Commission adopts temporary moratorium on billboards as staff updates sign regulations
Loading...
Summary
The City Commission voted to adopt a temporary moratorium on billboards by adding a zoning ordinance provision to pause new sign permits while staff and the city attorney update the sign regulations and review case law.
The Kentwood City Commission on April 1 adopted a temporary moratorium on billboards and related sign permits while staff and the city attorney update the city's sign regulations.
Terry, the planning staff member leading the work, told the commission the moratorium follows action in February and was intended to make clear the city was taking time to review sign regulations and relevant case law. "The planning commission is offering a recommendation to adopt the amendment," Terry said, adding staff are close to a final draft.
The ordinance language would add a new section, 3.34, to the zoning ordinance titled "Moratorium on Billboards." Terry said the moratorium could last up to six months but could be withdrawn earlier if staff completes the review sooner. "Correct," Terry answered when a commissioner asked whether the moratorium was temporary.
No members of the public spoke during the public hearing. Commissioner Moore moved to approve the zoning text amendment; Commissioner Tyson supported the motion. The clerk recorded unanimous support among present commissioners: Morgan, Mosley, Tyson, Hertz, Moore and Mayor Kepley voted yes; Commissioner Coghlan had been excused earlier in the meeting. The motion passed.
Staff said the review will include a planning commission work session and public hearing before any permanent ordinance changes are adopted. The mayor said the final draft is "quite tedious" and will require public communication once completed.
