Commission backs requiring posted public‑hearing signs on properties

The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended unanimously July 7 that city council adopt a change to the Unified Development Code to require physical public‑hearing notice signs on properties subject to hearings.

Senior Planner Sean Lapano described the proposed subsection as a measure to increase visibility and transparency. "This proposed amendment ... applies, allows for and requires a physical sign to be posted on property subject to public hearing," Lapano said, noting signs would be posted on each street frontage for corner lots and aligned with the 11‑day property‑notice timeline. Lapano said staff would install the signs but would not be responsible for their maintenance.

A commissioner asked whether the onus to install signs should fall to applicants, noting other permitting programs place that responsibility on applicants. A staff member (Julie) replied that the city's intent is consistent messaging and easier public access to notices: "We're trying to make sure that from a city standpoint that you don't have to go to our website, you don't have to read it in the newspaper... Anybody driving by is going to see it." Another staff member, Christopher, added that posting by staff is a low‑cost measure using reusable, standardized signs and that staff can ensure proper wording and placement.

Chair recorded a motion and the commission approved the recommendation by unanimous vote. The recommendation is now set to be forwarded to council for final action.