Gold Hill council adopts ordinance to align zoning map, allow three-story downtown buildings and clarify roof-sign rules

The Gold Hill City Council on Nov. 4 adopted Ordinance 25-08, a package of zoning and comprehensive-plan corrections that reclassifies several parcels, aligns the official zoning map with past code changes and revises Title 17 definitions for signs and building uses.

City Manager Lily read the ordinance by title and staff explained that map inconsistencies left over from the 2023 code update left legacy designations such as R1U and C1/C2 on the map that no longer exist. Planning staff and the planning commission recommended reclassifying those parcels to R1 (low-density residential), downtown or general commercial as appropriate, and correcting public-designation errors for a few river‑front lots and school property.

The ordinance also amends downtown development rules to allow second- and third‑floor residential units in the downtown zone. Staff explained the change does not alter the existing numerical height standard: buildings remain limited to 35 feet, with an additional 5 feet allowed for buildings that include upper‑floor residential units, effectively permitting up to three stories while keeping the same height cap.

Council members asked about the process for individual property‑owners who want a different designation. Staff said property owners would pursue a quasi‑judicial comprehensive plan and zone change amendment and would bear the burden of proof for such changes.

A separate text amendment revises the municipal code definition of a "roof sign." City staff said the change removes "parapet wall" from the roof-sign definition so that parapet signs—common in Gold Hill—are regulated as wall signs rather than prohibited as rooftop signs. Staff pointed to a recent case where a new tenant wanted to return signage to a prior location but was prevented under the existing definition.

A councilor moved to read the ordinance a second time by title only; the motion carried by roll call. After further discussion the council moved to adopt Ordinance 25-08 as amended; the motion passed and the ordinance will take effect 30 days after adoption.

What happens next: staff will update the city's interactive zoning map and exhibits attached to the ordinance, and property owners seeking a different designation may file formal amendment requests following the city's quasi‑judicial procedures.