Mills planning commission backs draft Riverfront Overlay, asks staff to tighten materials, signage, parking and lighting rules

The Mills Planning Commission on an affirmative voice vote recommended approval of a package of text amendments to Title 17 of the city land development regulations and a companion zoning map amendment that would apply the new Downtown Riverfront Overlay District to parcels along Wyoming Boulevard from Eighth Street to First Street.

Megan, a city planning staff member, told commissioners the overlay is intended to implement goals in the 2017 comprehensive plan and the city’s riverfront concept design: create a walkable downtown riverfront with parks, trails, plazas, a mix of commercial and residential uses, and cohesive design standards for building materials and signs. She said the council will hold a public hearing on the ordinance’s first reading on June 24 and that three readings will follow, giving the council opportunities to change the draft before final adoption.

Commissioners used the planning commission meeting to refine design details staff will draft into the ordinance before the council hearing. Discussion focused on four practical areas the draft leaves to future design review: exterior materials (especially the use and limits of wood and commercially durable sidings), signage rules and where freestanding monument signs should be allowed, parking and shared‑parking concepts for the amphitheater and mixed‑use buildings, and outdoor lighting standards (color temperature and glare control).

On materials, Commissioners Chris and Kevin said the draft should not broadly bar wood but should make clear that primary building façades should use durable, low‑maintenance commercial materials (brick, stone, cementitious siding such as fiber‑cement/Hardie board). Chris said treated or accented wood and exposed timbers for civic features (for example, an amphitheater or a covered plaza) are acceptable, but the design review process should scrutinize proposed uses. Kevin urged language that allows builders to use commercial‑grade siding rather than thin, low‑durability…