City's requirement of a SDR for all residential
additions over 500 square feet in size. It allowed Staff to review the proposal and
notify residents within 300 feet of the project site and added an additional step in the
review process for homeowners. By consensus, the City Council agreed to continue the
process for these additions.
The City Council and Staff discussed a temporary two year modification to extend the
valid period of a Permit from one year, with a six month extension, to two years, with a
six month extension. By consensus, the City Council agreed with this suggested
modification.
The City Council and Staff discussed temporary modifications to the sign regulations
for promotional banners and balloons.
Vm. Hildenbrand stated she would not support the proposed modifications to the
promotional banner and balloon requirements, and would like to keep the permit fees
as-is.
Cm. Hart asked what prompted the proposal.
City Manager Pattillo stated this proposal was brought forward by the Chamber of
Commerce.
Vm. Hildenbrand reiterated that she would not support any of the changes. The City of
Dublin was an attractive community that set standards on balloons and signage. There
was not an economic incentive for the community to change these regulations. It was
important to promote community aesthetics. The banners would not increase business
in Dublin.
Cm. Hart stated the City Council should take a look at this in light of the economic
times to benefit businesses.
Mayor Sbranti stated he did not see any benefit in changing the regulations for the
balloons. He did not have a problem with the proposed modifications to banner
regulations, while protecting the aesthetic nature of the community.
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Cm. Biddle stated he did not want a situation to exist where there were a lot of
promotional signs and banners. There should be the flexibility of a square foot number
for a banner.
Cm. Scholz stated this item was only for two years and the City was in tough economic
times. The City looked great and extending the length of time a sign was up or having
balloons was not going to make the City look bad. She would compromise and suggest
supporting the banner modifications, but taking out the balloon modifications.
Mayor Sbranti stated the issue could be brought back in a year for review. If there were
concerns or violations, the City could re-evaluate the decision.
Cm. Hart stated the proposed changes could have a significant impact on the
community, but would side err on the side of caution and benefit to the business
community. He would be supportive of a shortened trial period, 6 months or a year.
By consensus, the City Council agreed to a one-year temporary modification to the
promotional banner regulations, no modifications for balloons, and to keep the permit
fee.
The City Council directed Staff that there would be no changes to the Site Development
Review Chapter; the City would continue to require site development reviews for
residential room additions over 500 square feet; there would be an increase in the
length of time for permits being valid; the majority of City Council members agreed to
the modifications in regard to promotional banners, no changes in regard to balloons,
and there would not be a waiving of applications fees. These promotional banner
modifications would be back in one year for review.
Sales Tax Reimbursement Program Agreement with Ring Properties
9:31 p.m. 8.2 (600-30)
Assistant to the City Manager Linda Maurer presented the Staff Report and advised that
the City Council would consider a Sales Tax Reimbursement Agreement between the
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