PZ 02/12/2025 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Planning & Zoning Commission/ Local Planning Agency Minutes February 12, 2025 Page 8 Second, the amendment would update Section 3-16.3 to permit electronic signs as a valid sign type within the City's code. Third, the ordinance proposes modifying Section 3-16.6 (currently Reserved) to include performance standards for EMCs, such as which zoning districts they may be permitted in (CG, CS, PMX-H, PMX-HIGH, PMX-MID, I, I -M, ROS, and PS), as well as requirements for acceptable colors, materials, and size/dimensions. Lastly, the ordinance seeks to amend Section 3-16.8 to remove Electronic Signs from the list of prohibited sign types. Mr. McFerrin noted that the public notice requirements for this amendment were met, with an advertisement published in the Orlando Sentinel on January 31, 2025. In evaluating the proposal for consistency with the City's Comprehensive Plan, Mr. McFerrin highlighted several relevant policies. Most notably, Policy FLU 7.5 encourages the City to review and update architectural standards to maintain a modern appearance, which includes considering the use of electronic signs that have become more common in Central Florida. Policy 11 emphasizes the importance of protecting residential areas from the encroachment of nonresidential land uses. However, Mr. McFerrin clarified that any installation of EMCs will be subject to site plan review, ensuring that this concern is addressed. Additionally, Policy RO 2.1 supports improvements to parks and recreation facilities, which may eventually serve as spaces for EMCs. Finally, Mr. McFerrin noted that the proposal aligns with Objective 1 of the Comprehensive Plan, which recognizes private property rights by enhancing commercial property use through additional advertising options. Regarding Criteria 2, Conformance with Ordinances, Mr. McFerrin assured that no EMC installations would occur without the necessary site plan review and building permits. Public noticing requirements were also met in preparation for the hearing. For Criteria 3, which relates to changed conditions prompting the request, Mr. McFerrin noted that the request came as a result of a City Commission directive for staff to explore options for including EMCs in the City's Code. Following this directive, workshops were held in May and August of 2024 to discuss potential regulations and performance standards, reflecting collaboration between the City Commission, staff, and the City Attorney's office. Regarding land use compatibility, Mr. McFerrin stated that EMCs would generally be compatible with areas where traditional signage is already permitted, such as CG, CS, and PMX zoning districts. He also noted that the amendment would not negatively affect public service availability and is not expected to have adverse environmental or economic impacts. Mr. McFerrin emphasized that any future EMC installations would be regulated through the Site Plan Review process, applicable overlay district standards, and various performance criteria