Planning panel backs rezoning to allow Caribou Medical Center LED sign

The Soda Springs Planning & Zoning Commission on April 8 recommended that City Council reclassify Lot 11 in Block 2 (Parcel ID 015008002011) from R-1 (residential) to C-2 (commercial) to allow Caribou Medical Center to install an LED billboard on the site.

Dillon Liechty, the applicant, told the commission that "Caribou Medical Center already owns the parcel and their plan is to plan a billboard sign on the property in order to get information out to the community more effectively through the sign." He said signs are permitted on commercially zoned properties and described the proposed sign as an LED display that would include directional information and an "Emergency" message.

Resident Brock Byrum spoke in support of the zone change but raised a separate concern about orange cones in the area. Vice Chairman Lori Anne Lau opposed rezoning the lot "just for a sign," saying changing the parcel to commercial would allow commercial buildings and remove a potential residential infill lot. Commissioner Waynet Jo Turner said she believed the lot is better suited for commercial zoning and moved to recommend approval, citing a lack of public opposition and that most surrounding parcels are commercially zoned. Commissioner Stephen Simmons seconded the motion.

The motion passed 3-1: Turner, Simmons and Chair Charles Fryar voted in favor; Vice Chairman Lau voted no. The commission recorded that no written responses had been received on the application. The commission's recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for a final decision.

The minutes do not record specific design, size, setback, illumination levels, or permit conditions for the proposed sign; those details will be considered if and when the council acts or during subsequent permit review.