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St. Albans council sends proposed illuminated-sign rules to planning commission
Summary
On April 21 the St. Albans City Council voted to send a proposed amendment to the zoning code about illuminated signage to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a public hearing and recommendation; councilmembers discussed restricting changes to commercial corridors to protect neighborhoods.
St. Albans City Council on Monday voted to send a proposed amendment to the city zoning code that would change rules for illuminated signage to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a public hearing and recommendation.
The motion, approved by voice vote, would amend zoning code section 1-3-3.16 and related appendices to address prohibited illuminated signage and would require an ordinance to enact any change.
Council members discussed the practical reason behind the request: the city aims to allow a marquee at the police station that would announce police and city business, but members said they want to avoid allowing bright, illuminated signs in residential neighborhoods. Several council members suggested limiting any new allowance to Route 60 or other specified commercial corridors rather than making the change citywide.
Council members noted there are existing illuminated signs for some churches and businesses that were approved under prior councils and said the Planning and Zoning Commission should consider whether those signs should remain grandfathered. The council also discussed technical aspects such as light height and LED brightness and asked staff to present narrower geographic or design limits to reduce neighborhood disturbance.
Next steps: the Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing and return a recommendation to the City Council; if the commission recommends changes, an ordinance will be drafted for council consideration.
