Planning commission reviews draft sign-code changes, schedules public hearing for October

Mona City planning staff and the city attorney reviewed a set of proposed clarifications to the city’s sign ordinance during Wednesday’s work session and told residents present that the commission will hold a public hearing on the proposed changes in October.

The draft updates aim to clarify combined-use zoning language, maximum sign area and spacing, and allowable heights. City staff said the redlined changes are intended to remove ambiguities that have led to inconsistent enforcement, not to impose sudden new restrictions. Nick, the city attorney, told the meeting that sign regulations generally allow municipalities to regulate sign size, placement and number but not content, and that the city’s policy choices should reflect community priorities.

A property owner, Troy Linton, attended the meeting to discuss a large freestanding sign on his commercially zoned parcel. Staff told him his structure as built exceeds the 36-square-foot maximum sign area listed in the existing code and that multiple smaller panels on a single supporting structure still count toward spacing rules and area limits. Staff said the owner may apply for a variance to the city council if he seeks relief from the code.

Commissioners and staff said they plan to incorporate public feedback and finalize language with legal review before scheduling an October public hearing. Staff advised that changes to the land-use ordinance require public notice and a council vote to become law; the commission’s draft will be forwarded to council following the required public process.

The city attorney offered to meet with the sign owner and staff to explain the variance process and to provide draft language for the commission to consider. Planning staff said the draft will be posted for public review ahead of the October hearing.