P&Z reviews sign, cell ordinances
The Navasota Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) held a Regular meeting Thursday, Feb. 13, and conducted two workshops, the first to discuss improvements to the sign ordinance as it pertains to monument, banner, wall mounted and programmable electric signs, and the second to discuss a proposed wireless communication facilities ordinance.
Signage proposals
According to Community Development Director Lupe Diosdado, the City has received feedback from council members, citizens and members of P&Z about the clarity of sign definitions.
Diosdado presented a proposed verbiage change to the monument sign definition stating that there can be no open space between the bottom of the sign face and the solid support base.
The proposed definition reads, ‘A sign permanently affixed to the ground, not elevated by any pole or structure and not attached to or dependent upon any building for support with no open space visible between the bottom of the sign face and the solid support base.’
Regarding banner signs, the current ordinance allows for one banner four times per year for 30 days. The amended version would reduce that period of time to three times per year and require a minimum 30-day interim before another permit could be issued for that address.
Proposed changes to wall mounted and programmable signs clarify quantity. The amended ordinance would allow one wall mounted sign per roadway frontage or one per business location in the Central Business District and Washington Avenue Overlay District.
Diosdado said, “Since we want to maintain the architectural character of our downtown, having one sign on a building lets the older buildings shine.”
During the workshop, commissioners made several additional recommendations to clean up or simplify verbiage.
Cell tower ordinance
review
During the second workshop, commissioners reviewed and discussed a proposed ordinance addressing wireless telecommunication facilities. This followed a 2019 cell tower workshop and P&Z’s request to include requirements that landscaping match the B-1 Business District zoning, proof of effort to determine that existing towers cannot provide tower space and that prohibiting towers from being constructed within 2 miles of each other.
Diosdado advised commissioners that the only request not incorporated in the ordinance was the request limiting the number of miles between towers.
He said, “Per FCC regulations, per city attorney Cary Bovey, a city cannot prohibit coverage and something like that could potentially prohibit coverage.”
The proposed ordinance addresses application requirements, design standards which include security fencing, lighting, landscaping, parking and access.
Before adjourning, commissioners approved the minutes of the Jan. 23 meeting. Present were Dia Copeland, Carolyn Katkoski, chairman Randy Peters, James Harris, Patty Tokoly and Todd Wisner. Dr. John Walla was absent. Community Development Director Lupe Diosdado was present on behalf of the City.
P&Z meets the second and fourth Thursday at 6 p.m. in city council chambers at 200 E. McAlpine Street. The schedule for city council, board and commission meetings is available at https://www.navasotatx.gov/boards.