Council approves larger zoning-notice signs, refundable fee structure after state rule change

The City of The Colony council on Sept. 2 approved updates to zoning-notice procedures that reflect recent state changes described in the meeting as part of 'house bill 24.'

Planning staff explained the state now requires larger on-site public-hearing signs; the new minimum size discussed was 24 by 48 inches. Staff said the city's previous small yard signs (about 18 by 18 inches) will be replaced by a larger, reusable sign that includes a QR code linking passersby to staff case information and the online file for the zoning matter. The planning staff and commission recommended a refundable deposit/fee structure: staff had proposed a $150 refundable fee or half the cost for the first two signs and full-cost charges for any additional signs; the planning commission recommended an approach that charges 50% of sign cost for the first two signs and full cost for additional signs to protect city resources if applicants do not return signs.

Staff described an implementation approach using magnetized lettering so the city can reuse the sign panels and avoid a large inventory burden. Council opened and closed the public hearing with no public speakers and later approved the ordinance; staff said an explicit amendment to the master fee schedule will be brought back to reflect the planning commission's fee recommendation.

Council and staff also discussed operations for sign replenishment, deposit handling and the timing for updating the master fee schedule so the fee-change item will be reflected in an upcoming consent or fee-schedule packet.