Collegedale planning commission updates official zoning map, approves ordinance edits including limits on ground-mounted banners

The Collegedale City Planning Commission on an unanimous vote approved an updated official zoning map and a package of zoning ordinance amendments that staff described as primarily editorial corrections and clarifications.

Planning staff told the commission the map update does not change any property zoning but consolidates several rezoning actions approved over the past three to four years into a single graphic. “So tonight’s pretty straightforward, just some housecleaning measures,” planning staff said. The commission voted to adopt the map as presented.

The commission also approved amendments to the newly adopted zoning ordinance. Planning staff said the ordinance, which the commission adopted late last year, required a few corrections after staff review. The amendments include restoring provisions that were unintentionally deleted, clarifying editorial language and adding provisions for wayfinding signage and murals. Planning staff recommended approval of those edits and said one change added the following time limits for temporary, ground-mounted banners in nonresidential zones: “They’re gonna be limited to 90 days per calendar year, or 15 day increments at that.”

Chairwoman Gray and other members asked for a brief description of wayfinding signs for members of the public watching online. Planning staff described them as directional signs placed in the right of way that list high points of interest and include arrows to guide drivers. “So way finding signs is something that you see … their signs are in the right of way that have high points of interest, and directional arrows,” planning staff said.

All motions on the zoning map and the ordinance amendments passed on roll-call votes with every commissioner recorded as voting yes. Commissioners also approved the minutes from the February meeting by unanimous roll call earlier in the session.

Planning staff said the redline showing the edits — including the temporary sign language added the morning of the meeting — will be corrected again before the item goes to the City Commission for final action. The planning commission adjourned and staff said a planning commission meeting is expected next month; staff will circulate that agenda when it is ready.