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Planning Commission tables overhaul of sign, nonconformity and small wind-energy rules after questions from downtown business interests
Summary
The commission opened a public hearing April 15 on updates to Article 6 (signs, nonconformities and small wind-energy systems). After extended discussion about projecting signs, sidewalk signs, marquees and ADA access, the commission voted to table the ordinance rewrite for more study.
The Hastings City Planning Commission opened a public hearing April 15 on proposed revisions to Article 6 of the city's zoning code addressing nonconformities, signs, and small wind energy systems, then voted to table the package for further review.
Chad Bunger, director of development services, presented the draft changes and the staff rationale, saying that staff had prepared the rewrite and paused it for public process: “These first 3 items of what was intended to be a complete rewrite of our zoning code are 1, some unusable and problematic regulations with the signs. 2, nonconformities are always important. ... And then, small wind energy system was a request from a local business owner wanting to put up a small wind turbines for their for their business.”
Bunger described a number of proposed changes to the sign code, including allowing sidewalk signs by permit, tying wall-sign area to a percentage of building facade (rather than a fixed maximum), and limiting large projecting signs to corner buildings or buildings with at least 60 feet of street frontage. He said the intent was to improve readability and reduce clutter while permitting a range of sign types.
On nonconforming uses and structures, Bunger said the proposed language would allow existing nonconforming uses to remain and be used productively, require registration with the development services department when encountered, and require properties that are substantially damaged to come into conformity when rebuilt. “We're not gonna go actively search for nonconformities and try to shut them down,” he said, adding that the rules are intended to bring properties into compliance over time.
On small wind energy systems, Bunger said the draft keeps front property lines free from turbines, sets a 50-foot setback from the front property line and requires turbine blades to remain clear of the front property line with a minimum 10-foot lateral separation from other property lines.
Commissioners and downtown stakeholders raised questions about the projected-sign limits and sidewalk signs. Commissioner Sean Rossi asked whether the proposed restriction on projecting signs had been addressed; Bunger replied that the current draft continues to limit larger projecting signs to corner buildings or those with wide storefronts and that a smaller 10-square-foot pedestrian sign option would remain. Commissioner Jody Stutzman and Commissioner Lou Culley expressed concerns about protecting existing businesses with nonconforming signs and about downtown competitiveness compared with peer cities. Commissioner Jody Stutzman emphasized pedestrian access and ADA clearance for sidewalk signs.
After discussion, Commissioner Michelle Lewis moved to table the ordinance rewrite for further study; Lou Culley seconded the motion. The commission voted to table the item and agreed to revisit it at a subsequent meeting.
Bunger thanked the commission and staff for their input and said staff would return with additional materials for continued review.
