The Cottonwood Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved city staff recommendations for amendments to the city’s zoning ordinance regarding definitions and signs on April 21.
Kristina Hayden, a planner with the Community Development Department, told the commission that several different sections of the zoning ordinance incorporated lists of zoning definitions and that not all were included in Section 201 of the ordinance, which provided a master list of definitions.
“The first six sections contain a total of 121 definitions that are not included in our Article 201 definitions section,” Hayden said.
She also stated that the code contained multiple versions of some definitions or definitions used only to refer to another definition, and recommended that the existing Section 201 be deleted and replaced with a new comprehensive list, as well as the removal or modification of other definitions, to provide clarity to the public and city officials.
In addition, Hayden presented a proposed amendment to Section 405 of the ordinance regarding signs, which would:
■ Allow the Community Development Director to consider the proposed location of a sign if a lot’s size affects the allowed placement of a sign
■ Clarify that illuminated signs are subject to the city’s lighting ordinance
■ Allow those who apply for a permanent sign permit to include a temporary sign permit application at no additional charge
■ Prohibit billboards
■ Clarify the difference among building frontage, street frontage and store frontage
■ Remove excess regulations on flags
■ Limit signs located near driveway entrances to two feet in height or less
The commission approved both sets of amendments unanimously. The amendments are scheduled to be considered by City Council on May 20, and if approved will take effect on June 21.
