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Plan Commission backs repeal of Liberty Square overlay to encourage development while keeping appearance standards
Summary
City staff recommended removing much of the Liberty Square overlay to make parcels marketable; the commission voted to forward a recommendation to repeal the overlay and adopt associated corridor appearance and sign standards after discussing signage, drive-throughs and architectural expectations.
City staff presented a proposed amendment to repeal the Liberty Square overlay and adopt commercial appearance corridor standards for the area, saying the overlay had become too restrictive and limited development opportunities. Karen Rowan, deputy zoning official, and Tammy Johnson, community development director, said removing the overlay would retain C-2 and M-1 zoning while eliminating some overly prescriptive overlay rules.
Commissioners focused on which elements to keep—sign standards (monument signs), appearance code adjustments and material/architectural guidance so the corridor does not look like a warehouse district. Staff said routine zoning-compliant developments would not return to the commission unless a variance or ordinance change were requested. The commission moved and voted to recommend repeal of the Liberty Square overlay and adoption of the associated commercial appearance corridor, and encouraged staff to market and sell parcels in the area promptly.
