Guthrie council adopts comprehensive zoning code updates, narrows political-sign rules to filing period

The Guthrie City Council unanimously approved Ordinance 33-42 on April 22, adopting an updated city zoning code and adding clarifying language about appeals and political signage.

City planning staffer Dan presented the overhaul as a full rewrite intended to modernize the city's standards and provide clearer appeal procedures. Residents and local builders who spoke during the public comment period supported the update, saying the revised code will ease development and encourage a wider variety of housing types.

Council members discussed the code's restrictions on political signs at length. The draft limited placement to no more than 60 days before an election; Councilman Bothroyd and others argued that 60 days was unrealistic for statewide campaigns. After debate about First Amendment risks and enforceability, the council amended the ordinance to allow political signs beginning on the candidate filing date and ending five days after the election. City Attorney Billy Wheeler cautioned the body that enforcement of political-sign regulations can trigger strict constitutional scrutiny and should be handled consistently.

Dan said the new zoning code contains standard administrative avenues for appeals and other procedural safeguards. Three citizens who identified themselves as a realtor, a local builder and a property owner told the council they had reviewed the draft and urged adoption to move Guthrie toward more predictable permitting and development timelines.

The council voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 33-42 as amended. The planning staff will return final ordinance language for codification and administrative steps described in the adopted document.