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HEARING: Consider extending the previously adopted Urgency Ordinance that imposed a 45-day moratorium on the processing and approval of any freestanding sign permits over certain size; the proposed extension reduces the scope of the previously adopted moratorium. This proposed moratorium would prohibit the approval of only those freestanding signs within one half mile of the edge of the right-of-way of U.S. Highway 50 and State Routes 49, 89, 153, and 193. The proposed extension to the moratorium would prohibit approval of signs: (A) In all unincorporated areas of the County; (B) Within one-half mile of the edge of the right-of-way of U.S. Highway 50 and State Routes 49, 89, 153, and 193; (C) Exceed 80 square feet in size or 15 feet in height; and (D) In all zoned districts. Planning Services recommends the Board take the following actions:
1) Adopt the Interim Ordinance, effective immediately and until August 7, 2014 or until repealed by the Board (4/5 vote required); and
2) Direct staff to proceed with the Comprehensive Sign Ordinance Update using one of the following options:
(a) Process a Request for Proposals for the Comprehensive Sign Ordinance Update; or
(b) Include the Comprehensive Sign Ordinance Update to the Land Use Policy Programmatic Update process under a revised contract with ICF Jones & Stokes. (Refer 8/7/12, Item 18)
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Background
On August 7, 2012, the Board of Supervisors approved an urgency ordinance imposing a 45-day moratorium on acceptance of new applications and processing of existing ones for signs exceeding 80 square feet in area and/or 15 feet in height (hereinafter referred to as "billboards"). At the same time, the Board also directed staff to process a Request for Proposals (RFP) to comprehensively update the current Sign Ordinance (Chapter 17.16). In doing so, it would be necessary to extend the moratorium to the maximum two year time limit afforded by State law to allow adequate time for this process to be completed...
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