Plan commission approves streamlined sign review (Appleton model)

The Middleton Plan Commission voted unanimously April 28 to adopt staff-recommended Option Two for sign-ordinance changes, a model described in the packet as equivalent to an 'Appleton' approach that would remove routine sign reviews from Plan Commission review as long as the sign complies with the city’s sign code (Section 22.27).

Staff presented three alternatives and recommended that the commission move routine compliance determinations to staff to reduce packet preparation and applicant delay. Commissioner Schaefer said the commission should streamline its docket and trust staff to enforce clear standards; "we want to streamline what is important in this committee," he said. Commissioner Shaw seconded the motion to adopt Option Two. The motion passed by voice vote with no recorded oppositions.

Under the change, signage that complies with the ordinance would not routinely require SIP modification review by the Plan Commission; signs that exceed code limits or are in special districts would continue to come before the commission. Staff said the change is intended to save staff and commission time and shorten approval waits for applicants.