Wayland City Planning Commission members and Zoning Enforcement Administrator Lori Castello of Professional Code Inspections continue to work on changes for the local sign ordinance.
Amendments are needed because the U.S. Supreme Court not long ago made a ruling that will affect many communities’ regulations. For the most part, the high court insisted no decisions about signs may be content based because of free speech protections.
But while they’re at it, planning commissioners are considering other related issues, such as temporary signs, electronic signs and size limitations.
Castello told the commission, “Sign ordinances are being outdated by technology.”
Castello reported that the current city ordinance permits a sign in certain zones to be as high as 35 feet. She is recommending that to be whittled down to 20 feet.
“We can leave it (the rule) alone, we can change it or change it and include a variance or special use permit provisions,” she said. “This is your town. You tell me what you want to see,”
The discussion was one of several already held on the subject and there are plans for more sessions on sign ordinance amendments.
In another matter, the commission gave site plan approval to Scott Coulter, owner of Coldwater Concrete, who wants to construct an addition to his building at 1075 133rd Ave. on the south edge of the city.
Coulter explained that he wants to use the addition for recreational vehicle storage.
Castello was somewhat concered that Coldwater Concrete has a gravel parking lot.
Coulter said he’s been told by Department of Environmental Quality officials that gravel is better for nearby wetlands.
Castello concurred, but quipped, “Hey, you’re a concrete guy and you insist on using gravel.”
Coulter also said cost is a factor.
COVER PHOTO: Zoning Enforcement Lori Castello uses a city zoning map to explain some of the issues for sign ordinance amendments.