Berkeley council adopts updated zoning and sign regulations; several ordinances and motions pass

The Berkeley City Council voted to adopt a revised zoning ordinance that consolidates and modernizes sign regulations and updates the city zoning map, and it approved a separate ordinance aligning code provisions on sight lines and vegetation.

The first ordinance (O0225) repeals chapter 94 (signs), replaces chapter 138 (zoning) and updates the zoning map to move sign regulations into the zoning ordinance and to align the code with the city master plan, planning staff said. Planning staff and the presenter noted several edits made between readings, including clarified definitions for building‑mounted and freestanding signs, adjustments to temporary sign rules in residential districts, and measurement clarifications for parking distances. Following a public comment period with no speakers on the item, the council approved O0225 by roll call. During the roll call on O0225, Council Member Patterson voted No; Council Members Baker, Black, Gavin and Mayor Dean voted Yes; others recorded as Yes on the roll call and the ordinance passed.

A second ordinance (O0325) was approved to harmonize sight‑triangle and related sections between the city code and the revised zoning ordinance to ensure consistency for safety at driveway and street intersections. The council approved that amendment on second reading by roll call.

Votes at a glance: the meeting included multiple formal votes and consent items. Below are the items recorded in the meeting transcript, with the outcomes as announced on the record.

- Consent agenda (multiple items, including approval of minutes and warrant number 1408): approved by roll call; roll call recorded as Yes for all council members present and the consent agenda passed.

- Motion M1125: application for additional service credit purchase for Sean Knight; cost $28,866, city share $22,977.86 — listed on consent agenda and approved.

- Motion M1225: approving the 2025 summer maintenance agreement with Road Commission for Oakland County — approved as part of consent agenda; city will be reimbursed $1,848 in two installments.

- Motion M1325: purchase of a new skid steer from AIS Construction Equipment Company, New Hudson, Michigan, amount $105,145.93 — approved as part of consent agenda.

- Motion M1425: agreement with DTE Energy for LED street lighting upgrades, amount $115,488.77 — approved as part of consent agenda.

- Ordinance O0225: repeal/replace of sign chapter and zoning updates — passed on second reading by roll call.

- Ordinance O0325: code amendments to address inconsistencies on restricted areas and shrubs/bushes; passed on second reading by roll call.

- Motion M1725: updates to the City of Berkeley fee schedule — approved by roll call; staff said the fee schedule will be published online and is subject to further review during the budget process.

- Motion M1825: lease agreement for use of the marquee — approved by roll call (see separate coverage of marquee lease).

A number of proclamations and appointment items on the agenda were also adopted as part of the consent or subsequent motions, including proclamations recognizing March as Reading Month and Women's History Month.

Ending: Council members and staff said they will post updated ordinance text and the fee schedule online and that some items (notably the zoning map and sign rules) will have implementing steps through planning staff. No further roll calls on the zoning items were requested.