CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH, FLORIDA

MEMORANDUM

 

 

DATE:           October 6, 2009

 

TO:                 D. Mike Good, City Manager

 

FROM:           Richard D. Cannone, Director of Development Services

 

SUBJECT:      An Ordinance of the City of Hallandale Beach, Florida, Amending Chapter 32, Article IV of the Zoning and Land Development Code, Division 17, Signs, Relative to Political Signs, Providing for Conflict, Severability and an Effective Date. (First Reading) (CAD# 022/03)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

 

PURPOSE

 

To amend Chapter 32, Article IV of the Zoning and Land Development Code relative to political signs.

 

BACKGROUND:

 

At a Special Planning Workshop in August 2005, the City Commission and staff discussed the city codes and potential amendments. Staff was directed to amend several sections of the Code. Many of the Code amendments have since been adopted. Political signs regulations were also to be amended per City Commission comments.

 

The Ordinance was presented to the Planning & Zoning Board on September 23, 2009. The Board recommended approval by a vote of 6 to 0. After discussion, they recommended the Ordinance be amended to limit the height of freestanding political signs. Attached are the minutes of the hearing.

 

ANALYSIS:

 

Staff has prepared the attached Ordinance which incorporates the City Commission’s comments of the Planning Workshop. The following is a summary of the proposed amendments contained in the attached ordinance:

 

  1. Prohibits the placement of political signs prior to 60 calendar days of an election.

 

  1. Requires the removal of the signs within 10 calendar days of an election.

 

  1. Eliminates the present prohibition of A and V shaped freestanding political signs, such signs would count as one sign.

 

  1. The sign area permitted remains the same, 16 sq. ft., however, a maximum of 8 feet in height was added, as presently, there is no height restriction for freestanding political signs.

 

  1. Permits placement of political signs in public property if determined by the City Manager to serve a public purpose.

 

  1. Permits vehicular signs if magnetic type.

 

  1. Requires a refundable bond which all or a portion may be returned by the City to cover its cost of administration and removing the sign if in violation of the Code.

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

Staff recommends the City Commission adopt on First Reading the attached Ordinance and schedule Second Reading for November 4, 2009.

 

 

Prepared by: _________________________________________

                       Christy Dominguez, Director of Planning & Zoning

 

 

Reviewed:

 

______________________________                                      ______________

D. Mike Good, City Manager                                                                     Date

 

 ____ Approved                          _____ Denied                     _____ Hold for Discussion

 

Comments:

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