Council removes historic-commercial overlay for hotel parcel; move clears way for larger sign

The Morgan City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 25-03 on March 25 to amend the zoning map and remove a historic commercial overlay covering approximately 1.78 acres at about 215 North and 500 East. The change reverts that hotel parcel to the city’s central commercial (CC) base zone.

Jake, the city planner, said the application originated when the hotel sought multiple new signs; two sign types were not permitted in the historic commercial overlay. Jake said the principal reason for the overlay removal was to allow the hotel to apply for a pole sign visible from the interstate. He told the council the hotel is an existing, modern building that is set back from Commercial Street and is not a candidate for historic preservation.

Councilmembers discussed design standards and safeguards. Planning staff and the historic-preservation group had reviewed the proposal; Jake said the historic preservation committee did not object to removing the hotel from the overlay. Planning Commission provided a unanimous positive recommendation following a public hearing with no public comment.

Councilmembers also discussed draft sign standards that would accompany future ordinance language: allowed low-profile or “monument” signs with material requirements, written landowner permission for off-premise signs, limits on electronic signs and a 300-square-foot maximum sign face for the corridor. Councilmembers noted the freeway-corridor allowance that can permit signs up to 55 feet in height in specific locations.

Dave moved adoption of Ordinance 25-03 and Tony seconded; the council voted verbally in favor and the mayor declared the motion unanimous.