HomeMy WebLinkAboutPZ.2012.1011.MinutesTOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL JOINT SESSION OF THE FOUNTAIN HILLS
TOWN COUNCIL AND PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION AND
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
OCTOBER 11, 2012
Planning and Zoning Chairman Lloyd Pew opened the meeting at 5:30 p.m.
TOWN COUNCIL ROLL CALL:
Mayor Linda Kavanagh
present
Vice -Mayor Henry Leger
present
Councilmember Dennis Brown
present
Councilmember Cassie Hansen
present
Councilmember Ginny Dickey
present
Councilmember Tait Elkie
present
Councilmember Cecil Yates
present
Kenneth W. Buchanan, Town Manager
present
Paul Mood, Director of Development Services
present
Town Attorney Andrew McGuire
present
Ken Kurth, Street Superintendent
present
PLANNING & ZONING ROLL CALL:
Chairman Lloyd Pew
present
Vice -Chairman Angela Strohan
present
Commissioner Richard Turner
present
Commissioner Mike Archambault
present
Commissioner Stan Connick
present
Commissioner Mike Archambault
present
Commissioner Eugene Slechta
present
Commissioner Steven Harris
present
Chairman Lloyd Pew opened the joint session.
Mayor Linda Kavanagh congratulated and welcomed the reappointed Planning and Zoning
Commission members Richard Turner, Angela Strohan, Stan Connick and Eugene Slechta and she
introduced the newly appointed Planning and Zoning Commissioner Steven Harris.
Chairman Lloyd Pew opened the discussion and turned the presentation over to Town Manager
Kenneth W. Buchanan who asked Paul Mood, Director of Development Services to start the
presentation in regards to a proposed pavement management program that will be presented to the
APWA Town Council next month. Mr. Buchanan pointed out that Mr. Mood, Ken Kurth, Street
Superintendent, or he would be available to answer any questions.
Page 1 of 14
ITEM # 1- Discussion of street improvement town wide. Town Manager Ken Buchanan and
Director of Development Services Paul Mood presented an update and provided a
PowerPoint presentation on the street improvement issue.
Paul Mood gave a presentation (See Exhibit "A" attached copy of his PowerPoint presentation).
Mr. Mood proceeded to answer questions from the Town Councilmembers and Commissioners.
Item # 2 — Discussion of the Downtown Theatre Project. Town Manager Ken Buchanan
gave an update.
Mr. Buchanan stated that the theatre project was a non-starter. Mr. Buchanan pointed out the
agreement was approved by Town Council in February with acquisition of the land to occur by
September. He added that the Town sent a 30 -day notice to the applicant last Monday that the
Development Agreement had been terminated. (See Exhibit `B" attached)
No questions or discussion ensued.
Item # 3 — Discussion of the status of Economic Development policy. Town Manager Ken
Buchanan gave a presentation regarding the proposed town's economic development policy.
Mr. Buchanan spoke to the status of the Town's Economic Development policy. He pointed out
that there were three initiatives (1) Business Attraction initiative (2) Tourist initiative and (3) The
® Strategic Plan to further the development of the downtown area. (See Exhibit "C" attached copy of
the presentation). Mr. Buchanan stated that the three initiatives where being planned and would
then be presented to the Town Council.
Item # 4 — Planning and Zoning Chairman Lloyd Pew asked for any further questions or
discussion, which there were none. Chairman Pew adjourned the meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 6:09 p.m.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
OCTOBER 119 2012
Chairman Lloyd Pew opened the regular meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission at 6:30
p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.
Present for the meeting were the following members of the Fountain Hills Planning and Zoning
Commission: Chairman Lloyd Pew, Vice -Chairman Angela Strohan, Commissioners Stan
Connick, Richard Turner, Mike Archambault, Eugene Slechta, and Steven Harris. Also present
were Director of Development Services Paul Mood, Town Attorney Andrew McGuire, Senior
Planner Robert Rodgers, and Executive Assistant and Recorder of the Minutes Janice Baxter.
Page 2 of 14
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ROLL CALL:
Chairman Lloyd Pew
present
Vice -Chairman Angela Strohan
present
Commissioner Stan Connick
present
Commissioner Richard Turner
present
Commissioner Mike Archambault
present
Commissioner Eugene Slechta
present
Commissioner Steven Harris
present
Robert Rodgers, Senior Planner asked for nominations for Chairman of the Planning and Zoning
Commission for the period beginning October 11, 2012 and ending October 10,. 2013. [An
incorrect ending date was shown on the agenda noted as October 17, 2013, and brought to the
attention of the Chairman before the meeting.]
Commissioner Richard Turner nominated Lloyd Pew for reappointment for an additional year as
Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission beginning October 11, 2012, through October
10, 2013. Lloyd Pew accepted the nomination and Commissioner Gene Slechta seconded the
nomination. Robert Rodgers asked if there were any other nominations and hearing none, he
closed the nominations and a vote was taken with all Commissioners in favor.
Chairman Lloyd Pew asked for nominations for Vice -Chairman of the Planning and Zoning
Commission. Chairman Lloyd Pew nominated Angela Strohan. Commissioner Mike
Archambault seconded the nomination. Chairman Pew asked if there were any other nominations,
and hearing none he closed the nominations and called for a vote for re -appointment of Angela
Strohan as Vice -Chairman serving from October 11, 2012 through October 10, 2013. All were in
favor.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Peter Bordow a Fountain Hills resident spoke to the issue of the proposed sign regulations. (See Exhibit
«D»
REGULAR AGENDA
AGENDA ITEM #1 — CONSIDERATION of APPROVING the Planning and Zoning
Commission Regular Meeting Minutes from September 13, 2012.
Vice -Chairman Angela Strohan MOVED to approve the meeting minutes from the September 13,
2012, Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting, as presented. Commissioner Gene Slechta
SECONDED. A roll call vote was taken and the MOTION CARRIED 6-0, with one abstention,
Commissioner Stan Connick.
Page 3 of 14
Chairman Lloyd Pew
aye
Vice -Chairman Angela Strohan
aye
Commissioner Stan Connick
abstained
Commissioner Eugene Slechta
aye
Commissioner Richard Turner
aye
Commissioner Mike Archambault
aye
Commissioner Steven Harris
aye
AGENDA ITEM #2 — CONTINUED CONSIDERATION of TEXT AMENDMENTS to the
Zoning Ordinance to amend Chapters 12, 16, and 18. If adopted, the amendments would revise
the permitted use sections to allow all restaurants to have outdoor seating areas in commercial or
lodging zoning districts. The amendment would also eliminate the requirement that outdoor
seating areas be fenced if no alcohol is served and there are no public safety issues. Case Number
Z2012-04; Ordinance 2012-05.
Robert Rodgers, Senior Planner explained why this item was continued from the Planning and
Zoning public hearing on September 13, 2012. Mr. Rodgers explained that during consideration,
Commissioner Gene Slechta made a motion to amend the proposal so as to keep the special use
permit requirement for outdoor seating areas in the C -C and C-1 zoning districts. That motion
died for lack of a second. Mr. Rodgers continued to explain that Commissioner Richard Turner
then moved to amend the proposal so as to keep the special use permit requirement in the C -C
zoning district only. That motion failed on a 2-2 vote. Chairman Lloyd pew decided to continue
the discussion to this meeting so that the entire Commission could participate in the discussion.
This brought us back to the original question, which was staff's recommendation that the
Commission forward a recommendation to Council to approve the proposed text amendment, as
presented.
Chairman Lloyd Pew asked for questions or a discussion concerning this recommendation.
Commissioner Gene Slechta said he supported the spirit of the changes, including the possibilities
of not requiring enclosures to the outdoor seating areas when alcohol was being sold. However,
Commissioner Slechta reiterated his objections regarding neighborhood commercial zoning
districts. Commissioner Slechta stated that there were two zoning districts that included in their
definition two sentences that were not found in the others. Commissioner Slechta stated that those
sentences were as follows:
"Provide for services to the community, which was not detrimental to the integrity of the
surrounding neighborhood" and
"Particular attention was to be paid to the interface between commercial or professional uses and
the residential uses within the same neighborhood"
Commissioner Slechta continued to express that these two zoning districts, C -C and C-1 should
continue to require special use permits for outdoor seating because they were so closely aligned
with quiet, residential neighborhoods. Commissioner Slechta stressed that he felt that was not
Page 4 of 14
C°
unreasonable to provide the residential neighborhood surrounding neighborhood commercial
zoning districts an opportunity to weigh in through the special use process.
Commissioner Gene Slechta made a MOTION to continue to require a special use permit process
for the C -C and C-1 zoning districts.
Chairman Pew asked if there was a Second to the MOTION. Commissioner Richard Turner
SECONDED for the purpose a discussion.
Chairman Pew re -stated the MOTION as follows: Move to forward a recommendation to the
Town Council to approve the proposed text amendments to Chapters 12, 16 and 18 of the Zoning
Ordinance relating to outdoor seating areas with the exception of C -C and C-1, zoning districts,
which would still be required to obtain a special use permit for outdoor seating.
Chairman Pew asked for questions or discussion by the Commission.
Commissioner Richard Turner asked Mr. Rodgers if there was much C-1 in the Downtown area.
Mr. Rodgers answered that there was none in the downtown area.
Commissioner Mike Archambault stated that he researched the Town's C -C and C-1 areas on a
map and then he communicated his findings to the Commissioners.
Commissioner Mike Archambault requested additional information regarding prop 207 liability.
Town Attorney Andrew McGuire weighed in on the questions regarding the issues involved.
Vice -Chairman Angela Strohan agreed with Commissioner Slechta and supported the idea of the
residents having the ability to voice their opinion on outdoor seating in the C -C and C-1 zoning
districts.
Mr. Rodgers stated that, in his opinion, those two zoning districts were not situated any differently
than the other districts in town. All are in relatively close proximity to residential areas.
Chairman Lloyd Pew asked for a vote ori the motion as follows: Move to forward a
recommendation to the Town Council to approve the proposed text amendments to Chapters 12,
16 and 18 of the Zoning Ordinance relating to outdoor seating areas with the exception of C -C
and C-1 zoning districts.
A voice vote was taken and the MOTION CARRIED 5-2, with Commissioner Mike
Archambault and Chairman Lloyd Pew voting nay.
Page 5 of 14
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AGENDA ITEM #3 — PUBLIC HEARING to receive comments on ORDINANCE 12-07, a
text amendment to Chapter 1, "Definitions", and Chapter 6, "Signs Regulations" of the Zoning
Ordinance of the Town of Fountain Hills. If adopted, the amendments revise large portions of the
Town's regulations regarding commercial signage. Case Number Z2012-01; Ordinance 2012-07.
Robert Rodgers, Senior Planner gave the presentation and included a PowerPoint presentation.
The attached Exhibit "E" where comments sent via email and forwarded to the Commissioners
and Exhibit "F" is a copy of Mr. Rodger's PowerPoint presentation.
Mr. Rodgers stated that staff suggested that the Planning and Zoning Commission forward a
recommendation to the Town Council to approve the text amendments to Chapter 1, "Definitions"
and Chapter 6, "Sign Regulations" of the Zoning Ordinance as presented with the amendments
recommended by staff.
Mr. Rodgers explained that the primary reasons for the sign regulations was to deal with
aesthetics, visual character; to provide reasonable limits on the number and size of signs; to
differentiate between signs that are aimed at autos versus pedestrians, and for public safety.
Mr. Rodgers pointed out that an ad-hoc Sign Ordinance Review Committee was formed in July
2011, consisting of volunteers from the business community, citizens, staff, Planning and Zoning
Commissioners, and Town Councilmembers. The committee reviewed the entire sign ordinance
and made recommendations for improvements and clarifications. Particular emphasis was placed
on A -frame signs and banner regulations. He added that the Sign Ordinance Review committee
scheduled meetings weekly until April 2012. Three open houses were held to present the
committee's proposed regulations to the community and receive further input.
Mr. Rodgers noted that the Planning & Zoning Commission held a Public Hearing on July 12,
2012. The Commission recommended approval of the ordinance amendments subject to a few
amendments. However, due to the additional amendments made by the Town Attorney,
comments received at a Town Council Workstudy, and the Sign Committee's re -review, this
second Public Hearing was held.
The section numbers listed here erre the ones being anrentled ivith this proposal.
Section 6.02: Was the first major change with "Definitions" moved.
Sections 6.03 through 6.07: Were primarily typo fixes, department name changes, and
consistency changes that were more administrative in nature.
Section 6.08: Was the main focus of the ordinance and details the guidelines for various types of
signage allowed within the town.
Section 6.02: The Definitions are being moved to Chapter 1, of the Zoning
Ordinance.
Page 6of14
Section 6.03: Department name change to "Development Services".
- Adding a sliding plexi -glass face change doesn't need a permit.
- Take out Section B that was a hold -over from the past. The town does not issue
stickers for signs, except for A frames.
Section 6.04: Delete Section "C" since it was redundant. The two previous sections say the
same thing.
Section 6.05: Town Council recently adopted a revised penalty section into the Town Code. This
change makes this section consistent with the adopted version. This ordinance section currently
states:
Fines may be assessed according to the following schedule:
A. First offense, fine not to exceed $25.00 and confiscation of sign(s).
B. Second offense within twelve (12) calendar months offirst offense, fine not
to exceed $50.00 and confiscation of sign(s).
C. All subsequent violations within twelve (12) calendar months of the first
• offense, fine not to exceed $100.00 and confiscation of sign(s).
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION:
The Commission voted in the July 12, 2012, public hearing to recommend that the penalties for
violations be increased to be $100 for the first offence, $500 for the second offence, and $700 for
the third offence. Staff supported this recommendation.
TOWN COUNCIL WORKSTUDY:
The consensus of the Town Council during their work study review of this ordinance appeared to
indicate that the Council would prefer that the penalty fines remain the same as they are currently.
SIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE:
The sign review committee has recommended that the penalty fines remain the same as they are
currently.
Public Hearing Opened at 7:15 p.m.
James Carpentier, Mesa, Arizona representing the International Sign Association gave some
recommendations for the Town's consideration. (See Exhibit "G")
Peter Bordow spoke again to the Commissioners regarding his opinion on the proposed sign
regulations. (See Exhibit "G")
Public Hearing Closed at 7:22 p.m.
Page 7 of 14
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AGENDA ITEM #4 — CONSIDERATION of ORDINANCE 12-07, a text amendment to
Chapter 1, "Definitions", and Chapter 6, "Signs Regulations" of the Zoning Ordinance of the
Town of Fountain Hills. If adopted, the amendments revise large portions of the Town's
regulations regarding commercial signage. Case Number Z2012-01; Ordinance 2012-07.
Chairman Lloyd Pew explained that he would like to bring forth a motion and then any revisions
within the document would be addressed individually.
Commissioner Richard Turner asked what the status of the vote on this document dated July 12,
2012 was. Town Attorney Andrew McGuire explained that because of substantial changes, it was
decided that it was only fair to give the Commission a chance in a public hearing to make a
recommendation on this new version before it was brought back to the Town Council.
Chairman Lloyd Pew made a MOTION to forward a recommendation to the Town Council to
approve the text amendment to Chapter 1, "Definitions" and Chapter 6 "Sign Regulations" of the
Zoning Ordinance as presented to the Commission in the draft amendment. Commissioner
Richard Turner SECONDED the MOTION for the sake of discussion.
Vice -Chairman Angela Strohan asked Mr. Rodgers if a decision had been made on how the Town
was going to enforce the proposed regulations. Mr. Rodgers answered that any adopted
regulations would be enforced through the Town's Code Enforcement.
Chairman Pew opened the discussion on Chapter 1, "Definitions". Chairman Pew asked for
clarification on revisions to definitions that did not pertain to signs. Mr. McGuire explained that
since the Town was making massive changes, it only made sense to revise other areas of Chapter 1
and do some cleanups. Mr. McGuire added that the main reason was to reconcile some of the
areas of the definitions that were inconsistent with one another or the same term was defined
differently in Chapter 6, as it was in Chapter 1.
Chairman Pew asked for further discussion on Chapter 1. No one came forward.
Chairman Pew requested discussion on Chapter 6.04. There was none.
Commissioner Gene Slechta read the following:
"We've been at this over a year. The sign committee has brought forward over 30 significant
changes designed to improve, and increase, signage exposure in the town. I support most of
those changes.....SOME I do not. It is no secret that the vast amount of energy expended in this
review was dealing with temporary signage. In addition, the committee revised verbiage
wherever clarity was needed. I certainly support all those changes.
In a number of the meetings I quoted the veryfirst paragraph of the sign chapter ,... the
PURPOSE of sign regulations: It says.... "These sign regulations are intended to encourage
Page 8 of 14
ATTRACTIVE signage for businesses and services, optimizing the availability of information
while promoting the general welfare by creating a more aesthetically appealing community':
The results here clearly addressed businesses interests..... But, in my opinion, fell short on
meeting the purpose statement in the area of aesthetics. Let's look at this through the proper
lens. First a bit of history, which is mostly in Bob's staff report. Major revisions were passed in
2008 to support the business community. These changes were designed by.....the business
community. Town Council, wisely, put expiration dates of one year fora frames and banners
for "special events': This was put in so that the Town Council could evaluate how businesses
were complying. Every year now for the past 4 years the Council has granted an
extension,.... even though their violations were consistently 90% or higher. Now we are looking
at dramatic expansion of the usage.
Aesthetics are important!!! Sign abuse and clutter has unintended consequences. Don't believe
me? Ask the Council.
2 days ago, there was a Council work study session. One of the items on the agenda was a
discussion on.....POLITICAL signs. The Town Council has asked staff to craft a resolution that
will ban these signs from town rights-of-way of every single arterial in this town.
Justification...... "placement (of political signs).... within the rights-of-way (of commercial
areas) will detract from the scenic and aesthetic appeal"... "deter its appeal to tourists':
Commissioners, these are temporary signs being placed on our town property. These are no
different, in principle, then cluttering up our town right of ways with businesses temporary
signs.
Bottom line, if political signs are unattractive along the streets, so area frames and banners.
Chairman Pew requested discussion on Chapter 6.05. Commissioner Gene Slechta wanted to
reiterate that it had previously been recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission to
increase the fines and that the fines had now been recommended back to the original fines.
Commissioner Slechta noted that in 2008, substantial changes were made in the sign regulations.
He continued that in the area of temporary signs the town has had many violations and noted at
least 90% violations in A -frames and 100% with banners. Commissioner Slechta pointed out that
in the past our Town Council has asked for support from the business community to police the
problem with no luck. Commissioner Slechta proposed going back to the Commissioners
recommendation to increase the fines.
Commissioner Mike Archambault made a MOTION to go back to his originally proposed fines of
1St offense $100.00; 2nd offense $500.00; P offense $700.00.
Chairman Lloyd Pew asked for a second to this motion. Commissioner Gene Slechta
SECONDED the MOTION.
Chairman Pew asked for a discussion to this motion.
Commissioner Mike Archambault noted that he sees sign violations and added that for 4-5 years
no one has been fined for violations to our sign ordinance. He also stated that if we do not put
some kind of fine on violations with teeth, what good are our regulations.
Commissioner Stan Connick stated he did not feel a large violation fine would be good relations.
Page 9 of 14
Commissioner Richard Turner asked if the fine was for each day of violations. Robert Rodgers
answered that it would be up to the judge if someone decided to take it to court, but the ordinance
stated per day. Commissioner Gene Slechta noted that before a fine was imposed the violator
would be given a written warning and if necessary a ticket would be issued for $25.00.
Commissioner Slechta pointed out that it would be a "not to exceed" amount if increased and the
judge would have the ability to determine what the fine would be if the case was to go to court.
Chairman Pew pointed out that there were other alternatives listed in the ordinance before fines
are given to a violator.
Chairman Lloyd Pew asked for a voice vote on the motion, and the MOTION FAILED 2-5. The
proposed fees would remain the same with no change.
Chairman Pew asked for discussions on the following:
6.07F
None
6.071.4
None
6.0771.5
None
6.071.9
None
6.07J
None
6.07K
None
6.07M
None
6.07N
None
6.07Q
None
6.08
None
6.08.A.1 None
6.083 Commissioner Gene Slechta stated he did not support A -frames in the town right-of-ways
because one-half of the businesses using A -frames leave them out 24 hours a day and many in the
right-of-ways. Commissioner Slechta added that most businesses are open 40 hours per week so
there was no reason for these temporary signs to be out on town property 168 hours per week.
Commissioner Slechta would amend the revised recommendations that A -frame sign placement be
allowed in town as currently written.
Commissioner Mike Archambault asked Mr. McGuire if he was comfortable with permitting signs
in the right-of-ways. Mr. McGuire answered that there was no control if someone was not paying
attention and hit a sign. Commissioner Archambault expressed his recommendation that signs
should be consistent and placed no closer than 3' behind the curb instead of 1' without attached
balloons and 3' with attached balloons.
Commissioner Stan Connick agreed with Commissioner Archambault and Commissioner Slechta
because being a bike rider his concern would be that an A -frame set 1' behind the curb could fall
over into the street and impede walkers or riders using this street portion.
Page 10 of 14
11
Commissioner Gene Slechta stated that he did not support 3' behind the curb since in various
areas of town the signs would still be placed in the right-of-way.
Commissioner Connick made a MOTION to be consistent at placement of A -frames behind the
curb 3'. Commissioner Mike Archambault SECONDED and the MOTION CARRIED, 6-1,
with Commissioner Slechta voting no.
Chairman Lloyd Pew also instructed Robert Rodgers to revise everyplace in the ordinance that
placed signs 1' from curb and amend to 3'. Mr. Rodgers stated that this would include garage sale
signs and open house signs.
Mr. Rodgers asked if any of the Commissioners wanted to comment on the one-year extension for
A -frames and banners since the draft stated a sunset date (committee recommendation) of
December 31, 2014. The Commission moved to recommend only a one-year extension to
December 31, 2013.
Commissioner Gene Slechta asked to discuss the times allowed to display A -frames.
Commissioner Slechta did not support the 6:00 a.m. — 12:00 a.m. but would like to see the signs
allowed between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Commissioner Slechta pointed out that a
majority of towns and cities allow A -frames during business hours only. Another issue was that
with the 6a.m. - 12 a.m. the A -frames would likely not be taken down and enforcement would be
limited.
Commissioner Gene Slechta made a MOTION to return to the current ordinance regarding A -
frames times allowed to 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Commissioner Stan Connick SECONDED and
the MOTION CARRIED, 7-0.
Commissioner Gene Slechta made a MOTION to not allow A -frame signage in the town's right-
of-ways. The MOTION FAILED for lack of a Second.
6.08.1) Commissioner Gene Slechta commented that it was unlikely that businesses would take a
banner down for a short period of time and then place the banner up at a different time per month.
Commissioner Slechta also explained that it would be difficult to enforce.
Commissioner Gene Slechta made a MOTION to keep the banner regulations the same as they
are currently and Commissioner Stan Connick SECONDED. Chairman Pew asked for a roll call
vote with the following results:
The MOTION FAILED 3-3, with Commissioner Harris abstaining.
Commissioner Gene Slechta made a MOTION to recommend extending the sunset date until
December 31, 2013.
Chairman Lloyd Pew SECONDED and the MOTION CARRIED 5-2.
Page 11 of 14
Commissioner Richard Turner made a MOTION to amend the 14 days per month to display event
banners to 7 consecutive days per month. This would not include grand opening banners. Robert
Rodgers mentioned that the business owner would choose the dates, which would be approved by
over the counter review and Code Enforcement would receive a copy for enforcement purposes.
Vice -Chairman Strohan SECONDED and the MOTION CARRIED 5-2.
Chairman Lloyd Pew made a MOTION to expand 6.08F to include all contractors.
MOTION FAILED for lack of second.
6.08.P Mr. McGuire answered questions from the Commission. Specifically, the removal of the
conditions, which would also count for total signage area.
6.08Q None
6.08R Andrew McGuire explained that State Law requires that the Town allow signs in
the right-of-ways with the exception of tourism and hospitality zones and that could
include areas such as the fountain, golf courses, hotels, and the mountain preserve.
6.08.S
None
6.08.T
None
6.08.V
None
6.08.X
None
6.08.AA
None
6.08.1313
®
None
6.08.CC
None
6.08.DD
None
6.08.EE
None
6.08.FF
None
6.08.CC
Commissioner Slechta stated that he did not support the committee's
recommendation at this time. Commissioner Slechta added that the reality was that
we are in the 21St century and need to recognize that electronic signage can provide
a benefit to the business community. However, our lighting section, Chapter 8, of
the Zoning Ordinance lives in the 20th century. Commissioner Slechta noted
changes in technology and illumination standards in the past decade or two.
Commissioner Slechta recommended denial of the proposed amendment until such
time as Chapter 8, has been reviewed and updated to current standards and
technology.
Commissioner Mike Archambault made a MOTION to return back to the Town's original
ordinance concerning electronic message regulations. Commissioner Gene Slechta SECONDED.
A roll call vote was requested with the following results:
Commissioner Turner
nay
Commissioner Archambault
aye
Vice -Chairman Strohan
nay
• Commissioner Connick
nay
Page 12 of 14
Chairman Pew nay
Commissioner Harris abstained
Commissioner Slechta aye
The MOTION FAILED 4-2.
Commissioner Gene Slechta thanked Robert Rodgers and Janice Baxter for their work on the sign
ordinance and seconded by Commissioner Stan Connick.
Chairman Lloyd Pew made a MOTION to accept the amended document as presented in this
document. Commissioner Richard Turner SECONDED and the MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
AGENDA ITEM #5 - COMMISSION DISCUSSION/REQUEST FOR RESEARCH to the
Planning and Zoning Administrator. Items listed below are related only to the propriety of (i)
placing such items on a future agenda for action or (ii) determining if a majority of
Commissioners wish to request staff to conduct further research and report back to the
Commission.
None Received.
AGENDA ITEM #6 - REPORT from the Senior Planner of Planning and Zoning.
Robert Rodgers Senior Planner congratulated Chairman Lloyd Pew for being re -appointed as
Chairman for another one-year term. Mr. Rodgers also congratulated Angela Strohan for her re-
appointment as Commissioner and for being re -appointed Vice -Chairman for another one-year
term. Mr. Rodgers also congratulated Commissioner Stan Connick, Commissioner Richard
Turner, and Commissioner Gene Slechta for their re -appointment and welcomed the new member
Steven Harris to the Commission.
Mr. Rodgers notified the Commissioners that the Thursday, October 25, 2012, Commission
meeting would be cancelled. Mr. Rodgers added that the Business Showcase would be held on
Thursday October 24, at the Community Center from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
AGENDA ITEM #77 SUMMARY OF COMMISSION REQUESTS
No requests were made
AGENDA ITEM #8.- ADJOURNMENT.
Commissioner Slechta MOVED to adjourn and Vice -Chairman Strohan SECONDED the
MOTION. The MOTION CARRIED (7-0), by those present.
Chairman Lloyd Pew aye
Vice -Chairman Angela Strohan aye
Page 13 of 14
Commissioner Stan Connick
Commissioner Mike Archambault
aye
aye
Commissioner Eugene Slechta
aye
Commissioner Richard Turner
aye
Commissioner Steven Harris
aye
The meeting ADJOURNED at 8:38 p.m.
FOUNTAIN HILLS PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
BY:
Chairman Lloyd Pew
CERTIFICATION
ATTEST:
J ice Baxter, Itecorder of the Minutes
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the
meeting of the Fountain Hills Planning and Zoning Commission's joint session with Town
Council and the regular Planning and Zoning Commission meeting held in the Town Council
Chambers on the 11th day of October 2012. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and
that a quorum was present.
Dated this 11th day of October 2012
C
qalx�-
Ja0ce Baxter, kecorder of the Minutes
Page 14 of 14
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Town of Fountain Hills
Pavement Management
Paul Mood, P.E. - Director of Development Services . October 11, 2012
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LEGEND
Exhibit "A"
10/10/2012
1
10/10/2012
Historical Streets Revenue & Road Maintenance
Fiscal Year
2000
HURF'
Revenue
$1,012,184 ,
Total Road
Maintenance
GFICIP
ConUibution
$ 1557543_.
S 1,269100
2001
$ 1 061 521
$
1 261 528
$ 771 700
2002
$ 1 254,816_
$
968,745
S 588100
2003
S 1 310 997
$
306,356
$
2004
$1400448
$
540,428
5
2005
S 1 471 032
S
595 289
$
2008
S 1 574 453
$
54----
$ 500 000
2007
$1,750,051
S
1 171728
$
2008
$ 1 662 055
$
721,183
S 721,183
2009
$ 1 468 335
$
637,905
$ 637,905
2010
$1,391,100
$
420,883
$ 420,883
2011
$1396075
S
325,074
5 325.074
2012
SI 132 332
5
200,000
S 100,000
2013
$1 265 640
S
200.000
S 100.00o
Pavement Management Practices
Historical pavement management practices have consisted of crack sealing, surface seals and
slurry seals by maintenance zone once every seven years and was funded through a
combination of HURF, General Funds and CIP Funds.
Ib
Crack Seal Surface Seal (TRMSS)
Slurry Seal
�x
i1r
4
2
* Excludes in lieu
fee and miscellaneous revenues
Pavement Management Practices
Historical pavement management practices have consisted of crack sealing, surface seals and
slurry seals by maintenance zone once every seven years and was funded through a
combination of HURF, General Funds and CIP Funds.
Ib
Crack Seal Surface Seal (TRMSS)
Slurry Seal
�x
i1r
4
2
Future Pavement Management Needs
Due to the age and condition of the roads the traditional practices may not provide the proper
level of treatment. Increased maintenance may include microseal, chip seal or cape seal.
�ti r
x /
'I en
Microsurfacing Chip Seal
=: Cape S 0 a I
Future Pavement Management Needs
Eventually all pavement will need to be replaced. If the roadway base is in good condition
then roadways may be a candidate for asphalt mill and overlay where the top layer of asphalt
is removed and replaced.
•y
Mill & Overlay
A
10/10/2012
I:�
Asphalt Conditions: Zones 1 - 7
Staff has conducted an assessment of Pavement Management Zones t - 7 and identified
various areas where the asphalt and subgrade is failing. These areas will need to be
removed and replaced before any surface treatments can be effectively applied. The
cost of the asphalt replacements are estimated at $782,000.
Asnhalt Reolacement Costs
Zone 1
$318,000
Zone 2
$218,000
Zone 3
$95,000
Zone 4
$12,000
Zone 5
$7,000
Zone 6
$22,000
Zone 7•
$110,000
Total =
$782,000
Excludes portions of Sa9uoro Blvd., fountain lGis Blvd., Palisades
Blvd. and Shea Blvd. which may be included in a future bond.
Zone 1: Asphalt Replacement
Town of Fountain Hliia
! ZONE 1 PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT AREA:
f+...r ASPHALT REPLACEMENT
rr
� rra� rr rt
Notes:
' 73 pavement replacement locations
• ig,000 square yards
• $380,00o replacement cost
10/10/2012
0
4
CJ
Arterial Roadway Reconstruction
In June of 2012 the Town contracted with RAMM Geotechnical Engineering to take core samples in
order to determine the actual pavement thickness and subgrade profile for the following streets:
I. Saguaro Blvd. (Shea Blvd. to Fountain Hills Blvd.)
z. Palisades Blvd. (Saguaro Blvd. to Fountain Hills Blvd.)
3. Fountain Hills Blvd. (Palisades Blvd. to Middle School)
The results of the geotechnical investigation showed that the pavement thickness and subgrade
profile varied greatly on all of the streets tested. For Saguaro Blvd. the asphalt was typically
between t" and z" thick over a z" to 3" subgrade which is far less than normal standards.
Due to the existing conditions of Saguaro Blvd. the RAMM report recommends full reconstruction
for the entire length which consists of removing the top 10" of existing asphalt and subgrade,
scarifying and compacting the exposed subgrade and placing a new pavement section of 4" of
asphalt on 6" of base course.
The report also recommends full reconstruction for the areas of Palisades Blvd. and Fountain Hills
Blvd. with the exception of the area on Fountain Hills Blvd. near the Ashbrook Wash which was
reconstructed with a wash crossing project in 1996.
10/10/2012
0
1
Saguaro Blvd. Reconstruction
Based on the information and recommendations provided by the RAMM Engineering report staff
has developed the following scope of work for reconstruction of Saguaro Blvd.
• engineering design and construction oversight
• asphalt reconstruction (full depth)
• drainage improvements (Palisades Blvd. and Desert Canyon Golf Course areas)
• valve & manhole adjustments
• ADA ramp modifications as required
• curb repair & replacement as necessary
• striping and pavement markings
• Ave. of the Fountains intersection 3 -way stop modifications
• traffic signal replacement at Palisades Blvd. (CIP Fund)
Project Coordination:
• Ashbrook Wash drainage improvements (2015)
• State Trust land sanitary sewer (timing unknown)
Fountain Hills Sanitary District
• Chaparral City Water
• SRP, SW Gas, Cox, Century Link, etc.
Estimated cost of design and construction is $8.6 million.
Saguaro Blvd. improvements
Saguaro Blvd
ea Blvd - Fountain Hills Blvd
�- SAGUARO BLVD RECONSTRUCTION
DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS
Bonds = $8.2. Million
CIP Fund = $0,4 Million
Total = $8.6 Million
��;.a;
� X,.
10/10/2012
G
Avenue of the Fountains Interersection Improvements
The intersection at Saguaro Blvd. and Avenue of the Fountains shall be modified to provide
increased pedestrian safety. Reconstruction of the water feature is anticipated to be included in
the project. The improvements will not affect existing traffic flow, however, a more permanent
solution will be required as traffic volumes increase.
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Saguaro Blvd. Drainage Improvements
FTheph,t,graphs below show Saguaro Blvd. near the Desert Canyon Golf Course. The inlets to
various drainage structures on the west side of the street are undersized and do no allow for
proper drainage. The Saguaro Blvd. Reconstruction estimate includes design and construction of
proper sized drainage structures in this area to prevent standing water which is not only a hazard
to motorists but accelerates deterioration of the asphalt and subgrade.
`t 1
•s
OdOber 2010 December 2011
L
10/10/2012
7
10/10/2012
Saguaro Blvd. Drainage Improvements
The photographs below show southbound Saguaro Blvd. from Palisades Blvd. to Parkview Ave.
after a rainstorm in October of 2010. Due to the lack of storm drains in this area the water drains to
a catch basin south of Parkview Avenue which then flows into Fountain Park. The Saguaro Blvd.
Reconstruction estimate includes design and construction of proper drainage in this area to
prevent standing water.
I
Saguaro Blvd.: Palisades Blvd. to Parkview Ave.
Saguaro Blvd. R Palisades Blvd. Intersection
W,
F'3
.a
ISOI�I �I •
Theatre Prooect
• Non -Starter
* The Development Agreement was approved
February 2012
Time Lines requires acquisition of land by
September 2012
Cure Letter sent September 2012 giving 30
day notice
Letter sent October 8, 2012 of Development
Agreement Termination
Exhibit "B"
10/10/2012
9
9
o°
,'�rha1 is iOa
Economic
Development
Plan
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Basics of Economic Development
The Importance of a vibrant economy in Fountain Hills cannot be overstated. Without importing wealth and revenue to
the community and the ability to retain them, the future will be filled with issue adverse to its desires of sustainability.
The concept is to build a "bask' and continue to build on a'non•basic' economyin the community.
Basic economy
Basic economy is defined as an activity that will bring in new dollars into the community. This activity comes in a wide
range of founs from tourist staying in town at local hotels to hiring employees to manufacture a product made or
processed in Fountain (tills being sold and distributed outside its boundaries. This in essence is money coming Into the
community that creates jobs and wealth.
Non -basic economy
A non -basic economy Is defined as the process of keeping dollars already in the local economy in Fountain Hills. The
longer the dollar stays and circulates in the local economy, the more jobs and businesses it creates.
Fountain Hills depends on locally -generated sales tax revenues to provide community services, Infrastructure, amenitles.
Both basic and non•basic activities are critical to the future viability of Fountain Hills.
Exhibit "C"
10/10/2012
10
C
Ll
•
0
Consensus Based Economic Development
Implementation Plan
(EV1)
Downtown Tourism Business
Initiative Initiative Attraction
(EV3) (EV5) Initiative
STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT: STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT:(EV 4)
Area Specific =\ Plan -Promotion/ STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT
Implementation Strategy Marketing New Events NAICS Business Sectors:
li att/Palma; Swaback Plan; '51- Professlonal,Technicaf,
( S' Planning
ULI Pan) Mixed Used-1Vebsite(s)/EteScientific Services-.:rcnic Businesses
Development Media •52- finance, insurance,
Zoning (Smart Growth -Funding Businesses
Principles); Development '62-
Health Care
Incentives; Capital
Wayfinding Plan -Industry Retention & Expansion
Funding Plan Program
.Website Enhancement
industry Retention & Expansion
Progra m/P.etaa Attraction
-Website/Clectrmic Media
Sta keho lde r5: Town of FH, SPAC, P&Z,FH Chamber of Commerce, FH Business Alliance
Ft. McDowell, FH Sanitary D&trict, FH School District, Utilities, Developers, Commercial Property
Owners, Commercial Real Estate Leasing Agents, Community Leaders
Downtown Initiative
Shea Corridor; Saguaro Corridor; Downtown
10/10/2012
11
Strategy Action
Plannin
• Downtown Implementation Stra egies
Website Enhancements Promoting Downtown
Include in Municipal Economic Development Redesigned Website
• Include In Other Partners Websites
• Discuss previous planning efforts with entities involved at the time.
SwabackGroup/FH e of cicitirens'eotincilmembersiProperty Owners
HyattiPaima Downtown Study
• ULI Recommendations
SPAC
Understanding Previous Efforts
• Council DirectivestStaff Efforts
• Downtown Association Attempts
• so ULI Recommendations
• Swaback'Vision Pian"JAreaSpecific Plan
Jam~.
J
S
Strategy Action -"'° .
3
Plannin
•
Downtown Implementation StrAegies cont........
• Shea Corridor; Saguaro Corridor;
• Downtown Districts
• The Business District -The Avenue District -The South End District
• The Residential District -The West Side District -The Civic District
• The Service District -The Lakeside District -The Park District
Incentives
• Government Property Lease Excise Tax (GPLET)
Express Permitting
• Construction Sales Tax Tenant Improvement Enticements
• Construction Sales Tax Development Fee "'Buy -down"
Zoning,Land-Use Flexibility Measures
• Wayfinding Plan
• Signage from Shea Blvd to Downtown
• Current Downtown Projects
• Rtedian Projca
10/10/2012
M
12
•
•
Strategy Action
Planning
Downtown Implementation Strategies cont........ SWOT
• Strengths
Recreation
Open Space
Icon of "The Fountain
McDowell Mountains
• Small Town Rural Feel in Urban environment
Golf
NumanCaphal
Casino
Annual Evens
• Weaknesses
Location
PedestrtanAccess
• Commercial Saturation
Depth of Specialty Retail
Strategy Action
Plannin
Downtown Implementation Stra egies cont........
Opportunities
• Create "Local Sense of Place"
Focus on civic tourism
• Connect the park to the Avenue
Make the downtown work fer the community first before tourism
Downtown should be "16 hour" village oriented environment
• Inventor Re -Invent Downtown Image
Attention on "Design"
Consider " I nU ll(Red evelopm ant
Simplify Polic'esJProcedures
• Threats
It's not about one big ideaAls doing +,000 things well
• It's not a piecemeal solutlogla holistic approach is needed
Not thinking "bigi'boldjlong term"
10/10/2012
•
13
Strategy Action
Planning'
Downtown Implementation Strategies cont........
Key Ingredients
Compact Development
• Better connection for civic center
• Focusonscale
• District approach is great
• SWrstep building intensityobuiklingfoot print
• Integrated Mixed -Use
• Identify appropriate uses for Dosvntow•n (no more auto uses)
_
Explore what will bring in visitors
• Green Streets
• widen Sidewalks -More Landscaping
More Boulevards -Outdoor Activities
• Places to Sit
• Friendly Sidewalks
• overhangs - AppropriateStreetTrees
z"a Story balconies Creating intriguing Side Areas to Visit
Areas with more surprises -Make block shorter
• MistersMeandering Sidewalks
Public Rest Rooms
Strategy Action ,"°-
Plannin--'
A Downtown Implementation Stra egies cont........
• Key Ingredients cont......
• Brand Identity
Don't pretend to be something else
Bring the waterfviews into the Downtown
Subtle Place hlaking
Opportunity to lose your idea of time
Continue with ArIUMake it more distinguished
More rountains(Dancing Fountains
Make Saguaro Blvd a 1,10
• Destination Program
Strategic Implementation
•
Phasing PubliclPrtvateResources
Roles
Funding
10/10/2012
F
14
•
StrateAction Planning'
• Urban d Institute (ULI)10 Recomm dations
• RetaillDetail
Complete Market Study for scaklscope of existing business
Activate the Water
More Fountain
Shape the "What"
Focused programming strategy
From "What" to "Brand"
• Cateway Brand; bicycling; green jeco;visual arts
Toolbox
Zoning Regulations; Ease of Development Permitting Process
• Starting Point
Avenue; Fount aWAmphitheatre
Continue the Conversation
• Advisory Panel
Authenticity
• Organic RetaPersjMixedHousing
Education as Driver
• Higher Education in Downtown Area
• The"Time is Now"
• Plan in a"bold" deliberate manner.
Strategy Action
P annin
Downtown Implementation Sti-a egies cont........
Current Downtown Projects
Median Project
Implementation Plan
Priority Projects
• Park Amphitheatre
Saguaro Blvd Road Bond improvements
• Downtown Street Maintenance Improvements
• ParkfAvenueAccess Pro;ects
Public Rest Rooms
• Tourism Center
Incentives Strategy
• Covemment Property lease Excise Tax (CPLET)
• Express Development Permitting
• Construction Sales Tax Tenant Improvement Er;tkements
• Construction Saks Tax Development Fee "'Buy -down"
Zoninglland-Use Flexibility Measures
Wayfinding Plan
• Signage from Shea Blvd to Downtown
10/10/2012
15
Strategy Action
Planning
Tourism Implementation Strategies
• Website Enhancements; Websites Linkages
Discuss previous planning efforts with entities involved at the time.
FH C of CJCiti:ens,Councilmembers
FH C of C Executive Director
• Tourism Bureau Manager
Understanding Previous Efforts
Council Directiveststatf Efforts/FH Cofc Efforts
"Branding"
Swaback"Vision Plan"
• Implementation PlanfPriorityProjects
Key Result Areas
Resources
Product
Compe t itive ne ssi N is h es,�Co llabota dons
Linkages
10/10/2012
1.6
Strategy Action
Planning
Tourism Implementation Strategies Cont........
Goals
Budge tiStruct ure
• Resorts,Rfotets
Niches Collaborations
Golf
• Events{Art
Weddings
Desert Experiencei'OutdoorAdventure
Biking
Major Events
• Weekly Events
Major Art fairs
• Strong Image as Art .'Active Destination
Action Plan
• Tourism DestinationActivties
Bridal
Golf
Print Media
Strategy Action
Planning
Tourism Implementation Strategies Cont........
— Action Plan
Budgetlstructure
• Reinitiate New Resort Development
• Niche Product Marketing
- Tourism Destination Activities
n Bridal » Multi -Day Events
Ulf >> Weekend Events
a Desert Experience » Art Fa!rs
Art -Active Image
• Destination Marketing
- Local Promotion of Evcots;Attractions
- Regional Promotion of EvenWAltractlons
- Social Aledla
- Webs tes
- Media Relationji'R
Niche Marketing
Woddngs
- Dc rtjSouthwest Experience
- Nath•eAmerican NentagejOid West Experience
Arts S Related Art Events
• Partnership Development
10/10/2012
17
rp-
L
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o
7. n
Business Attraction
Initiative
Strategy Action Planning
Business Attraction Implementation Strategy
• Industry Sector Opportunities
North American Industry Classification System
NAICS #52 Finance, Insurance, Business Industry Sectors
NAICS #54 Professional, Technical, Scientific Services Sectors
NAICS #62 Health Care/Wellness industry Sector
Current NAICS #52,#54,#62 Businesses in Fountain Hills
Basic Economy:
Concept Development Corporation - aerospace & defense; law enforcement safety products
(sell to the military & law enforcement);
SJT Mlcropower Inc. - aerospace & defense; designs and fabricates (contract mfg) metal
semiconductor field effect transistors (power regulation and wireless technologies for
defense and medical applications);
CR Engineers, Inc - Electrical Engineers; 8 employees.
Ad -Soft - Software Support & Development company; 7 employees.
Desert Fountain Software - Custom application/database development consulting;
Christensen Computer - Software developer& wellness product software; 20 employees
Brokers Alliance - Insurance agency and brokerage; 62 employees.
Non -Basic Economy:
Target, Basha's; Safeway; Fry's
Phil's; Sofritas; Redendo's, Euro Pizza
10/10/2012
18
Strategy Action
Planning
- Business Attraction Implementation Strategy cont......
Retention & Expansion Program
R Municipal Website Enhancements
• Community Amenities depicting Economic Development Opportunities
• Depicting Implementation Strategies
ED Data; Labor Force; Workforce Development
Location of Properties for NAICS Business Sector
Infrastructure Assessment
. SWOT: Electricity; Cellular; Broadband;\Vi ri
Town Council Review/Partnerships Cooperation/Approval
Strategy Action
Planning
Current Downtown Projects
• Median Project
Town Council Review/Approval
Partners Review/Approval
Economic Development Implementation Plan
Priority Planning
Action Plan Development
•
ActianStep Development
10/10/2012
19
10/10/2012
9
20
OJ'�:V At �'tt
% REQUEST TO SPEAK CARD
r Please submit this cardrip or to the discussion of the item listed below.
Meeting Date -2—
Name/Phone
Name/Phone No. 3 7—
City/Town
Title/Organization I am representing (# of people)
❑ YES, I wish to speak or ❑ NO, I do not wish to speak, but have indicated my position: ❑ FOR ❑ AGAINST
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
❑ PUBLIC HEARING ITEM NO.
❑ AGENDA ITEM NO.
LIM
Comments:
PLEASE, PRINT
Thank you for participating in your Town government. Your comments are an important and valuable Dart of the process.
Please fill out the comment card completely and turn it into the Clerk prior to the Council discussion of d
prior to the beginning of the meeting.
(Please see reverse for procedural information on addressing the Council) Exhibit "D"
IR
r-1
•
Janice Baxter
From: Robert'Bob' Rodgers [rrodgers@fh.az.gov]
Sent: Thursday, October 11, 2012 1:31 PM
'*wfo: 'Janice Baxter'
Subject: FW: Sign Ordinance Feedback
Attachments: photo.JPG.JPG
Janice,
Please forward this to the P&Z Commissioners.
Thanks.
:..
From: Audra Koester Thomas [mailto:audra@psaplanning.com]
Sent: Thursday, October 11, 2012 12:05 PM
To: Leger, Henry; Linda Kavanagh; dbrown@fh.az.gov; Ginny Dickey;
pzc@fh.az.gov
Cc: rrodgers@fh.az.gov; Shaunna Williams
Subject: Sign Ordinance Feedback
Commission and Council:
Tait Elkie; chansen@fh.az.gov; cyates@fh.az.gov;
As you may know, I have served several years on the Town's Strategic Planning Advisory Commission. However, in my
day job, I work for a Fountain Hills -based community planning firm that develops land use and community planning
trategies throughout the Southwest. We develop general plans, economic development plans, and even zoning
rdinances to promote vibrant communities that people want to live, work and/or play in.
I have followed the ongoing dialogue, debate and deliberations regarding changes to the Town's sign code. I attempted
to attend one of the open houses back in April, but as you might recall, I arrived at the closing minutes only to find the
Community Center facility empty. Subsequently, I sent an email outlining my concerns over expanding the use of
signage, particularly electronic message boards, banners and A -Frame signs, throughout our community.
Fountain Hills is not the first master planned community I've worked with or lived in. In fact, as an adult, I've only lived
in master planned communities, and before moving to Arizona, I worked for arguably the best master planned
community in the country: The Woodlands, Texas. I am extensively familiar with the use of covenants, deed restrictions,
development standards, and zoning ordinances in how they can be used both effectively and ineffectively at preserving
character, protecting property values and enhancing viability.
It is common that in the finest master planned communities, sign placement, use, type and kind are narrowly defined
and strictly enforced. Building, parking and signage design standards are potent elements in creating a desired
community aesthetic because they are the largest visible built elements; and in our sparse desert, where there is often
little vegetative or native structure to compete with the built environment, the impact of those assets is even more
important to analyze.
I remain steadfastly opposed to the proposed changes to sign regulations in the Town's Zoning Ordinance. Over the
course of the past several years, the Town and its elected and appointed officials have allowed the A -Frame and banner
sign experiment to continue long after its original and amended timeframe, routinely extending the sunset clause.
keither by my observations nor those witnessed by the Commission and Council have we seen a wiliness of partnership
n behalf of those who seek to utilize expanded A -Frame and banner sign allowances. Compliance remains a problem,
and this alone should provide great pause at any consideration for these expansions.
Exhibit "E"
E
11
I support the Commission's recommendation for increased penalties for sign violations; it's clear that with these
continued, selfish violations, there is little respect for the Town, it's Zoning Ordinance or our residents, visitors and other
husinesses.
I do not support the expansion of A -Frame signs, including placement in the street right of way or placement between 6
am and midnight. I support the use of A -Frame signs in close proximity to the business itself; chalk -board A -Frames, for
example, that announce a special purchasing opportunity provide a quaint, comfy feel while allowing pedestrians a brief
glimpse into what the store might offer. During this prolonged experiment, the signs I've seen in the right of way create
a cluttered view, overly compete with each other, and provide a potential safety hazard by impeding the view at
intersections. Not once have I visited a store in Fountain Hills based on a A -Frame sign I've seen. As is obvious, since I
do not support the expansion of A -Frame signs, neither would I support a two-year sunset clause.
The expansion of "event" banners as proposed nullify the use of the descriptor "event" all together. I agree with staff
and do not support the extension allowing banners to be erected for three days per week, every week nor do I support
banner use for 14 days per month. Indeed, banners create a look of clutter. When used for specific, short-term and
nuanced occasions, they may be appropriate. A banner is not an appropriate permanent sign. As proposed, where a
banner could be placed for half a year every year, it certainly promotes a nearly permanent placement using a product
that isn't intended as such.
I agree with the recommendations by staff not to allow contractors to use banners instead of hard signs. Again, this is a
classic element of what sets quality communities apart from average communities. Fountain Hills is not, and should not
seek to become, an average community.
I also agree with staff that any type of neon sign be denied. It is out of keeping with the Southwestern style of
commercial development encouraged in our Southwestern community. In addition, I further agree with staff that
ILlectronic message signs for commercial and industrial uses be denied.
Taking any of these amendments alone is bad enough, but when considered cumulatively, these changes pose
significant harm not just to the visual aesthetic of our community, but to the value of our residential and commercial
properties.
While working on a land use plan for a similar -sized community in Texas, a highly property -rights driven state with
pockets of regulated communities, we held focus groups with local businesses to help define the vision for the
community. One comment that will never leave me was from a representative of a business that had multiple
locations/storefronts throughout the country. He said that when looking for placement of their next business location,
they seek out the most stringently regulated communities they can find, because they know when they invest in their
new location, that community's regulations will subsequently protect their investment.
I encourage the Commission and Council to remain steadfast to the value of the master planned community, resisting
the recommended changes to the Zoning Ordinance. I have heard rumors from those that support the expansion of
signage that these changes will help to fill the empty storefronts throughout our town; in my experience, however,
signage does not remedy the concerns we hear and observe in our community.
As a final thought, please see the attached photo I took coming home from my SPAC meeting last night. This A -Frame
sign has been in my neighborhood for several weeks now. It is in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As we look
to invite more people and businesses to our community, I assure you, images such as these will not convince them to
invest.
nfortunately, an event downtown at the Flinn Foundation prevents me from attending tonight's meeting. I hope that
ou might consider this submission part of the public comment you will receive as you continue consideration of this
matter.
2
Audra
•
Audra Koester Thomas
Partners for Strategic Action, Inc.
13771 N. Fountain Hills Blvd., Suite 11 A-360
Fountain Hills, Arizona 85268
p 480,816.1811
c 602.377.5612
f 480.816.1813
PSAplannin_a corn
Note my new email address: audra .psaplannina.com
11
n
E
El
•
C
04
October 9, 2012
City of Fountain Hills
Attn: City Council and Planning Commission
16705 E Avenue of the Fountains
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Re: Proposed Sign Code Comments
To Whom It May Concern:
DAKTRON I CS
201 Daktronics Dr. PO Bos 5128
Brookings, SD 57006-5128
tel 800-325-7446 605-692-0200
fax 605-692-0381
www.daktronics.com
We are writing to ask that you disregard staff's recommendation for denial of the allowance of electronic
message signs, for commercial and industrial uses, within the proposed sign code that you are set to
hear October 11.
We feel that the benefits of such signs have to the community's business owners outweighs the
concerns expressed by staff. Additionally, we feel staff has failed to recognize that such signs can be
an aesthetic benefit to the community.
Economic and Community Benefits
First, electronic message signs bring many benefits to businesses choosing to install them. In fact, the
U.S. Small Business Administration has estimated that businesses installing such signs have the
potential to increase their business anywhere from 15 to 150 percent. That increased business leads to
increased tax revenues that ultimately support the entire community.
Current Allowances
Furthermore, the city already permits schools and churches to have electronic message signs.
Therefore, concerns that such signs will be out of place in the community can't be raised, as such signs
are already permitted within the community. Picking winners and losers with regard to who gets to have
this valuable medium of communication should have no role within an ordinance, and borders on
viewpoint discrimination that has been found by many courts to be unconstitutional.
Aesthetics
Finally, city staff has expressed concerns that these signs would discourage architectural design of
signage, as well as concerns about the aesthetic impact. These concerns are unfounded, as many
communities are opening up their doors to the allowance of electronic message signs specifically to
help with aesthetics.
Electronic message signs can easily be designed with aesthetics in mind. The content can be
developed to mimic the architectural features of the businesses at which they are placed. We included
a picture below for your reference.
]Do
DAKTRONICS
El
u
•
DAKTRON I CS
201 Daktronics Dr. PO Bow 5128
Brookings, SD 57006-5128
tel 800-325-7446 605-692-0200
fax 605-692-0381
www.daktronics.com
Additionally, unlike manual changeable copy signs, currently permitted by city ordinance, electronic
message signs appear crisp, clean and new for years. Manual changeable copy signs grow cracked
and yellowed, or the letters are often lost and become mismatched in a matter of months.
If the city truly would like to improve the appearance of the area, permitting electronic message signs is
a positive step forward in doing so.
As stated previously, please see the following picture as an example of an electronic message sign that
has been designed so as to be architecturally integrated into the design of the sign and building where
it's placed.
Thank you for taking the time to consider our request. Again, please approve amendments permitting
electronic message signs for commercial and industrial uses.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Best Regards,
Terra Fisher
State and Local Regulatory Affairs
605-692-0200
]Do
OAKTRONICS
C
Ll
Janice Baxter
From: Janice Baxter Ubaxter@fh.az.gov]
ent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 1:45 PM
ro: Steven_harris@usa.net, Angela Strohan (P&Z); Gene Slechta (P&Z); Lloyd Pew (P&Z);
Michael Archambault (P&Z); Richard Turner (P&Z); Stan Connick (P&Z)
Cc: 'Ken Buchanan'; Paul Mood; 'Robert'Bob' Rodgers'
Subject: FW: Sign Code Public Hearing and Recommendations
Attachments: ISA ASA recommendations P & Z Fountain Hills 10-7-12.pdf
FYI
From: Robert'Bob' Rodgers [mailto:rrodgers('0fh.az.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 1:08 PM
To: 'Janice Baxter'
Subject: FW: Sign Code Public Hearing and Recommendations
Janice,
Please forward this to the P&Z Commissioners.
Thanks
we
*rom: James Carpentier[mailto:James.Carpentier(d)signs.org]
ent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 12:28 PM
To: Ikavanagh(a0fh.az.gov; hleger@fh.az.gov; dbrown (a)fh.az.gov; gdickey@fh.az.gov; telkie(a)fh.az.gov;
chansen@fh.az.gov; cyates(-Ofh.az.gov; pzc@fh.az.gov
Cc: 'Patti King'; David Hickey; frank(a)fountainhillschamber.com; 'Robert'Bob' Rodgers'; 'jbaxter@fh.az.gov'
Subject: Sign Code Public Hearing and Recommendations
Dear Planning & Zoning Commission:
On behalf of the Arizona sign Association and the International Sign Association I have attached some recommendations
for the upcoming hearing on the sign code. Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.
Thank you for your consideration of our suggestions.
Best Regards,
James B Carpentier AICP
State & Local Government Affairs Manager
International Sign Association
1001 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 836-4012 ext. 132 Tel
"480) 773-3756 Cell
103) 836-8353 Fax
www.signs.org I www.signexpo.org
iames.carpentier@signs.org
L'IINTERNATIONAL
.SIGN ASSOCIATION
Capt in to receive emails from ISA! Visit http://tinyurl.com//SAoptin to sign up.
Disclaimer:
All messages created in this system are the property of the Town of Fountain Hills, Arizona and should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under
the Arizona Public Records Law (ARS 39-121). Town employees, town public officials, and those who generate email to them, should have no expectation of
privacy related to the use of this technology.
A
INTERNATIONAL SIGN ASSOCIATION
October 10, 2012
Fountain Hills Planning & Zoning Commission
16705 E Avenue of the Fountains
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Re: Proposed text amendment to Chapter 6, Sign Regulations of the Zoning
Ordinance of the Town of Fountain Hills
Dear Planning & Zoning Commission:
I am contacting you on behalf of the Arizona Sign Association and the International Sign Association.
Both Associations are actively involved in sign legislation by assisting communities adopt reasonable and
enforceable sign codes.
We appreciated the recommendation included by the City Attorney to remove some content regulation
in the sign code. We have a couple of other recommendations for your consideration. Although we have
a number of concerns with the existing sign code the following we have the included the following
suggestions. These recommendations will help to support the recent Town initiatives in regards to
enhancing economic development in Fountain Hills.
The following are our suggestions for the sign code:
• The first recommendation deals with the purpose of the sign code. We believe significant
purposes for a sign code are to enhance commerce and to protect constitutionally protected
speech.
• We also have some specific recommendations for the Electronic Message Center (EMC) section
that will ensure appropriate brightness of EMCs at night and operational limitations. The EMC
recommendations are similar to what the Committee recommended with additional
clarifications. EMCs have proven to be the most cost effective method of advertising for small
business.
• We also have some specific recommendations for menu boards as the existing requirements
are not reasonable.
• We also are suggesting the inclusion of neon in the code. The town of Gilbert is an example
where new neon in the downtown is very aesthetically done and adds to the economic vitality of
the area.
Our specific recommendations are attached for your review and consideration.
LJ
•
•
V
•
C!
A
INTERNATIONAL SIGN ASSOCIATION
Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions at 480-773-3756 or james.carpentier@signs.org.
Thank you for your consideration of our recommendations
Jo wes (',cu�fieKtie�
James Carpentier AICP
Manager of State & Local Government Affairs
480-773-3756
0
u
INTERNATIONAL SIGN ASSOCIATION
Section 6.01 Purpose
The Regulations set forth in this chapter are intended to encourage attractive signage for businesses and
services, optimizing the availability of information, while promoting the general welfare by creating
more aesthetically appealing community. To enhance and support commerce. To ensure that the
constitutionally guaranteed right of free speech is protected.
Signs not specifically authorized herein are prohibited, including, but not limited to the
following:
Neel,i. t a .flitted in ubserstion 6.08(P).
,
N. Menu Boards orientated to the drive-thru lane for a business are allowed as follows:
1. Menu board signs shall be counted as a portion of the total aggregate sign area.
2. One freestanding or wall mounted menu board is allowed per business.
3. Menu board must be located no less than forty-five (45) feet from any street property
line.
4 Maximum aFea ^f twenty (20) squaFe feet -fifty (50) square feet.
S. Maximum height of five (5) f^^+ seven(7) feet -
P. Neon Signs are allowed only as follows:
1.
b
2. LiRgited te inter-ier- window display enly (may not be used an exteFieF Of hUffil
3. The total amount of interior neon signage for any one business shall be six (6) square
feet.
4. No more than two (2) neon signs shall be allowed for any business.
CC. Electronic Message Signs — ,
includiRg eleet,^^;,. message nt^- sig Such signs are permitted in Commercial and Industrial
zoning districts ei*, eF e"mce"es eF s6h^^ls and for nonresidential uses in residential districts
subject to the following:
1. Signs must be on-site.
2. There shall be no moving or flashing Green or Red features which could be mistaken as
traffic signals.
3 1^t^:^n'ttent ChaRg Message Duration:
a.
ARy changes to the faee eF cepy of the sign must have a minimum ef Eight (9)
seeeRd interval between eh,^^ Such signs shall display static images only.
Such static images shall hold on the display for a period of at least eight (8)
seconds.
b. Transitions from one static image to the next shall appear to be instantaneous
without animation flashing or the appearance of movement of any kind Any
.,
. d to atl
1001 N- Fairfax Street. Suite 301 • Alexandria. VA 22314 • (703) 836-4012 TEL • (703) 836-8353 FAX
v
N
INTERNATIONAL SIGN ASSOCIATION
Such signs in residential zones shall be programmed to turn off or display a
blank face 444 between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m the bael(gFGHRd must be
daFI(eF than the text
d. All electronic message signs shall come equipped with automatic dimming
technology which automatically adjusts the sign's brightness in direct
correlation with ambient light conditions.
e. No electronic message center shall exceed a brightness level of 0.3 foot candles
above ambient light as measured using a foot candle (Lux) meter at a preset
distance depending on sign area. The measurement distance shall be calculated
with the following formula: The square root of the product of the sign area and
one -hundred.
Example using a 12 square foot sign:
Measurement Distance = d(12 Sq. Ft. x 100) = 34.6
1001 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 301• Alexandria. VA 22314 • (703) 8364012 TEL- (703) 83648353 FAX
E
E
Janice Baxter
From: Janice Baxter Ubaxter@fh.az.gov]
ent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 8:27 AM
o: Angela Strohan (P&Z); Gene Slechta (P&Z); Lloyd Pew (P&Z); Michael Archambault (P&Z);
Richard Turner (P&Z); Stan Connick (P&Z)
Cc: 'Ken Buchanan'; 'Robert'Bob' Rodgers'; Paul Mood
Subject: FW: Letter Regarding Proposed Sign Regulations
FYI
From: Robert'Bob' Rodgers [ma iIto: rrodgers@fh.az.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 8:18 AM
To: 'Janice Baxter'
Cc: Paul Mood
Subject: RE: Letter Regarding Proposed Sign Regulations
Janice,
Please forward to the P&Z Commission members.
Thanks.
:..
From: Terra Fisher[mailto:Terra.Fisher@daktronics.com]
ent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 7:16 AM
%ftro: Ikavanagh@fh.az.gov; hleger@fh.az.gov; dbrown@fh.az.gov; gdickey@fh.az.gov; telkie@fh.az.gov;
chansen@fh.az.gov; cyates@fh.az.gov; pzc@fh.az.gov
Cc: frank@fountainhillschamber.com
Subject: Letter Regarding Proposed Sign Regulations
Hello,
I have attached a letter from Daktronics regarding Fountain Hills' proposed sign ordinance that is set to be heard
tomorrow night (October 11) at your Town Council/Planning Commission joint session.
I hope you find the attached letter beneficial in your consideration of this ordinance.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best Regards,
T6rr2 FI Sher
State and Local Regulatory Affairs
Daktronics
Cell: 605-691-1285
Fax: 605-692-0381
NOTE: I no longer have an extension. Please call my cell.
LW
1
11
C
n
Town of Fountain Hills
Staff Report
that is AsYs'
The Sign Ordinance
Review Committee
Elected&A000inted Officials Local Businesses
Cassie Hanzen, Town Councilmember Shawn White, Sternfels& White, PLLC
Dennis Brown, Town Councilmember Chamber of Commerce
Cecil Yates, P&Z Commissioner Sherry Sledge, Bodyworks
Gene Slechta, P&Z Commissioner Chris Pinna, CSI Printing
Ronie Sells, Spike's Treats
Town Staff Joe Ohnsorg, Signtech
Paul Mood, Development Services Director Margy Squires, TYH, Inc.
Bob Rodgers, Senior Planner
Jason Field, Chief Building official Other Attendees
Roy Jaffe, Code Enforcement Officer Bob Burns, The Times of Fountain Hills
Janice Baxter, Executive Assistant
Recommendations
Sign Ordinance Committee
Recommends
Approve as presented
Staff
Recommends forwarding a recommendation to
Approve as Amended
Zoning Ordinance - Chapter 6
The sign regulations are designed to encourage the creation of an
attractive appearance throughout the town, While eliminating signs
that may contribute to visual clutter.
The reeulations for siens have soecific obiectives:
1. To reflect and suppod the desbed character and developni— part—of the various zoning dstricts.
2. Toallay for adequate and effective sigm in all tuning districts while still providing reasonable limits
n the magndude and extent & the graphic communication and to keep zi2nrs frau dommzting the
appearance of the area.
3. To dhtinguish between signs that require visibilR, from automobiles and those that are oriented to
pedestria—
x. To require design standards for ktatiun, comtrudlon, installation, and proper maintenance so that
public safety and traffic safety are na compromised.
Exhibit "F"
r1
U
1�
11
��TAIN�jl
40 t�
z n
� b
9'�fhat is A��ti��
October 11, 2012
Town of FOUNTAIN HILLS
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
DEPARTMENT
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS
SIGN ORDINANCE FEEDBACK
Page 1 of I
v
0
C
Janice Baxter
From: Janice Baxter Ubaxter@fh.az.gov]
�w3ent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 8:27 AM
To: Angela Strohan (P&Z); Gene Slechta (P&Z); Lloyd Pew (P&Z); Michael Archambault (P&Z);
Richard Turner (P&Z); Stan Connick (P&Z)
Cc: 'Ken Buchanan'; 'Robert'Bob' Rodgers'; Paul Mood
Subject: FW: Letter Regarding Proposed Sign Regulations
FYI
From: Robert'Bob' Rodgers [ma iIto: rrodgers@fh.az.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 8:18 AM
To: 'Janice Baxter'
Cc: Paul Mood
Subject: RE: Letter Regarding Proposed Sign Regulations
Janice,
Please forward to the P&Z Commission members.
Thanks.
:..
From: Terra Fisher[mailto:Terra.Fisher�adaktronics.com]
%,13ent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 7:16 AM
To: Ikava nag h@fh.az.gov; hlegerWh.az.aov; dbrown@fh.az.gov; gdickey@fh.az.gov; telkie@fh.az.gov;
chansenWh.az.gov; cyates@fh.az.gov; pzc(Wh.az.gov
Cc: frank(Wountainhillschamber.com
Subject: Letter Regarding Proposed Sign Regulations
Hello,
I have attached a letter from Daktronics regarding Fountain Hills' proposed sign ordinance that is set to be heard
tomorrow night (October 11) at your Town Council/Planning Commission joint session.
I hope you find the attached letter beneficial in your consideration of this ordinance.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best Regards,
Tema FLSker
State and Local Regulatory Affairs
Daktronics
Cell: 605-691-1285
Fax: 605-692-0381
NOTE: I no Conger have an extension. Please call my cell.
Disclaimer:
All messages created in this system are the property of the Town of Fountain Hills, Arizona and should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under
the Arizona Public Records Law (ARS 39-121). Town employees, town public officials, and those who generate email to them, should have no expectation of
privacy related to the use of this technology.
RI
E
DAKTRON 1 CS
201 Dak-tronics Dr. FO Do 5128
Brookings, SD 5700'-5128
tel 800-325-7446 605-692-0200
fax 605-692-0381
www.daktronics.com
October 9, 2012
City of Fountain Hills
Attn: City Council and Planning Commission
16705 E Avenue of the Fountains
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Re: Proposed Sign Code Comments
To Whom It May Concern:
We are writing to ask that you disregard staff's recommendation for denial of the allowance of electronic
message signs, for commercial and industrial uses, within the proposed sign code that you are set to
hear October 11.
We feel that the benefits of such signs have to the community's business owners outweighs the
concerns expressed by staff. Additionally, we feel staff has failed to recognize that such signs can be
an aesthetic benefit to the community.
Economic and Community Benefits
First, electronic message signs bring many benefits to businesses choosing to install them. In fact, the
U.S. Small Business Administration has estimated that businesses installing such signs have the
potential to increase their business anywhere from 15 to 150 percent. That increased business leads to
increased tax revenues that ultimately support the entire community.
Current Allowances
Furthermore, the city already permits schools and churches to have electronic message signs.
Therefore, concerns that such signs will be out of place in the community can't be raised, as such signs
are already permitted within the community. Picking winners and losers with regard to who gets to have
this valuable medium of communication should have no role within an ordinance, and borders on
viewpoint discrimination that has been found by many courts to be unconstitutional.
Aesthetics
Finally, city staff has expressed concerns that these signs would discourage architectural design of
signage, as well as concerns about the aesthetic impact. These concerns are unfounded, as many
communities are opening up their doors to the allowance of electronic message signs specifically to
help with aesthetics.
Electronic message signs can easily be designed with aesthetics in mind. The content can be
developed to mimic the architectural features of the businesses at which they are placed. We included
a picture below for your reference.
]Do
DAKTRONICS
DAKTRONICS
201 Daktronics Dr. PO Box 5128 •
Brookings, SD 57006-5128
tel 800-325-7446 605-692-0200
fa_� 605-692-0381
ina. daktronics . com
Additionally, unlike manual changeable copy signs, currently permitted by city ordinance, electronic
message signs appear crisp, clean and new for years. Manual changeable copy signs grow cracked
and yellowed, or the letters are often lost and become mismatched in a matter of months.
If the city truly would like to improve the appearance of the area, permitting electronic message signs is
a positive step forward in doing so.
As stated previously, please see the following picture as an example of an electronic message sign that
has been designed so as to be architecturally integrated into the design of the sign and building where
it's placed.
:,LAI_
Thank you for taking the time to consider our request. Again, please approve amendments permitting
electronic message signs for commercial and industrial uses.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Best Regards,
Terra Fisher
State and Local Regulatory Affairs
605-692-0200
Ime,
DAKTRONICS
9
19
N
Janice Baxter
From: Robert'Bob' Rodgers [rrodgers@fh.az.gov]
gent: Thursday, October 11, 2012 1:31 PM
To: 'Janice Baxter'
Subject: FW: Sign Ordinance Feedback
Attachments: photo.JPG.JPG
Janice,
Please forward this to the P&Z Commissioners.
Thanks.
:..
From: Audra Koester Thomas [mailto:audra@psaplanning.com]
Sent: Thursday, October 11, 2012 12:05 PM
To: Leger, Henry; Linda Kavanagh; dbrown@fh.az.gov; Ginny Dickey; Tait Elkie; chansen@fh.az.gov; cyates@fh.az.gov;
pzc@fh.az.gov
Cc: rrodgers@fh.az.gov; Shaunna Williams
Subject: Sign Ordinance Feedback
Commission and Council:
As you may know, I have served several years on the Town's Strategic Planning Advisory Commission. However, in my
day job, I work for a Fountain Hills -based community planning firm that develops land use and community planning
strategies throughout the Southwest. We develop general plans, economic development plans, and even zoning
ordinances to promote vibrant communities that people want to live, work and/or play in.
I have followed the ongoing dialogue, debate and deliberations regarding changes to the Town's sign code. I attempted
to attend one of the open houses back in April, but as you might recall, I arrived at the closing minutes only to find the
Community Center facility empty. Subsequently, I sent an email outlining my concerns over expanding the use of
signage, particularly electronic message boards, banners and A -Frame signs, throughout our community.
Fountain Hills is not the first master planned community I've worked with or lived in. In fact, as an adult, I've only lived
in master planned communities, and before moving to Arizona, I worked for arguably the best master planned
community in the country: The Woodlands, Texas. I am extensively familiar with the use of covenants, deed restrictions,
development standards, and zoning ordinances in how they can be used both effectively and ineffectively at preserving
character, protecting property values and enhancing viability.
It is common that in the finest master planned communities, sign placement, use, type and kind are narrowly defined
and strictly enforced. Building, parking and signage design standards are potent elements in creating a desired
community aesthetic because they are the largest visible built elements; and in our sparse desert, where there is often
little vegetative or native structure to compete with the built environment, the impact of those assets is even more
important to analyze.
I remain steadfastly opposed to the proposed changes to sign regulations in the Town's Zoning Ordinance. Over the
course of the past several years, the Town and its elected and appointed officials have allowed the A -Frame and banner
sign experiment to continue long after its original and amended timeframe, routinely extending the sunset clause.
L4either by my observations nor those witnessed by the Commission and Council have we seen a wiliness of partnership
on behalf of those who seek to utilize expanded A -Frame and banner sign allowances. Compliance remains a problem,
and this alone should provide great pause at any consideration for these expansions.
tA
At
I support the Commission's recommendation for increased penalties for sign violations; it's clear that with these
continued, selfish violations, there is little respect for the Town, it's Zoning Ordinance or our residents, visitors and other
businesses.
I do not support the expansion of A -Frame signs, including placement in the street right of way or placement between 6
am and midnight. I support the use of A -Frame signs in close proximity to the business itself; chalk -board A -Frames, for
example, that announce a special purchasing opportunity provide a quaint, comfy feel while allowing pedestrians a brief
glimpse into what the store might offer. During this prolonged experiment, the signs I've seen in the right of way create
a cluttered view, overly compete with each other, and provide a potential safety hazard by impeding the view at
intersections. Not once have I visited a store in Fountain Hills based on a A -Frame sign I've seen. As is obvious, since I
do not support the expansion of A -Frame signs, neither would I support a two-year sunset clause.
The expansion of "event" banners as proposed nullify the use of the descriptor "event" all together. I agree with staff
and do not support the extension allowing banners to be erected for three days per week, every week nor do I support
banner use for 14 days per month. Indeed, banners create a look of clutter. When used for specific, short-term and
nuanced occasions, they may be appropriate. A banner is not an appropriate permanent sign. As proposed, where a
banner could be placed for half a year every year, it certainly promotes a nearly permanent placement using a product
that isn't intended as such.
I agree with the recommendations by staff not to allow contractors to use banners instead of hard signs. Again, this is a
classic element of what sets quality communities apart from average communities. Fountain Hills is not, and should not
seek to become, an average community.
I also agree with staff that any type of neon sign be denied. It is out of keeping with the Southwestern style of
commercial development encouraged in our Southwestern community. In addition, I further agree with staff that
electronic message signs for commercial and industrial uses be denied.
Taking any of these amendments alone is bad enough, but when considered cumulatively, these changes pose
significant harm notjust to the visual aesthetic of our community, but to the value of our residential and commercial
properties.
While working on a land use. plan for a similar -sized community in Texas, a highly property -rights driven state with
pockets of regulated communities, we held focus groups with local businesses to help define the vision for the
community. One comment that will never leave me was from a representative of a business that had multiple
locations/storefronts throughout the country. He said that when looking for placement of their next business location,
they seek out the most stringently regulated communities they can find, because they know when they invest in their
new location, that community's regulations will subsequently protect their investment.
I encourage the Commission and Council to remain steadfast to the value of the master planned community, resisting
the recommended changes to the Zoning Ordinance. I have heard rumors from those that support the expansion of
signage that these changes will help to fill the empty storefronts throughout our town; in my experience, however,
signage does not remedy the concerns we hear and observe in our community.
As a final thought, please see the attached photo I took coming home from my SPAC meeting last night. This A -Frame
sign has been in my neighborhood for several weeks now. It is in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As we look
to invite more people and businesses to our community, I assure you, images such as these will not convince them to
invest.
Unfortunately, an event downtown at the Flinn Foundation prevents me from attending tonight's meeting. I hope that
you might consider this submission part of the public comment you will receive as you continue consideration of this
matter.
2
I
Audra
Audra Koester Thomas
Partners for Strategic Action, Inc.
13771 N. Fountain Hills Blvd., Suite 1 14-360
Fountain Hills, Arizona 85268
p 480.816.1811
c 602.377.5612
f 480.816.1813
PSAplanning.com
Note my new email address: audra@psaplanning.com
Janice Baxter
rom: Janice Baxter obaxter@fh.az.gov]
�14ent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 1:45 PM
To: Steve n_ha rris@ usa. net; Angela Strohan (P&Z); Gene Slechta (P&Z); Lloyd Pew (P&Z);
Michael Archambault (P&Z); Richard Turner (P&Z); Stan Connick (P&Z)
Cc: 'Ken Buchanan'; Paul Mood; 'Robert 'Bob' Rodgers'
Subject: FW: Sign Code Public Hearing and Recommendations
Attachments: ISA ASA recommendations P & Z Fountain Hills 10-7-12.pdf
FYI
From: Robert'Bob' Rodgers [ma iIto: rrodgers fh.az.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 1:08 PM
To: 'Janice Baxter'
Subject: FW: Sign Code Public Hearing and Recommendations
Janice,
Please forward this to the P&Z Commissioners.
Thanks.
:•7
'rom: James Carpentier [mailto•James Carpentier(a signs.orci]
Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 12:28 PM
To: IkavanaghC'fh.az.gov; hlegem'bfh.az.gov; dbrown (0h.az.gov; _dq ickeysabfh.az.gov; telkie@fh.az.gov;
chansenCslfh.az.gov; cyates(0h.az.gov; pzc fh.az.gov
Cc: 'Patti King'; David Hickey; frankC�fountainhillschamber.com; 'Robert'Bob' Rodgers'; 'jbaxter@fh.az.gov'
Subject: Sign Code Public Hearing and Recommendations
Dear Planning & Zoning Commission:
On behalf of the Arizona sign Association and the International Sign Association I have attached some recommendations
for the upcoming hearing on the sign code. Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.
Thank you for your consideration of our suggestions.
Best Regards,
James B Carpentier AICP
State & Local Government Affairs Manager
International Sign Association
1001 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 836-4012 ext. 132 Tel
C(480) 773-3756 Cell
(703) 836-8353 Fax
www.signs.org I www.signexpo.org
james.carpentier@signs.org
A
INTERNATIONAL SIGN ASSOCIATION
October 10, 2012
Fountain Hills Planning & Zoning Commission
16705 E Avenue of the Fountains
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Re: Proposed text amendment to Chapter 6, Sign Regulations of the Zoning
Ordinance of the Town of Fountain Hills
Dear Planning & Zoning Commission:
I am contacting you on behalf of the Arizona Sign Association and the International Sign Association.
Both Associations are actively involved in sign legislation by assisting communities adopt reasonable and
enforceable sign codes.
We appreciated the recommendation included by the City Attorney to remove some content regulation
in the sign code. We have a couple of other recommendations for your consideration. Although we have
a number of concerns with the existing sign code the following we have the included the following
suggestions. These recommendations will help to support the recent Town initiatives in regards to
enhancing economic development in Fountain Hills
The following are our suggestions for the sign code:
• The first recommendation deals with the purpose of the sign code. We believe significant
purposes for a sign code are to enhance commerce and to protect constitutionally protected
speech.
• We also have some specific recommendations for the Electronic Message Center (EMC) section
that will ensure appropriate brightness of EMCs at night and operational limitations. The EMC
recommendations are similar to what the Committee recommended with additional
clarifications. EMCs have proven to be the most cost effective method of advertising for small
business.
• We also have some specific recommendations for menu boards as the existing requirements
are not reasonable.
• We also are suggesting the inclusion of neon in the code. The town of Gilbert is an example
where new neon in the downtown is very aesthetically done and adds to the economic vitality of
the area.
Our specific recommendations are attached for your review and consideration.
vvw signs.org • info@signs.org F 1001i 8364012
•
c
INTERNATIONAL SIGN ASSOCIATION
Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions at 480-773-3756 or iames.carpentier@signs.org.
Thank you for your consideration of our recommendations
lees ea' -pe rat -
James Carpentier AICP
Manager of State & Local Government Affairs
480-773-3756
1001 N. Fairfax Street. Suite 301 • Alexandria, VA 22314 • (703) 836-4012 TEL, (703) 836-8353 FAX
INTERNATIONAL SIGN ASSOCIATION
Section 6.01 Purpose
The Regulations set forth in this chapter are intended to encourage attractive signage for businesses and
services, optimizing the availability of information, while promoting the general welfare by creating
more aesthetically appealing community. To enhance and support commerce. To ensure that the
constitutionally guaranteed right of free speech is protected.
I. Signs not specifically authorized herein are prohibited, including, but not limited to the
following:
i. Neon signs, except as peffnitted in subseEtien 6.08(P).
N. Menu Boards orientated to the drive-thru lane for a business are allowed as follows:
1. Menu board signs shall be counted as a portion of the total aggregate sign area.
2. One freestanding or wall mounted menu board is allowed per business.
3. Menu board must be located no less than forty-five (45) feet from any street property
line.
4. Ma)(i fflU ' aFea eftwenty (20) squaice f +fifty 501s feet.
height of five (5) feet S. Ma3flmHiii i�ciSrc��-r.vc�T/-rccz seven (7) feet -
Neon Signs are allowed only as follows: 0
1.
2. Limited te h4ter4eic window display enly (Fnay net be used an e)(teFiE)F of building.-.
3. The total amount of interior neon signage for any one business shall be six (6) square
feet.
4. No more than two (2) neon signs shall be allowed for any business.
CC. Electronic Message Signs —Any sign with inteffnittent, S6FeIIiF1g OF flashing illumination, eIeGtFeAiG message eenteF Sig Such signs are permitted in Commercial and Industrial
zoning districts ems, eF ehuFr=hes OF 5eh8eIS and for nonresidential uses in residential districts
subject to the following:
1. Signs must be on-site.
2. There shall be no moving or flashing Green or Red features which could be mistaken as
traffic signals.
3. inteRnittent Changes-
a.
ha.nges Message Duration:
a. Any Ehanges te the faee OF copy ef the sign must have a Fninimum of Eight (8)
seen d inteF '.,' between ehang Such signs shall display static images only.
Such static images shall hold on the display for a period of at least eight (8)
seconds.
b. Transitions from one static image to the next shall appear to be instantaneous
without animation, flashing or the appearance of movement of any kind A-ny
ehanges to the fare eF eepy ef the sign must step at 10:00 p.m., exeept fGF time
and tempeFatw-e.
_ • : _ 1001 N Fairfax Street. Suite 301 • Alexandria. VA 22314.(703) 836.4012 TEL • (703) 836-8353 FAX w7
INTERNATIONAL SIGN .ASSOCIATION
C. Such signs in residential zones shall be programmed to turn off or_ disolay_a
blank face 4e+ between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m
daF!(eF than the text
d. All electronic message signs shall come equipped with automatic dimming
technology which automatically adjusts the sign's brightness in direct
correlation with ambient light conditions.
e. No electronic message center shall exceed a_brightness level of 0.3 foot candles
above ambient light as measured using a foot candle (Lux) meter at a preset
distance depending on sign area. The measurement distance shall be calculated
with the following formula: The square root of the product of the sign area and
one -hundred.
Example using a 12 square foot sign:
Measurement Distance = V(12 Sq. Ft. x 100) = 34.6
C
Meeting Date: October 11, 2012
Agenda Type: Regular
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
❑ Planning and Zoning
❑ Board of Adjustment
AGENDA ACTION FORM
Meeting Type: Regular
Submitting Division: Planning & Zoning
Staff Contact Information: Bob Rodgers, Senior Planner, 480-816-5138, rrodgers(a.fh.az._gov
REQUEST TO PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION:
CONTINUED CONSIDERATION of TEXT AMENDMENTS to the Zoning Ordinance to amend Chapters 12, 16
and 18 . If adopted, the amendments would revise the permitted use sections to allow all restaurants to have
outdoor seating areas in commercial or lodging zoning districts. The amendment would also eliminate the
requirement that outdoor seating areas be fenced if no alcohol is served and there are no public safety issues.
ORD #12-05
Applicant: The Town of Fountain Hills
1pplicant Contact Information: Planning & Zoning Division - Robert Rodgers, Senior Planner
Property Location: N/A
Related Ordinance, Policy or Guiding Principle:
Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance Chapter 12 — Section 12.02.B.1.t — Commercial Zoning Districts
Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance Chapter 12 — Section 12.02.C.18 — Commercial Zoning Districts
Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance Chapter 12 — Section 12.04.0 — Commercial Zoning Districts
Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance Chapter 16 — Lodging Zoning Districts
Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance Chapter 18 — Section 18.03.B.23 — Town Center Commercial Zoning District
Staff Summary (background):
Staff receives numerous inquiries from restaurants regarding whether or not they can create outdoor seating
areas for their customers to use during the cooler months.
Currently, the TCCD zoning district is the only district that permits NON -enclosed outdoor seating areas.
Enclosed outdoor seating areas are permitted accessories in the C-2, C-3, L-1, L-2, and L-3 zoning districts,
and enclosed outdoor seating areas are allowed by Special Use Permit in the C -C and C-1 zoning districts.
The proposed text amendments will provide all restaurants which are already permitted uses and located
within any commercial or lodging zoning districts, with the option of creating on-site outdoor seating areas for
their customers without the requirement that they obtain a Special Use Permit or that they necessarily have to
enclose the patio area.
'Restaurants that do not serve alcohol will be provided the option of not installing a fence or similar barrier
around their outdoor seating areas. Restaurants that serve alcoholic beverages will also have the option unless
required to enclose their outdoor seating areas under the State Liquor License requirements. Exceptions are
made in cases where public safety would be compromised. In such cases, the town will require the seating
Page 1 of 2
area to be fenced or otherwise protected. This safety determination will be made during the Concept Plan
approval and/or the Building Permit process. Or, in cases where no approvals for physical improvements are
required, the Zoning Administrator will make the determination administratively.
SDA requirements would not be affected and would remain a requirement
Risk Analysis (options or alternatives with implications):
Adoption of the proposed ordinance amendments will allow restaurants in commercial and lodging zoning
districts to create outdoor seating and dining areas and to do so without enclosures when appropriate and
safe.
Not adopting the amendments will maintain the current ordinance standards that require all restaurants outside
the TCCD zoning district to enclose their outdoor patio areas regardless of location or whether alcoholic
beverages are served. Restaurants in the C -C and C-1 zoning districts would also still be required to receive
Special Use Permits before creating such areas.
Fiscal Impact (initial and ongoing costs; budget status): N/A
Recommendation(s):
The Planning & Zoning Commission voted to initiate this amendment at their May 24, 2012 regular meeting.
The Commission also voted at their June 28, 2012 meeting to recommend approval of this amendment.
The Commission held a second Public Hearing on September 13, 2012. At that hearing there was discussion
regarding whether or not to exclude the C -C and/or the C-1 zoning districts from the requirement to fence their
outdoor seating areas. The discussion was continued in order to have the full Commission present and voting.
Staff Recommendation(s):
staff recommends that the Planning & Zoning Commission vote to forward the recommendation to the Town
Council to approve the proposed text amendments to Chapters 12, 16 and 18 of the Zoning Ordinance relating
to Outdoor Seating Areas in all commercial districts as presented.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
Move to forward a recommendation to the Town Council to approve the proposed text amendments to
Chapters 12, 16 and 18 of the Zoning Ordinance relating to Outdoor Seating Areas as presented.
Attachment(s):
Ordinance #12-05
P&Z Agenda and Meeting Minutes of 6/28/12
P&Z Meeting Minutes of 9/13/12
Submitted by:
Bob Rodgers, Senior Plann October 1 2012
Name/Title Date
Approved by:
eveent SeKices Director Date
Page 2 of 2
0 ORDINANCE NO. 12-05
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF
FOUNTAIN HILLS, ARIZONA, AMENDING THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN
HILLS ZONING ORDINANCE, CHAPTER 12 COMMERCIAL ZONING
DISTRICTS, CHAPTER 16 LODGING ZONING DISTRICTS, AND
CHAPTER 18 TOWN CENTER COMMERCIAL ZONING DISTRICT,
RELATED TO OUTDOOR SEATING AREAS.
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Town of Fountain Hills (the "Town
Council") adopted Ordinance No. 93-22, which adopted the Zoning Ordinance for the Town of
Fountain Hills (the "Zoning Ordinance"); and
WHEREAS, the Town Council desires to amend the Zoning Ordinance to revise Chapter
12 (Commercial Zoning Districts), Chapter 16 (Lodging Zoning Districts) and Chapter 18 (Town
Center Commercial Zoning District), (i) to allow restaurants within those districts to have outdoor
seating areas and (ii) to clarify that outdoor seating areas need not be enclosed if no alcoholic
beverages are served; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance and pursuant to ARIZ. REV.
STAT. § 9-462.04, public hearings regarding this Ordinance were advertised in the August 22,
2012, and August 29, 2012 editions of the Fountain Hills Times; and
0WHEREAS, public hearings were held by the Fountain Hills Planning and Zoning
Commission on September 13, 2012, and by the Town Council on October 4, 2012.
•
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF
THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS as follows:
SECTION 1. The recitals above are hereby incorporated as if fully set forth herein.
SECTION 2. The Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 12 (Commercial Zoning Districts),
Subsection 12.02(B)(1) (Permitted Uses, Uses Permitted in C-1, C -C, C-2, and C-3, Zoning
Districts, Commercial Uses) is hereby amended by modifying subsection t thereof, to read as
follows:
1758780.4
t. Restaurants, INCLUDING OUTDOOR PATIO WITH OR WITHOUT
COCKTAIL LOUNGES, PROVIDED THAT THERE IS NO
ENTERTAINMENT OR MUSIC AUDIBLE OFF-SITE AND
PROVIDED THAT ANY OUTDOOR PATIO WITH ALCOHOLIC
BEVERAGE SERVICE MUST BE ENCLOSED AS REQUIRED BY
ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES § 4-207.01, AS AMENDED,
EXCEPT FOR THE TIME DURING WHICH A CURRENT AND
APPLICABLE BARRIER EXEMPTION, AS GRANTED BY THE
ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR LICENSES AND CONTROL,
IS IN PLACE FOR THE OUTDOOR PATIO.
LIQUOR LICENSES AND CONTROL, IS IN PLACE FOR THE OUTDOOR
PATIO.
SECTION 7. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this
Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of
competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of
this Ordinance.
SECTION 8. The Mayor, the Town Manager, the Town Clerk and the Town Attorney
are hereby authorized and directed to execute all documents and take all steps necessary to carry
out the purpose and intent of this Ordinance.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Mayor and Council of the Town of Fountain Hills,
Arizona, October 4, 2012.
FOR THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS: ATTESTED TO:
Linda M. Kavanagh, Mayor
• REVIEWED BY:
•
Ken Buchanan, Town Manager
1758780.4
3
Bevelyn J. Bender, Town Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Andrew J. McGuire, Town Attorney
N
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
JUNE 28, 2012
Chairman Lloyd Pew opened the session of the Planning and Zoning Commission at 6:30 p.m.
The following Commissioners were present: Chairman Lloyd Pew, Commissioners Stan
Connick, Angela Strohan, Richard Turner and Gene Slechta, [and one open Commissioner's
seat]. Also in attendance were Paul Mood, Director of Development Services, Robert Rodgers
Senior Planner, and Janice Baxter Executive Assistant and Recorder of the Minutes.
Commissioner Michael Archambault was unable to attend the meeting due to a health issue and
he notified staff in advance.
Chairman Lloyd Pew requested participation in the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silent
reflection.
ROLL CALL:
Chairman Lloyd Pew present
Commissioner Stan Connick present
Commissioner Mike Archambault absent
Commissioner Angela Strohan present
Commissioner Richard Turner present
Commissioner Gene Slechta present
Chairman Lloyd Pew nominated Commissioner Angela Strohan for the remainder of Cecil
Yate's term as Planning and Zoning Vice -Chairman.
Commissioner Richard Turner SECONDED the NOMINATION and a voice vote was taken.
Commissioner Strohan was unanimously approved and Commissioner Angela Strohan was
appointed to the position of vice-chairman. Vice -Chairman Strohan's term will begin on
Thursday, June 28, 2012 and expire on Thursday, October 11, 2012.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
No one wished to speak.
REGULAR AGENDA
AGENDA ITEM #1 — CONSIDERATION of APPROVING the Regular Session meeting
minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission from Thursday, MAY 24, 2012.
Commissioner Stan Connick MOVED to APPROVE the regular session meeting minutes for
the Planning and Zoning Commission dated May 24, 2012. Commissioner Gene Slechta
Page 1 of 7
gn
k
SECONDED. A roll call was taken and the MOTION CARRIED (3 ayes and 2 abstained), by
those present.
Commissioner Richard Turner
aye
Chairman Lloyd Pew
aye
Commissioner Stan Connick
aye
Commissioner Angela Strohan
abstained
Commissioner Gene Slechta
abstained
AGENDA ITEM 92 — PUBLIC HEARING of a TEXT AMENDMENT to amend Section
19.05 — Public Art Requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. If adopted, the amendment would
revise the options for developer donations to the Public Art Fund to require that such donations
be made at the time of the Building Permit issuance rather than at the time of Certificate of
Occupancy issuance. Case Number Z2012-02; Ordinance 2012-04.
Senior Planner Robert Rodgers gave the presentation. Mr. Rodgers explained that currently
Public Art contributions are made at the time of Occupancy Permit approval for Commercial,
Industrial, or Multi -Family development projects and this has proven to be problematic for the
Building Safety Division over the past few years. Mr. Rodgers continued to state that on
occasion, Building Division staff has had to hold back Certificates of Occupancy after a building
had been constructed due to the applicant's not having met the public art requirement.
Additionally, this requirement has occasionally slipped through the cracks and Certificates of
Occupancy have been issued in error due to the current permit tracking software's inability to
flag this requirement in the system.
Mr. Rodgers added that as the responsibility for collecting the public art donations rests with the
Building Safety Division, they have requested that the ordinance be amended to require that the
donations be made a the time the Building Permit is issued.
The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to initiate this proposed zoning amendment at their
May 24, 2012, regular meeting.
Staff recommended that the Planning and Zoning Commission vote to forward a
recommendation to the Town Council to approve the proposed Public Art zoning ordinance text
amendment.
Public Hearing Opened at 6:35 p.m.
No one from the public requested to speak.
Public Hearing Closed at 6:35 p.m.
AGENDA ITEM 93 — CONSIDERATION of a TEXT AMENDMENT to amend Section
19.05 — Public Art Requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. If adopted, the amendment would
revise the options for developer donations to the Public Art Fund to require that such donations
Page 2 of 7
be made at the time of the Building Permit issuance rather than at the time of Certificate of
Occupancy issuance. Case Number 22012-02; Ordinance 2012-04.
The Commission discussed in length the issue of refunding, monies collected at the time of an
issued permit and what happened if the project did not complete.
Commissioner Richard Turner, Vice -Chairman Strohan, Commissioner Stan Connick, and
Chairman Pew supported collecting the monies at the time of issuance of the building permit, but
'111 Ht that if the project, for whatever reason did not Finalize the art monies should be refunded
in full to the applicant.
Commission Gene Sleclita supported completely the proposal by staff*.
Commissioner Stan Connick made a MOTION to forward a recommendation to the Town
Council that funds would be collected at tile time of pennit issuance, but not released for use
until the time of issuance of a project Certificate of Occupancy, Art monies would then be
released. Additionally, if a project was not kept active, the art monies would be refunded to the
applicant of the project. Commissioner Richard Turner SECONDEA) wed the MOTION was
approved -0, by those present.
AGENDA ITENI 94 — PUBLIC HEARING of a TEXT AMENDMENT ng to the Zoning , Ordinance to
amend Chapters 12. 16. and I8. If adopted, the aniendinews -would revise the permitted use
sections to allow all restaurants tea IMVC Outdoor seating areas in commercial or lodging zoning
districts. The amendment would also eliminate the, requirement that outdoor seating areas be
fenced if no alcohol is served and there are no public safety issues. Case Number 72012-04;
Ordinance 201 2-0i.
Senior Planner Robert Rodgers gave the presentation. Nlr. Rodgers stated that staff had received
numerous inquiries From restaurants regarding whether or not tile), could create outdoor seating
areas for their customers to use during tile cooler months. Nir. Rodgers explained that currently,
the TCCD zoning district is the only district that permits NON -enclosed outdoor seating areas.
Mr. Rodgers pointed out that staff was proposing that all restaurants located within any
commercial or lodging zoning districts have the option of creating on-site outdoor seating areas
for their customers without (lie requirement that they obtain a Special Use Permit or that they
necessarily have to enclose the patio area.
Mr. Rodgers noted that restaurants that do not serve alcohol would have the option of not
installing a fence or similar barrier -around their outdoor- seating ateas and restaurants that served
alcoholic beverages would still be required to enclose their outdoor seating areas under the State
Liquor License requirements.
Exceptions would be made in cases where public safety would he compromised and in those
cases the town would require the seating area to be fenced or othcr\vise protected. Nlr. Rodgers
commented that a safety determination would be made or, during Concept
Plan review and/or the building, permit process. Mr. Rodgers added Jiaa where no approvals for
Page 3 of 7
physical improvements were required, the Zoning Administrator would make a determination
administrative[), and ADA requirements would not be affected and would remain a requirement.
Staff recommended that the: Planning and Zoning Commission vote to forward the
recommendation to the Town Council to approve [lie proposed text amendments to Chapters 12.
16, and 18 of the Zoning Ordinance relating to Outdoor seating? areas,
Public Hearing Opened at 6:52 p.m.
One speaker card was received from Town Councilmember Cecil Yates. Councilincinbcr Yates
stated that lie felt this proposed amendment was a good idea.
No one else from the public wished to speak.
Public Hearing Closed at 6:54 p.m.
AG[ ,'N,I)A ITEIM #5 — CONSIDERATION of a TEXT AINIENDINIEN'r to the Zoning
Ordinance to amend Chapte r s 12. 16, and 18. It' adopted, the amendments would revise the
permitted use sections to allow all restaurants to have outdoor seating areas in commercial or
lodging zoning districts. *File amendment would also eliminate the requirement that outdoor
seating areas be fenced if no alcohol is served and there are no public safety issues. Case
Number Z2012-04; Ordinance 2012-05.
Commissioner Gene Sleclita stated that his objections were centered on (lie removing of the
special use permit requirement for zoning districts C -C and C-1. Commissioner Sleclita pointed
out that theses two districts were different than the other commercial zoning districts since they
serve a surrounding residential neighborhood, as defined in the Zoning Ordinance. Fie also
Z:�
pointed out that the special use permits requirement gives nearby residents the opportunity to
provide feedback to the Town concerning possible noise concerns. \Mr. Rodgers stated that in
Fountain Hills lie did not know of any commercial district that (lid not have adJacent residential
properties. Commissioner Sleclita stated out that he was ill SLIppOrt of' the proposed outdoor
seating for restaurants but did not support the discontinuing of' the special use permit process.
Mr. Rodgers pointed out that staff %vas trying, to treat all restaurants the same when it came to
this issue.
Commissioner- Stan Connick stated his support
audible entertainment outside was allowed. Mr.
in previously and Would not change.
since the arnendnivnt language Stated that 110
Rodgers pointed out that this language has been
Commissioner Richard Turner stated that this was a good idca but businesses nlay need
monitoring so that the business community respected staff's reconinicndation.
Commissioner Richard Turner made a INIOTION to APPROVE tile proposed text amendments
to Chapters 12, 16. and 18 of (lie Zoning Ordinance relating to outdoor seating areas, as
presented. Vice -Chairman Angela Strolian SECONDED and the jNJOTION passed 4-1, with
Commission Gene Slechta voting nay.
Pigs 4 of 7
AGENDA ITEM #6 — PUBLIC HEARING of TEXT AMENDMENTS to Chapters 2. 5. 9,
10, 11. 15, and 18 of the Zoning Ordinance. If adopted, the amendments would revise the zoning
regulations relating to Temporary Use Permits to amend, eliminate, and/or redefine these
sections in order to streamline processes and eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy or duplicative
permits. Case Number Z2012-03; Ordinance 2012-06.
Senior Planner Robert Rodgers gave the presentation. Mr. Rodgers explained that the temporary
use permit regulations currently reside in seven chapters of the zoning ordinance and
occasionally duplicated a number of other permit requirements. Mr. Rodgers added that
sometimes these regulations create unnecessary and time-consuming procedures. See Exhibit
"B" for list of sections in the zoning ordinance affected.
Mr. Rodgers noted that the Planning and Zoning Commission voted to initiate this amendment at
their May 24, 2012, regular meeting.
Staff recommended that the Planning and Zoning Commission vote to forward a
recommendation to the Town Council to approve the amendments to the Zoning Ordinance,
Chanters 2, 5, 9, 10, 11, I5, and 18 as they relate to temporary use permits.
Public Hearing Opened at 7:07 p.m.
No one from the public requested to speak.
Public Hearing Closed at 7:07 p.m.
AGENDA ITEM #7 — CONSIDERATION of TEXT AMENDMENTS to Chapters 2. 5, 91
10. 11. 15, and 18 of the Zoning Ordinance. If adopted, the amendments would revise the zoning
regulations relating to Temporary Use Permits to amend, eliminate, and/or redefine these
sections in order to streamline processes and eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy or duplicative
permits. Case Number Z2012-03; Ordinance 2012-06.
Commissioner Richard Turner expressed disagreement with not posting the property involved as
currently required in the temporary use permit process. Commissioner Turner also questioned
switching land use activities subject to a special events permit, which was also found in the
Town Code.
Commissioner Gene Slechta spoke in support of this proposal because it would simplify time and
save the business community temporary use permit fees.
Chairman Lloyd Pew spoke in support since it appeared to be a mostly housekeeping process.
Chairman Lloyd Pew MOVED to APPROVE the proposed text amendments to Chapters 2. 5,
9, 10, 11, 15, and 18 of the zoning ordinance. Commissioner Gene Slechta SECONDED the
MOTION. A voice vote was taken and the MOTION passed 4-I, with Commissioner Richard
Turner casting the nay vote.
Page 5 of 7
Commissioner Stan Connick
aye
Commissioner Gene Slechta
aye
Vice- Chairman Angela Strohan
aye
Chairman Lloyd Pew
aye
Commissioner Richard Turner
nay
AGENDA ITEM #8 — COMMISSION DISCUSSION/REQUEST FOR RESEARCH to
staff. Items listed below are related only to the propriety of (i) placing such items on a future
agenda for action or (ii) directing staff to conduct further research and report back to the
commission.
NONE
AGENDA ITEM #- 9- SUMMARY OF COMMISSION REQUEST from Senior Planner.
NONE
AGENDA ITEM #10 — REPORT from Senior Planner, Planning and Zoning Division of
Development Services.
Robert Rodgers congratulated Vice -Chairman Angela Strohan on her appointment. Mr. Rodgers
fiv pointed out that four of our current Commissioner's appointments will expire on September 30,
2012. Mr. Rodgers encouraged all those interested in re -appointment; return their applications to
Janice before Monday, August 20, 2012. The Town Council Subcommittee would also be
recommending an appointment to fill the vacancy of Cecil Yates.
Commissioner Gene Slechta congratulated Town Councilmember Yates on his elected seat on
the Council and also thanked him for his hard work during his term as a Planning and Zoning
Commissioner and vice-chairman.
AGENDA ITEM #11 - ADJOURNMENT.
Commissioner Stan Connick MOVED to adjourn and Commissioner Gene Slechta
SECONDED and the MOTION CARRIED (5-0), by those present.
Chairman Lloyd Pew
aye
Vice -Chairman Angela Strohan
aye
Commissioner Stan Connick
aye
Commissioner Richard Turner
aye
Commissioner Gene Slechta
aye
The regular meeting ADJOURNED at 7:14 p.m.
Page 6 of 7
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE Ift
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 13, 2012
Chairman Lloyd Pew opened the session of the Planning and Zoning Commission at 6:30 p.m.
The following Commissioners were present: Chairman Lloyd Pew, Vice -Chairman Angela
Strohan, Commissioners Richard Turner and Gene Slechta, [and one open Commissioner's seat].
Also in attendance were Robert Rodgers Senior Planner, and Janice Baxter Executive Assistant
and Recorder of the Minutes. Commissioner Mike Archambault could not attend due to a
family illness and Commissioner Stan Connick was not able to attend due to other obligations.
Commissioner Archambault and Commissioner Stan Connick were unable to contact staff in
advance.
Chairman Lloyd Pew requested participation in the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silent
reflection.
ROLL CALL:
Chairman Lloyd Pew
Commissioner Angela Strohan
Commissioner Richard Turner
Commissioner Gene Slechta
Commissioner Stan Connick
Commissioner Mike Archambault
One Open Seat
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
No one wished to speak.
present
present
present
present
absent
absent
REGULAR AGENDA
AGENDA ITEM 91 — CONSIDERATION of APPROVING the Regular Session meeting
minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission from Thursday, July 12, 2012.
Vice -Chairman Angela Strohan MOVED to APPROVE the regular session meeting minutes for
the Planning and Zoning Commission dated July 12, 2012. Commissioner Gene Slechta
SECONDED. A roll call was taken and the MOTION CARRIED 4 -0, by those present.
Commissioner Richard Turner aye
Chairman Lloyd Pew aye
Commissioner Angela Strohan aye
Page I of 9
Commissioner Gene Slechta
aye
AGENDA ITEM #2 — PUBLIC HEARING of a TEXT AMENDMENT to amend Section
19.05- Public Art Requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. If adopted, the amendment would
revise the options for developer donations to the Public Art Fund to require that such donations
be made at the time of the Building Permit issuance rather than at the time of Certificate of
Occupancy issuance. Case Number 2012-02; Ordinance 2012-04.
Robert Rodgers Senior Planner gave the presentation and pointed out that this was the second
time the Commission had been presented with this ordinance. Mr. Rodgers explained that this
ordinance amendment was proposed due to a request from the Building Safety Division who is
responsible for the initial collection of the public art fee. Mr. Rodgers added that the public art
contributions were made at the time of occupancy permit approval for commercial, industrial, or
multi -family development projects. He stressed that staff has had to hold back certificates of
occupancy after a building had been constructed due to the applicant's not having met the public
art requirement and that tenants were occasionally allowed to occupy completed spaces by the
property owners before the certificate of occupancy was issued. Staff has expressed that this
requirement has occasionally slipped through the cracks and certificates of occupancy have been
issued in error due to the current permit tracking software's inability to flag this requirement in
the system.
Mr. Rodgers stated that if this amendment was approved, the administrative process would be
�W similar to the current process except that the collecting of the art fee would occur at the
beginning rather than at the end. Mr. Rodgers pointed out that at the request of the Commission
in the previous public hearing; a mechanism had been included to allow for reimbursement of
any donated funds or artwork in the event of the project's failure to begin construction for some
reason. At the May 24, 2012, regular meeting, the Commission initiated this proposed zoning
amendment and voted at their June 28, 2012, public hearing to recommend approval subject to
including a refund provision.
Staff recommended that the Planning and Zoning Commission forward a recommendation to the
Town Council to approve the public art zoning ordinance text amendment, as presented.
Public Hearing Opened at 6:34 p.m.
No one wished to speak on this amendment.
M
Public Hearing Closed at 6:34 p.m.
AGENDA ITEM #3 — CONSIDERATION of a TEXT AMENDMENT to amend Section
19.05- Public Art Requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. If adopted, the amendment would
revise the options for developer donations to the Public Art Fund to require that such donations
be made at the time of the Building Pen -nit issuance rather than at the time of Certificate of
Occupancy issuance. Case Number 2012-02; Ordinance 2012-04.
Page 2 of 9
L
LAJ
Chairman Lloyd Pew asked for questions or discussions from the Commissioners. No one
requested to speak.
Chairman Lloyd Pew made a MOTION to forward a recommendation to the Town Council to
APPROVE the text amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, as presented and Commissioner
Richard Turner SECONDED. The MOTION passed 4-0, by those present.
AGENDA ITEM #4 — PUBLIC HEARING of a TEXT AMENDMENTS of the Zoning
Ordinance to amend Chapters 12 16, and 18. If adopted, the amendments would revise the
permitted use sections to allow all restaurants to have outdoor seating areas in commercial or
lodging zoning districts. The amendment would also eliminate the requirement that outdoor
seating areas be fenced if no alcohol is served and there are no public safety issues. Case
Number Z2012-04; Ordinance 2012-05.
Robert Rodgers, Senior Planner gave the presentation and pointed out that this was the second
time the commission was presented with this ordinance amendment. Mr. Rodgers pointed out
that staff had received a lot of inquiries from local restaurants about the possibility of creating
outdoor seating areas for their customers to use during the cooler months. Mr. Rodgers
explained that currently the TCCD zoning district was the only district that permitted non -
enclosed outdoor seating areas. Mr. Rodgers added that this ordinance amendment would allow
restaurants in any commercial or lodging district to create on-site outdoor seating areas without
requiring the business to enclose the patio or that they obtain a special use permit. Mr. Rodgers
expressed that the amendment would also apply to restaurants that serve alcoholic beverages
subject to the business' state liquor license also allowing them to not enclose their outdoor
seating area. In cases where public safety might be compromised; the town would require the
seating area to be fenced or somehow be protected. Mr. Rodgers noted that this was the only
change from the previously presented proposal.
Mr. Rodgers explained that the public safety determination would be made administratively or
during the concept plan approval/building permit process. Mr. Rodgers mentioned that ADA
access requirements would not be affected.
Staff recommended that the Planning and Zoning Commission forward a recommendation to the
Town Council to approve the outdoor seating area zoning ordinance text amendment, as
presented.
Public Hearing Opened at 6:37 p.m.
No one requested to speak.
Public Hearing Closed at 6:37 p.m.
Page 3 of 9
ddft
Vv** Atfl
AGENDA ITEM 45 — CONSIDERATION of a TEXT AMENDMENTS to the Zoning
Ordinance to amend Chapters 12, 16. and 18. If adopted, the amendments would revise the
permitted use sections to allow all restaurants to have outdoor seating areas in commercial or
lodging zoning districts. The amendment would also eliminate the requirement that outdoor
seating areas be fenced if no alcohol is served and there are no public safety issues. Case
Number 22012-04; Ordinance 2012-05. LJKAr I
Chairman Lloyd Pew asked for questions or comments from the Commissioners.
Commissioner Richard Turner asked how staff would know which restaurants were creating
outdoor seating without the permit process. Robert Rodgers answered that restaurant owners
would still be required to submit a proposal for staff to review over the counter and either
approve or give recommendations on outdoor seating. Commissioner Turner was concerned
about parking issues being created due to the placement of tables. Mr. Rodgers stressed that
parking and ADA issues would be addressed through this process.
Commissioner Gene Slechta supported the changes in fencing requirements, but reiterated his
objection that this proposed process would eliminate the ability for neighboring resident to
express their concerns due to the lack of public hearings that are now available to address these
concerns. Commissioner Slechta added that there were two zoning district descriptions with two
sentences not found in the others that stated;
1. Provide for services to the community that did not interfere with the integrity of the
surrounding neighborhood.
2. Particular attention is to be paid to the interface between commercial and professional
uses and residential uses within the same neighborhood.
Commissioner Slechta added that CC and C-1 now require Special Use Permits for outdoor
seating because they were so closely aligned by residential neighborhoods. He stated that it was
not unreasonable to allow the surrounding neighborhoods to have the opportunity to weigh in
through a Special Use Permit process.
Commissioner Gene Slechta requested to amend the proposed amendment to retain the original
zoning ordinance language and require a Special Use Permit in the CC and C-1 commercial
zoning districts.
Commissioner Richard Turner asked staff, which were the most neighborhood compatible
zoning districts. Mr. Rodgers answered that it was probably the CC zoning district because C-1,
C-2, C-3 were more dense. Commissioner Turner stated he agreed with Commissioner Slechta.
Commissioner Gene Slechta made a MOTION to amend the proposal to continue to retain the
Special Use requirement in the CC and C-1 zoning districts for outside seating.
Chairman Lloyd Pew asked for the MOTION to be SECONDED.
The MOTION FAILED for lack of being SECONDED.
Page 4 of 9
Commissioner Richard Turner made a MOTION to approve the proposed amendment with the
exception of CC zoning districts.
Vice Cg
hairman Angela Strohan SECONDED the MOTION. DRAFT
Chairman Lloyd Pew requested any questions or comments from the Commission.
Commissioner Gene Slechta stated he understood C -i to be more commercial (light
commercial).
Robert Rodgers, Senior Planner recommended against the current motion because the CC zoning
districts was not any different from the other commercial districts they all back up to residential
districts. Mr. Rodgers pointed out that even the downtown C-2 and TCCD zoning districts back-
up to multi -family areas. Mr. Rodgers noted that these areas were no different than the more
dense areas. Mr. Rodgers also expressed that it would be unfair to the CC and C-1 district
commercial properties to require only those to apply for a special use permit. Since this
proposed ordinance included an over-the-counter review, the proposed process would be
equitable for all commercial districts.
Commissioner Turner stated that lie saw the current process as not prohibiting CC and C-1 from
having outdoor seating, but shows there is a process that businesses go through. If there were
neighbors with concerns, they would have the opportunity to provide their input.
Vice -Chairman Strohan asked what areas would be involved. Mr. Rodgers noted that some of
the areas of Town in the CC District.
Chairman Lloyd Pew stated he was not in favor of this exception. Chairman Pew pointed out
that any problem with noise would fall under the noise ordinance. He added that the proposed
zoning ordinance would treat those commercial businesses differently for no reason.
Commissioner Slechta added that during his time as a planner for the town, lie remembered a
Special Use Permit request lie presented that involved a request for extended restaurant/bar
hours. This request was in a CC zoning district and there were a lot of opposition from the
residents in the area.
Cliainnan Pew asked if the over-the-counter permit process included a mechanism for residents
to walk in and voice their concerns about outdoor seating on a particular establishment or find
out why a permit was granted. Mr. Rodgers answered that if someone wanted to challenge a
permit, they would have to appeal to the Town Council, after the fact.
Commissioner Turner remarked that by using tiie special use pernit and its process, input from
the residents could possibly result in modifications or revisions necessary to the issuance. Vice -
Chairman Strohan agreed that the residents should have the right to be heard.
No other discussion or comments were made.
�W DRAFT
Page 5 of 9
Chairman Pew asked for all those in favor of the MOTION (Commissioner Richard Turner
made a MOTION to approve the proposed amendment with the acceptation of CC zoning
districts.)
Those voting in favor of the MOTION were Commissioner Richard Turner and Vice -Chairman
Angela Strohan.
Those voting nay of the MOTION were Chairman Lloyd Pew and Commissioner Gene Slechta.
The MOTION FAILED by 2-2 vote. DRAFT
Commissioner Richard Turner made a MOTION to continue this agenda item until the next
scheduled meeting. Commissioner Gene Slechta SECONDED the MOTION and the
MOTION carried 4-0, by those present.
AGENDA ITEM #6 — PUBLIC HEARING of a TEXT AMENDMENTS to Chapters 2, 5, 9,
10, 11, 15, and 18 of the Zoning Ordinance. If adopted, the amendments would revise the zoning
regulations relating to Temporary Use Permits to amend, eliminate, and/or redefine these
sections in order to streamline processes and eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy or duplicative
permits. Case Number Z2012-03; Ordinance Number 2012-06.
Robert Rodgers gave the presentation and noted that this was the second time the commission
was presented with this proposal. Mr. Rodgers explained that numerous temporary use permit
regulations resided in eight separate ordinance sections of seven different chapters of the zoning
ordinance and occasionally duplicated other permit requirements, which created additional
unnecessary and time-consuming procedures. Mr. Rodgers summed up the proposed changes
that would significantly reduce the time and expenses involved in acquiring and administering
permits as follows:
1. The requirement to get event related Temporary Use Permits would be eliminated. Those
requests would get Special Event Permits.
2. Temporary Use Permits issued through staff would be reviewed and issued
administratively.
3. Activities in the right-of-ways or easements would still be processed through Building
Pen -nits and Encroachment Permits.
4. Any appeals would continue to go to Town Council.
Mr. Rodgers explained that these proposed changes were expected to significantly reduce the
time and expenses involved in acquiring and administering these permits.
L
DRAFT
Page 6 of 9
Mr. Rodgers pointed out that a significant policy change from the current ordinance was that
master planned community sales centers may now be in any size development rather than only
those with 200 acres or more.
Staff recommended that the Planning and Zoning Commission forward a recommendation to the
Town Council to approve the Temporary Use Permit zoning ordinance text amendments, as
presented.
Public Hearing Opened at 6:59 p.m. DRAFT
No one requested to speak.
Public Hearing Closed at 6:59 p.m.
AGENDA ITEM 97 — CONSIDERATION of a TEXT AMENDMENTS to Chapters 2, 5, 9,
10, 11, 15, and 18 of the Zoning Ordinance. If adopted, the amendments would revise the zoning
regulations relating to Temporary Use Permits to amend, eliminate, and/or redefine these
sections in order to streamline processes and eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy or duplicative
permits. Case Number Z2012-03; Ordinance Number 2012-06.
Commissioner Richard Turner asked how anyone would know if an event were pending. Mr.
Rodgers answered that with the Town Attorney's input in the ordinance, the procedure would be
that if a permit was appealed, staff would suspend it and then require the requested event go to
the Town Council for a hearing.
Vice -Chairman Strohan asked about daycare requests and the notification of residents. Mr.
Rodgers explained that a business of this kind would need a business license. Home Occupation
stipulations would be included in the process of issuance of that license.
Commissioner Gene Slechta stated he supported the proposed amendment to the Zoning
Ordinance.
Vice -Chairman Strohan made a MOTION to forward a recommendation to the Town Council to
APPROVE the proposed text amendments to Chapters 2, 5, 9, 10, 11, 15, and 18 of the Zoning
Ordinance, as they relate to Temporary Use Permits as presented. Commissioner Gene Slechta
SECONDED. The MOTION passed 4-0, by those present. DRAFT
AGENDA ITEM #8 — SUGGESTIONS regarding TOPICS OF DISCUSSION for the
Thursday, October 11, 2012, Town Council and Planning and Zoning Commission Joint Session.
The following topics were suggested by the Commissioners to be discussed at the Thursday,
October 11, 2012, joint session with the Town Council:
1. Street Improvement Town wide.
Page 7 of 9
[A
2. Downtown Development Update.
3. Status of Economic Development Policy.
4. Any Development Proposals on Reservation.
AGENDA ITEM #9 — COMMISSION DISCUSSION/REQUEST FOR RESEARCH to
staff. Items listed below are related only to the propriety of (i) placing such items on a future
agenda for action or (ii) directing staff to conduct further research and report back to the
commission. DRAFT
NONE
AGENDA ITEM #10- SUMMARY OF COMMISSION REQUEST from Senior Planner.
19010 y
AGENDA ITEM #11 — REPORT from Senior Planner, Planning and Zoning Division of
Development Services.
Mr. Rodgers informed the Commissioners that six (6) applicants were interviewed by the Town
Council Interview Subcommittee for five (5) open seats and the Town Council would announce
the newly appointed members at the September 20, 2012, Town Council Meeting. Oaths of
Office would be administered the following week. Mr. Rodgers added that on October 11, 2012,
the Commission would hold a joint session with the Town Council beginning at 5:30 p.m.
followed by a regular Planning and Zoning Commission meeting that would also include the
appointment of a chairman and vice-chairman for a one-year term and the Sign Regulations
proposed amendment
AGENDA ITEM #12 - ADJOURNMENT.
Commissioner Richard Turner MOVED to adjourn and Commissioner Gene Slechta
SECONDED and the MOTION CARRIED (4-0), by those present.
Chairman Lloyd Pew aye
Vice -Chairman Angela Strohan aye
Commissioner Richard Turner aye
Commissioner Gene Slechta. aye
The regular meeting ADJOURNED at 7:19 p.m.
Page 8 of 9
DRAFT
11
FOUNTAIN HILLS PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
BY:
ATFFIST:
C'EATI111CATION
Janice Baxter, Recorder
I herebycertify that the lorc-oing minutes are a trice and correct copy of the minutes of the
C�
meeting of the Fountain I fills Planning and Zoning Commission held on the 13"' day of
Z:) I
September 2012, in the 'roxvi, council Chambers. I further certify that the meeting was duly
called and that a quorum Nvas present.
Dated this I')"' day of"September 2012.
. � Janice Baxter, Recorder
Paste 9 of9
OJ��AIN k��
o �
n
Meeting Date: October 11, 2012
Meeting Type: Regular
Staff Contact Information
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
❑ Planning and Zoning
❑ Board of Adjustment
AGENDA ACTION FORM
Agenda Type: Regular
Submitting Department: Development Services
Bob Rodgers, Senior Planner, 480-816-5138, rrodgers(a)fh.az.gov
REQUEST TO PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION:
PUBLIC HEARING to receive comments on ORDINANCE 12-07, a text amendment to Chapter 1 "Definitions", and
Chapter 6 "Sign Regulations" of the Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Fountain Hills. If adopted, the amendments revise
large portions of the Town's regulations regarding commercial signage. Case# Z2012-01 Ordinance # 12-07
CONSIDERATION of ORDINANCE 12-07, a text amendment to Chapter 1 "Definitions" and Chapter 6 "Sign
Regulations" of the Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Fountain Hills. If adopted, the amendments revise large portions of
the Town's regulations regarding commercial signage. Case# Z2012-01 Ordinance # 12-07
Cpplicant: Town of Fountain Hills
Applicant Contact Information: Bob Rodgers, Senior Planner, 480-816-5138, rrodgers(a-)fh.az.gov
Property Location: Town -Wide
Related Ordinance, Policy or Guiding Principle:
Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance - Chapter 1, Definitions
Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance - Chapter 6, Signs
Staff Summary (background):
In December of 2009, the Town Council approved the extension of the sunset clause for A -Frame and Banner signs for an
additional year. At that meeting the Council noted that compliance with the ordinance was severely lacking and requested
that staff look into ways of educating businesses regarding what is permitted, as well as making the sign ordinance more
user-friendly and potentially easier to enforce.
In December of 2010, the Town Council again reluctantly approved the extension of the sunset clause for A -Frame and
Banner signs for an additional year.
In an effort to pursue the goal of reviewing the ordinance and making recommendations for modifications, staff held a
public signage open house in June 2011. Participants at the open house were also invited to volunteer to be included in
the further review process should they be interested.
A Sign Ordinance Review Committee was formed in July 2011 consisting of volunteers representing both the business
community and the citizens at large, staff, and members of both the Planning & Zoning Commission and Town Council.
The committee established the goal of reviewing the entire sign ordinance in order to make recommendations for
improvements and clarifications. Particular emphasis was to be placed on A -Frame and Banner regulations.
,n December 2011 the Town Council once again extended the sunset clause for A -Frame and Banner signs for an
additional year. They once again stressed their displeasure that the business community was, in general, not following the
Paac I of 8
P&Z Public Hearing
Sign Ordinance #12-07
ordinance requirements. However, they stated that they were willing to wait for the Sign Review Committee's
recommendations before changing the ordinance.
�VThe Sign Ordinance Review Committee continued to meet weekly until April 2012. During the months of March and April
of 2012 three Open Houses were held in order to present the committee's recommendations to the public and receive
further input. Questionnaires were distributed at each open house and the comments returned are attached to this report.
What is commonly called "The Sign Ordinance" is actually just Chapter 6 of the Zoning Ordinance. The section numbers
you see listed below are the ones potentially being amended with this proposal. The changes in Sections 6.03 through
6.07 are primarily typo fixes, department name changes, and consistency changes that are more administrative in nature.
Section 6.08 is the MEAT of the ordinance and details the "Rules" for the various types of signage around town. This
report will briefly go through all these sections in order to allow the Commission to see what's being proposed.
In instances where the Sign Committee has recommended a proposed amendment that staff disagrees with, it has been
noted. It has also been noted if the Planning & Zoning Commission has previously recommended a change or disagrees
with one of the recommendations.
The sections being amended are as follows:
Section 6.02 - The Definitions are being moved to Chapter 1 of the Zoning Ordinance.
Section 6.03 - Department name change to Development Services.
- Add that a sliding plexi -glass face change doesn't need a permit.
- Take out Section B that is a hold -over from the distant past. The town does not issue stickers for signs
any more. Except for A -Frames.
Section 6.04 - Delete Section C because it is a redundancy. The two previous sections say the same thing.
Section 6.05 - Town Council recently adopted a revised penalty section into the Town Code which allows for criminal
penalties in some cases of multiple and repeated code violations. This change just makes this section
consistent with that.
This ordinance section currently states:
Fines may be assessed according to the following schedule:
A. First offense, fine not to exceed $25.00 and confiscation of sign(s).
B. Second offense within twelve (12) calendar months of first offense, fine not to exceed
$50.00 and confiscation of sign(s).
C. All subsequent violations within twelve (12) calendar months of the first offense, fine
not to exceed $100.00 and confiscation of sign(s).
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION:
The Commission voted in the July 12, 2012 public hearing to recommend that the penalties for violations be
increased to be $100 for the first offence, $500 for the second offence, and $700 for the third offence. Staff
supports this recommendation.
TOWN COUNCIL WORKSTUDY:
The consensus of the Town Council during their work study review of this ordinance appeared to indicate that the
Council would prefer that the penalty fines remain the same as they are currently.
SIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE:
The sign review committee has recommended that the penalty fines remain the same as they are currently.
Section 6.07F - This is to make it consistent with the proposed changes to the A -Frame section.
Section 6.071.4 - This change is being made to make this section consistent with a new section being proposed regarding
Electronic Message Signs. If the new Section 6.08.CC is not added to the ordinance, this section should
1114.1 not be changed.
Page 2 of 8
P&Z Public Hearing
Sign Ordinance #12-07
Section 6.071.5 - This change makes this section consistent with the definitions of these types of signs as well as some
later sections of the ordinance.
Section 6.071.9 - Deleted because it is now covered by section 5.
Section 6.07J - This section is being moved and clarifies that ALL signs don't necessarily have to be re -done.
Only the signs that don't meet regulations.
Section 6.07K - This section is being moved to the Non -conforming Signs section.
Section 6.07M - This amendment is to keep this section consistent with some later sections.
Section 6.07N - This section has been deleted as it is covered under the Window Signs section.
Section 6.07Q - This section has been deleted as it contradicts the Non -conforming Signs section.
Section 6.08 - Index Table amended to reflect the changes within the ordinance. The changes include re -numbering,
Including new sections as well as a few previously missing sections, and re -organizing the index.
Section 6.08.A.1 - Total Aggregate Sign Area
This section is being amended to remove the 125% limitation on signage for one side of a corner
commercial building. Total aggregate signage will now be permitted to be allocated as the property owner
deems necessary.
Section 6.08.6 - A -Frame Signs
SIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE:
Proposed changes to the A -Frame regulations are:
- Allow businesses which front on more than one street to have more than one A -Frame. (1 per street front)
Rather than only 1 sign each as it is now.
- Allow A -Frame signs to be placed within the public right-of-way directly in front of the business within 1' of
the curb.
- Require A -Frame signs with attachments like balloons to be 3' back from the curb. Delete the section that
says A -Frame signs can't be used for directional purposes. (The "no arrow" clause)
- Remove the text area limitation since the sign's size already limits what can be on it.
- Note that A -Frame signs may be out between the hours of 6:00 AM — 12:00 AM (Midnight).
- Change the sunset clause date to a two-year extension rather than the current one-year extensions
granted by the Town Council.
TOWN ATTORNEY:
The Town Attorney has indicated that the original proposal's recommendation that A -Frame signs be out only
during business hours could be construed as not being consistent between different businesses. Specific times
should be noted.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION:
The Commission voted in the July 12, 2012 public hearing to agree with staff's recommendations. The previous
public hearing noted the times that A -Frame signs may be out would be between 7:00 AM — 9:00 PM. The sign
review committee's recommendation to change to 6:00 AM — 12:00 AM has not yet been discussed by the
Commission. Also, the sign review committee's recommendation to extend the sunset date for two years rather
than one was not included in the last public hearing and the Commission has not made a recommendation
regarding this yet.
STAFF:
Staff supports the recommended changes except we do not support extending the sunset date for two years. Staff
feels that there has not been adequate compliance with the existing ordinance to justify such an increased
extension. Staff recommends keeping the one-year extensions until there has been evidence of business
community compliance with the new ordinance.
Page 3 of 8
P&Z Public Hearing
Sign Ordinance #12-07
Section 6.08.D - Event Banners
Proposed changes to the Banner regulations are:
- Allowing Grand Opening banners to be up for 30 days rather than 14.
- Delete Section 2 to reflect actual practice. The displays generally stay up for the duration of the event
and are rarely taken in at the end of each day and brought out again the following morning.
- A clarification that the measurement of a balloon's height is from the ground, not from the top of the
sign.
- Allow event displays for 3 days per week rather than the current allowance of 3 days (60 hours) per
month.
STAFF:
Staff supports the recommended changes except we do not support allowing banners to be erected for three days
per week, every week. Staff feels that such a regulation change will lead to excessive sign clutter. Staff also
believes that the three-day/week limit would become virtually unenforceable. Staff recommends that the
recommendation to allow banners to be displayed three -days per week be denied.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION:
The Commission voted in the July 12, 2012 public hearing to agree with staff's recommendation and keep the
banner regulations the same as they are currently.
SIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE:
The sign review committee has revised their recommendation and now proposes that banners be permitted to be
displayed for 14 days per month, with the additional requirement that such displays must be in 7 consecutive day
increments at a minimum. Staff does not support this revised proposal as it still creates additional sign
clutter.
Section 6.08.F - Contractor Signs
SIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE:
The sign review committee recommends allowing contractors to put up a banner instead of a hard sign when they
are working on site.
STAFF:
Staff does not support allowing contractors to put up banners instead of a hard signs when they are working on
site. Staff has had no requests from contractors for this amendment and we believe that such a change will lead
to visual clutter, especially in residential neighborhoods. Staff recommends that this amendment be denied.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION:
The Commission voted in the July 12, 2012 public hearing to support this amendment as proposed by the sign
review committee.
Section 6.08.1- Flags
This section has been re -worded by the Town Attorney so that its meaning is more clear. No changes to
the actual regulations have been made.
Section 6.08.J - Freestanding Signs
The changes make this section consistent with the rest of the ordinance which was changed in 2009.
New Sub -Sections 7 and 8 are being added. These are sections that were previously stand-alone
sections CC and EE but the review committee feels that they are variations of freestanding signs and so
should be moved to this Section J to make things simpler for new businesses looking for information. The
contents of these sections are not changing.
Section 6.08.M - Garage Sale Signs
The amendments to this section are designed to make them consistent with the A -Frame regulations
.. being proposed. The committee felt that a maximum size is sufficient and that a Minimum size was not
necessary. The section adds corrugated plastic as an alternative material as well.
Page 4 of 8
P&Z Public Hearing
Sign Ordinance #12-07
Section 6.08.P - Neon Signs
SIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE:
kaw The sign review committee recommends that neon signs to permitted for any type of signage rather than as just
as window signs that say OPEN or that have company logos.
STAFF:
The current ordinance allows neon signs to be used as OPEN signs or company logos in storefront windows only.
Staff does not support the amendment to allow for increased neon signage, for any type of sign. Staff feels that
such signage is not in keeping with the southwestern style of commercial development that is encouraged through
Concept Plan Review and Architectural Design Review. Staff recommended that this proposed amendment be
denied.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION:
The Commission voted in the July 12, 2012 public hearing to agree with staff's recommendation to keep the Neon
Sign regulations as the current ordinance
TOWN ATTORNEY:
The Town Attorney has noted that the existing ordinance provisions could possibly be construed as content -
based regulation. The Town Attorney recommends amending the ordinance to permit Neon Signs in windows to
display any legal message, subject to the normal window signage restrictions. Staff supports this amendment.
Section 6.08.Q - Open House Directional Signs
The changes will make this section consistent with the Real Estate Sign, the A -Frame Sign, and Garage
Sale Sign sections of the ordinance. The committee also thought that limiting the size of the sign is
sufficient and that limiting the text area was not necessary. The committee is proposing removing the
spacing requirement from street corners when signs don't present a safety hazard. However the signs
may not be clumped all together.
L—Jection 6.08.R - Political & Ideological Signs
These changes are being made to bring the Town's ordinance into conformance with State law. Political
Signs are going to be bigger and must now be permitted to be in the public right-of-ways.
Section 6.08.S - Projecting Signs
The current ordinance effectively blocks most uses of these sign types. The proposed changes relax the
rules and will allow for these signs to be used more often when appropriate.
Section 6.08.T - Real Estate Signs
Real estate signs by their nature are "portable". This section is proposed to be modified to clarify that they
may not be A -Frames Signs.
Section 6.08.V - Temporary Signs (Section Deleted)
The committee feels that this section is redundant since the rules for the various types of "temporary"
signs are already outlined in other sections.
Section 6.08.X - Window Signs
Section amended to include neon signs as allowed.
Section 6.08.AA - Lodging District Signs (Section Deleted)
This section is deleted because the committee feels that Lodging districts require signage just like other
commercial developments. Restricting these areas to only one freestanding sign was felt to be too
prohibitive.
Section 6.08.66 - Comprehensive Sign Plans (Section moved to 6.08.2)
The change is simply a re -numbering of the section.
`%"ection 6.08.CC - Shared Monument Signs (Section moved to 6.08.J)
As noted earlier, this section is proposed to be moved to 6.08.J.7 but not changed.
Page 5 of 8
P&Z Public Hearing
Sign Ordinance #12-07
Section 6.08.DD - Street Addresses (Section moved to become new 6.08.AA)
The change is simply a re -numbering of the section.
'kasection 6.08.EE - Subdivision Identification Signs (Section moved to 6.08.J)
As noted earlier, this section is proposed to be moved to 6.08.J.8 but not changed.
Section 6.08.FF - Sign Walkers (Section moved to become new 6.08.BB)
SIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE:
The committee proposal is to allow sign walkers any day of the week rather than only on Fridays and Saturdays
and that the time of day limits be removed.
STAFF:
Staff supports removing the hours of operation limits but does not support the proposal to allow Sign Walkers to
be out any day of the week. The current ordinance allows Sign Walkers to be out only on Fridays and Saturdays.
Staff recommends modifying this proposal to allow Sign Walkers to be out only on Fridays, Saturdays, and
Sundays, thereby allowing them the full weekend.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION:
The Commission voted in the July 12, 2012 public hearing to agree with staff's recommendation to remove the
time limits and to allow sign walkers to be out on weekends only.
TOWN COUNCIL WORKSTUDY:
The consensus of the Town Council during their work study review of this ordinance appeared to indicate that the
Council would support allowing sign walkers to be out any day of the week so long as they were actually standing
and not seated in a chair or similar circumstance.
Section 6.08.CC - Electronic Message Signs (New Section)
The current ordinance does not allow these types of signs except for use by Churches and Schools.
SIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE (original):
The committee recommends that Electronic Message Signs also be allowed for commercial and industrial
uses under these listed conditions:
o Electronic Message Signs must be on-site.
o Electronic Message Signs may not resemble traffic signals.
o Flashing or changing text or graphics must stop at 10:00 PM
o To reduce night-time glare, after 10:00 PM the background colors must be darker than the text.
STAFF:
Staff does not support the proposal to allow Electronic Message Signs for commercial and industrial uses. Staff's
objections to this type of signage are similar to our objections to Neon Signs and relate to the cumulative effects
on the visual character of the town. Staff recommends that this amendment be denied.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION:
The Commission voted in the July 12, 2012 public hearing to recommend that the use of Electronic Message
Board signs not be expanded.
SIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE:
The committee has renewed their recommendation that Electronic Message Signs be allowed for all commercial
or industrial properties in any district.
Risk Analysis (options or alternatives with implications):
The Sign Review Committee's proposed text amendments will generally clarify a number of sections and remove some
ambiguities. Portions of the recommended changes would allow for increased use of the public right-of-way for some
signs, allow for some new materials such as neon and electronic message boards, and increase the length of time
�wanners and other forms of temporary signage may be displayed.
Page 6 of 8
P&Z Public Hearing
Sign Ordinance #12-07
Staff has provided some recommendations for amendments to the committee's proposal which support the proposal in
general with a few modifications in an effort to provide a balance between the business community's needs and the
tsires of the residents. Whenever relevant, staff has provided our understanding of the Town Council's opinion as well
ogs any previous P&Z Commission decisions. Adopting either version will significantly change the sign ordinance.
Not adopting any text amendments will require that the ordinance remain in its current form. This will not necessarily
create any new difficulties. However, it has been noted that compliance with some parts of the existing ordinance is
lacking and will therefore have to be more strongly enforced. Additionally, some portions of the ordinance may be out of
alignment with State or Federal guidelines and may need to be amended in the future.
Fiscal Impact (initial and ongoing costs; budget status): N/A
Sign Ordinance Review Committee Recommendation(s):
The Sign Ordinance Review Committee recommends approval of the proposed ordinance as outlined above and shown in
detail in the attached red -lined ordinance revision.
Planning & Zoning Commission Recommendation(s):
The Planning & Zoning Commission held an initial Public Hearing on July 12, 2012. The Commission recommended
approval of the ordinance amendments as described in this report. However, due to the additional amendments from the
Town Attorney's review as well as the Sign Committee's re -review, this second Public Hearing was scheduled. The
Commission's final recommendations will be forwarded to the Town Council for a final decision.
Town Attorney Recommendation(s):
The Town Attorney has made a number of recommendations regarding amendments to the Sign Ordinance. The
recommendations involve numerous sections throughout the chapter and relate to the legalities and organization of the
ordinance rather than policy recommendations. These recommendations were brought back before the Sign Committee
for review and their comments regarding the Town Attorney's recommendations are also noted.
staff Recommendation(s):
taff recommends approval of the proposed amended sign ordinance with the modifications recommended by staff as
noted above.
Staff also wishes it to be made clear to the business community as well as the general public that upon a decision
regarding this proposal, staff will be tasked with strictly enforcing the ordinance in whatever form it is ultimately adopted or
remains.
International Sign Association Recommendation(s):
The Town received a significant number of recommendations regarding the proposed sign amendments, as well as some
additional recommendations for other parts of the sign ordinance. These materials were provided to the Commission
during the first public hearing, and to the Town Attorney for his review. Those previously provided materials should be
considered as part of the public record for this hearing as well. No new additional materials have been received from this
trade organization regarding this proposal.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
Move to forward a recommendation to the Town Council to APPROVE the text amendments to Chapter 1 "Definitions",
and Chapter 6 "Sign Regulations" of the Zoning Ordinance as presented with the amendments recommended by staff.
Attachment(s):
1. Draft Ordinance #12-07
2. Draft Amended Zoning Ordinance Chapter 1 — Definitions (Clean)
3. Draft Amended Zoning Ordinance Chapter 1 — Definitions (Red -Line)
4. Draft Amended Zoning Ordinance Chapter 6 — Signs (Clean)
5. Draft Amended Zoning Ordinance Chapter 6 - Signs (Red -Line)
6. Minutes of the 7/12/2012 P&Z Commission Public Hearing
Page 7 of 8
Submitted by:
1 obert Rocf ers 10/2/2012
Senior Planner Date
Approved by:
10/2/2012
Dev lopm t Servi s Director Date
A
Page 8 of 8
P&Z Public Hearing
Sign Ordinance #12-07
•
ORDINANCE NO. 12-07
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF
FOUNTAIN HILLS, ARIZONA, AMENDING THE FOUNTAIN HILLS ZONING
ORDINANCE, CHAPTERS 1 AND 6, RELATING TO SIGN REGULATIONS.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF
FOUNTAIN HILLS as follows:
SECTION 1. That certain document known as the "Town of Fountain Hills Zoning
Definitions" dated November 1, 2012 (the "Amended Definitions"), three copies of which are on file
in the office of the Town Clerk, which document was made a public record by Resolution No. 2012-
20 of the Town of Fountain Hills, Arizona, is hereby referred to, adopted and made a part hereof as if
fully set out in this Ordinance.
SECTION 2. The Zoning Ordinance for the Town of Fountain Hills (the "Fountain Hills
Zoning Ordinance"), Chapter 1, (Introduction), Section 1.12 (Definitions), is hereby deleted in its
entirety and replaced by the Amended Definitions, which shall be inserted into the Fountain Hills
Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 1, as a new Section 1.12 (Definitions).
SECTION 3. The Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 1 (Introduction) Section 1.03
(Short Title), is hereby amended as follows:
Section 1.03 Short Title
This Ordinance may be cited EXTERNALLY as "The Zoning Ordinance for the
Town of Fountain Hills" OR INTERNALLY AS "THIS ORDINANCE" OR "THIS
ZONING ORDINANCE."
SECTION 4. That certain document known as the "Town of Fountain Hills Sign
Regulations" dated November 1, 2012 (the "Sign Regulations"), three copies of which are on file in
the office of the Town Clerk, which document was made a public record by Resolution No. 2012-20
of the Town of Fountain Hills, Arizona, is hereby referred to, adopted and made a part hereof as if
fully set out in this Ordinance.
SECTION 5. The Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 6, (Sign Regulations), is hereby
deleted in its entirety and replaced by the Sign Regulations, which shall be inserted into the Fountain
Hills Zoning Ordinance as a new Chapter 6 (Sign Regulations).
SECTION 6. Any person who fails to comply with any provision of the Sign Regulations
shall be subject to civil and criminal penalties as set forth in Section 6.05 therein, including civil
penalties of not more than $100 base fine. Criminal penalties shall constitute a class one
misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $2,500.00 or by imprisonment for a period not
to exceed six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Each day that a violation
continues shall be a separate offense.
1804365.1
SECTION 7. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this Ordinance
or any part of the Zoning Definitions or the Zoning Regulations adopted herein by reference is for
any reason to be held invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent
jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions thereof.
SECTION 8. The Mayor, the Town Manager, the Town Clerk and the Town Attorney are
hereby authorized and directed to execute all documents and take all steps necessary to carry out the
purpose and intent of this Ordinance.
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY the Mayor and Council of the Town of Fountain Hills,
November 1, 2012.
FOR THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS: ATTESTED TO:
Linda M. Kavanagh, Mayor
REVIEWED BY:
0
Kenneth W. Buchanan, Town Manager
•
1804365.1
2
Bevelyn J. Bender, Town Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Andrew J. McGuire, Town Attorney
0
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
1756760.5
FH ZO Chap I Definitions
ZONING DEFINITIONS
NOVEMBER 1, 2012
Abutting: The condition of two (2) adjoining properties having a common property line or
boundary, including cases where two (2) or more lots adjoin only a corner or corners.
Access or Access Way: The place, means, or way by which pedestrians and vehicles shall have
safe, adequate and usable ingress and egress to a property or use as required by this ordinance.
Acre: An area of land containing forty-three thousand five hundred sixty (43,560) square feet.
Adjacent: Nearby, not distant or having a common endpoint or border.
Adjoining: Touching or bounding at a point or line.
Adult Oriented Facilities: Which shall include the following:
A. Adult Bookstore:
1. Having as a substantial portion of its stock in trade, videos, film, books,
magazines and other periodicals depicting, describing, or relating to
"specified sexual activities" or which are characterized by their emphasis
on matter depicting, describing or relating to "specified anatomical areas",
or
2. Having as a substantial portion of its stock in trade, books, magazines and
other periodicals, and which excludes all minors from the premises or a
section thereof.
B. Adult Live Entertainment Establishment: An establishment, which features
topless female or bottomless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers or
similar entertainers.
C. Adult Theater: An enclosed building or open-air drive-in theater:
1. Regularly used for presenting any film or plate negative, film or plate
positive, film or tape designed to be projected on a screen for exhibition or
films, glass slides or transparencies, either in negative or positive form,
designed for exhibition by projection on a screen depicting, describing or
relating to "specified sexual activities" or characterized by an emphasis on
matter depicting, describing or relating to "specified anatomical areas"; or
2. Used for presenting any film or plate negative, film, or plate positive, film
or tape designed to be projected on a screen for exhibition, or films, glass
slides or transparencies, either in negative or positive form, designed for
exhibition by projection on a screen and which regularly excludes minors.
Advertising Copy: Copy that includes, but is not limited to information such as phone numbers,
prices, announcement of sales, business hours, meeting times, individual or specific product or
merchandise information, and directional information.
1756760.5
FH ZO Chap I Definitions 1
U
Agriculture: The tilling of the soil, raising of crops, horticulture, viticulture, sulviculture,
including all uses customarily incidental thereto but not including slaughterhouses, fertilizer
yards, or plants for the reduction of animal matter, or any other industrial use which is similarly
objectionable because of noise, odor, smoke, dust or fumes.
Airport: Any area which is used or is intended to be used primarily for the taking off and
landing of aircraft, and any appurtenant areas which are used or intended to be used for airport
buildings or facilities including open spaces, taxiways and tie -down areas, hangars, transition
and clear zones, and other accessory buildings.
Alley: A right-of-way, dedicated to public use, affording a secondary means of access to
abutting property and not intended for general traffic circulation.
Ambulatory Person: Any individual including one who uses a cane or other ambulatory
support, who is physically and mentally capable, under emergency conditions, of finding a way
to safety without assistance.
Amendment: In reference to this ordinance, a change in the wording or substance of this
ordinance, or an addition or deletion or a change in the zone district boundaries or classifications
of the zoning map.
Animal Hospital: Facilities for the care, treatment, and boarding of animals including facilities
• within the term "veterinary clinic."
Antique: A product that is old or exchanged because of value derived, because of oldness as
respects the present age, and not simply because same is not a new product.
Appeal: An action which permits anyone to arrange for a hearing before an individual or a
group other than the individual or group from whose decision the appellant seeks redress, or a
first request for action, depending on context; Chapter 2 addresses the appeal procedures
available to aggrieved parties.
Area of Jurisdiction: The Town of Fountain Hills as it exists now and as it is lawfully changed;
plus any area allowed by Arizona Revised Statute outside of the corporate limits which permits
review by the Town of Fountain Hills.
Automotive Junk: Any vehicle missing one or more body parts; or is incapable of operating
under its own power; or is missing any wheels; or has missing or severely shattered glass which
prohibits safe operation; or has one or more flat tires for a period of seventy-two (72) or more
hours.
Automobile Repair: All aspects of the repair of motor vehicles including, but not limited to,
lubrication, tune-up and preventive maintenance.
Automobile Sales: An agency selling motor vehicles and providing services commonly
associated with motor vehicle sales.
1756760.5
FH ZO Chap I Definitions 2
•
Awning: An architectural projection or shelter projecting from, or supported by, the exterior
wall of a building and composed of a covering of rigid or non -rigid materials and/or fabric on a
supporting framework that may be either permanent or retractable, including such structures
which are internally illuminated by fluorescent or other light sources.
Ballast: The portion of a sign required to operate a fluorescent lamp.
Banner: A temporary sign composed of fabric, plastic, or other pliable material on which
advertising copy or graphics may be displayed.
Bar or Cocktail Lounge: An establishment whose primary business is the serving of alcoholic
beverages to the public for consumption on the premises.
Basketball Court: A basketball court as defined by the National Federation State High School
Association regulations.
Basement: A space in a structure that is partly or wholly below grade.
Bed and Breakfast Establishment: A dwelling in which the occupants of the dwelling provide,
for compensation, the short term lodging and meals for guests, occupying not more than two (2)
guest rooms, located within the same dwelling.
Billboard: A permanent off -premise outdoor advertising sign erected, maintained or used for
the purpose of commercial or non-commercial messages.
Board of Adjustment: (See Section 1.07).
Building: Any structure used for the support, shelter, housing or enclosure of persons, animals,
chattels or property of any kind, with the exception of doghouses, playhouses and similar
structures.
Building, Accessory: A building or structure that does not share a livable, enclosed connection
to the main building, and that is subordinate to, and the use of which is customarily incidental to,
that of the main building, structure, or use on the same lot or parcel.
Building Area: The total areas, taken on a horizontal plane at the mean grade level, of the
principal buildings and all accessory buildings, exclusive of uncovered porches, terraces and
steps.
Building, Attached: A building which has at least part of a wall in common with another
building, or which is connected to another building by a roof.
Building, Detached: A building, which is separated from another building or buildings on the
same lot.
1756760.5
FH ZO Chap I Definitions 3
Building, Height Of: The vertical distance measured at any point from the natural, pre-existing
grade level or proposed grade, whichever is lower, to the highest point of the structure. If the
structure is located in a platted subdivision where grading was done as a part of the subdivision's
improvements, the building height shall be the vertical distance measured at any point from the
finished grade as shown on the subdivision grading plans or the natural, pre -subdivision grade,
whichever is lower, to the highest point of the structure. If the structure has a basement, where
the basement floor pad grade is lower than the preexisting grade and where all exterior walls to
the basement are completely back-filled to the pre-existing grade and no ingress or egress is
proposed directly from the basement to the exterior of the building, building height shall be
measured at any point along the pre-existing grade to the highest point of the structure above that
point. If the structure is proposed as a walk -out, where the walk -out or lower floor pad grade is
lower than the pre-existing grade and where ingress and egress is proposed on only one side of
the walk -out floor and where the other non -walk -out sides of the walk -out floor are completely
back-filled to the pre-existing grade and no ingress or egress is proposed directly from the non -
walk -out sides of the walk -out floor to the exterior of the building, building height above the
walk -out level shall be measured at any point along the pre-existing grade to the highest point of
the structure above that point. In the event that terrain problems prevent an accurate
determination of height, the Zoning Administrator shall rule as to height and appeal from that
decision shall be to the Board of Adjustment.
Building, Principal: A building, or buildings, in which is conducted the principal use of the lot
on which it is situated. In any residential district, any dwelling shall be deemed to be the main
• building of the lot on which the same is situated.
Building Footprint: The area of the primary structure measured from the outside walls
(excluding any overhanging portions) which includes indoor uses such as attached garage,
carports, utility room, laundry, etc. (including covered patios and breezeways which are an
integral part of the roof structure of the structure.
•
Building Frontage: The linear measurement of an exterior building wall or structure that faces
the public roadway.
Building Permit: A permit required for erection, construction, modification, addition to or
moving of any building, structure or use in the incorporated area of the Town of Fountain Hills
as more fully defined in Section 417 of the Uniform Building Code adopted by the Town
Council.
Building Setback: The minimum distance as prescribed by this ordinance between any property
line and the closest point of the foundation or any supporting post or pillar of any building or
structure related thereto. (See: Yard, front, side and rear).
Business Area: An area designated by the Zoning Administrator as containing a concentrated
group of businesses.
Business Block: A portion of a business area consisting of at least three lots, bounded on all
sides by a public right-of-way, alleyway or an adjacent property line.
1756760.5
FH ZO Chap I Definitions 4
Campground: Any lot, parcel, or tract of land used, designed, maintained, and intended for rent
of plots or sites to accommodate temporary. camping by the traveling public with or without
sanitary facilities and water, whether or not a charge is made for the use of the park and its
facilities.
Carport: A roof supported by pillars or cantilevers, which shelters a car or other vehicle. May
either extend from a structure (usually a house) or be constructed separately (often to
accommodate several cars).
Cemetery: Land used or intended to be used for the burial of the dead, and dedicated for such
purposes, including columbaria, crematoriums, mausoleums and mortuaries when operated in
conjunction with and within the boundaries of such premises.
Channel Letter: Individual letters constructed to be applied singly in the formation of a
Building Mounted Sign or a Freestanding Sign. Channel letters may be illuminated or non -
illuminated.
Church: A permanently located building commonly used for religious worship fully enclosed
with walls, but including windows and doors, and having a structurally solid and sound roof.
Clearing: The removal and disposal of all obstructions such as fences, walls, foundations,
buildings and existing structures, and accumulations of rubbish of whatever nature. Also, the
substantial removal of trees, also the substantial removal of trees, shrubs, cacti, and other
indigenous vegetation, but not including grass and weeds considered to be a potential fire hazard.
Clinic: A place for the provision of group medical services, not involving overnight housing of
patients.
Clubhouse: A building, located on a golf course with nine (9) or more holes, that contains one
or more of the following facilities: pro shop for the retailing of clothing and golf accessories; the
golf course's own cart rental and maintenance facility (does not include the golf cart sales and the
maintenance of golf carts not owned by the golf course); restaurant with or without alcoholic
beverage service; and the golf course's administrative office.
Cluster Housing: Houses built close together with little yard space and a large common area,
rather than each house having a large separate yard.
Commission: The Town of Fountain Hills Planning and Zoning Commission. (See Section
1.06).
Common Open Space: Open space usable by all the people within a certain development and
such area is owned by all the property owners in that development.
Community Corrections Facility: A facility, which provides lodging and meals and, primarily,
counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation to adjudicated delinquents, parolees, and individuals in
pre-release (transitional) or diversionary programs from correction institutions.
•
1756760.5
FH ZO Chap I Definitions 5
Community Development Director: (Same as Development Services Director).
Comprehensive Sign Plan: Comprehensive Sign Plans are required in all commercial zoning
districts for multi -tenanted buildings or shopping centers. The Comprehensive Sign Plan shall be
reviewed and approved by the Zoning Administrator or designee and conform to the sign
regulations contained in Chapter 6 of this Ordinance. A "multi -tenanted building" is a building
complex or center that contains any number of businesses, greater than one, that share the same
site, use common points of ingress, and egress to and from the site.
Condominium: Real estate, portions of which are designated for separate ownership and the
remainder of which is designated for common ownership solely by the owners of the separate
portions. Real estate is not a condominium unless the undivided interests in the common
elements are vested in the unit owners.
Contiguous: In actual contact.
Convalescent Home: (Same as nursing home).
Copy: The text, graphics or message of a sign.
Corral: A pen or enclosure for confining animals.
Council: Town Council of the Town of Fountain Hills, Arizona.
0
County: Maricopa County, Arizona.
Day Care Center: A residential facility in which care for non-residents is provided for periods
of less than twenty-four hours per day, for more than five (5) people.
Density: The average number of families, persons or housing units per unit of land; usually
density is expressed "per acre." Thus, the density of a development of 300 units occupying 40
acres is 7.5 units per acre.
Development Services Director: The person appointed by the Town Manager to be the chief
land -use official for the Town. If there is no such person designated by the Town Manager, the
Town Manager is the Development Services Director.
Direct Illumination: An externally mounted light source that is used for illuminating a sign;
also referred to as "exterior illumination."
Disturbance: Clearing, grubbing, excavation and/or filling.
Drive-in Restaurant: Any establishment where food or beverages are dispensed and may be
consumed on the premises, but outside a closed building.
Drive-in Theater: An open-air theater where the performance is viewed by all, or part, of the
• audience from motor vehicles.
1756760.5
FH ZO Chap I Definitions 6
•
Dwelling: A building or portion thereof, built in accordance to the building code adopted in the
Town or, if built prior to incorporation, adopted by Maricopa County, designed exclusively for
residential purposes, including single-family and multiple -family dwellings; but not including
hotels, motels, boarding and lodging houses, fraternity and sorority houses, rest homes and
nursing homes, or child care nurseries.
Dwelling, Multiple -Family: A building, built in accordance to the building code adopted in the
Town or, if built prior to incorporation, adopted by Maricopa County, designed exclusively for
occupancy by or occupied by two (2) or more families living independently of each other. Such
building(s) shall have a connection, which is comprised, of a full ground to roof wall and a roof
structure of not less than eight (8) feet in depth.
Dwelling, Single -Family: A detached building, built in accordance to the building code adopted
in the Town or, if built prior to incorporation, adopted by Maricopa County, designed
exclusively for occupancy by or occupied by one (1) family for residential purposes.
Dwelling, Two -Family: A building, built in accordance to the building code adopted in the
Town or, if built prior to incorporation, adopted by Maricopa County, designed exclusively for
occupancy by or occupied by two (2) families living independently of each other. Such
building(s) shall have a connection, which is comprised, of a full ground to roof wall and a roof
structure of not less than eight (8) feet in depth.
Dwelling Unit: A building or portion thereof having restricted access to one kitchen or area
convertible to kitchen activities, built in accordance to the building code adopted in the Town, or
if built prior to incorporation, adopted by Maricopa County, designed exclusively for residential
purposes, including single-family and multi -family dwellings; but not including hotels, motels,
boarding and lodging houses, fraternity and sorority houses, rest homes and nursing homes, or
child care nurseries.
Easement: A specified area on a lot or parcel of land reserved or used for the location of and/or
access to, utilities, drainage or other physical access purposes, or for preservation of undisturbed
terrain for the benefit of the general public.
Electronic Message Center: A sign that uses computer-generated or electronic means to
change advertising copy, messages or color, including signs that flip or rotate.
Elderly: A person who is sixty-five (65) years of age or older.
Erect: The word "erect" includes build, build upon, add to, alter, construct, reconstruct, move
upon, or any physical operations on the land, required for a building.
Excavation: The removal of earthen material, resulting in a lowering of the grade at the
location.
•
1756760.5
FH ZO Chap I Definitions 7
Family: An individual, or two (2) or more persons related by blood or marriage, or a group of
persons not related by blood or marriage, living together as a single housekeeping group in a
dwelling unit.
Farm: An area of not less than two (2) contiguous acres which is used for the commercial
production of farm crops such as vegetables, fruit trees, cotton, grain and other crops, and their
storage on the area, as well as the raising thereon of farm poultry and farm animals, such as
horses, cattle, and sheep for commercial purposes. The term "farm" includes the operating of
such an area for one (1) or more of the above uses, including dairy farms, with the necessary
accessory uses for treating or storing the produce, provided that the operation of any such
accessory use is secondary to that of the farm activities, and provided further that the farm
activities do not include commercial feeding or offal to swine or other animals.
Fence: Any device built to enclose a parcel of land, to separate two (2) parcels of land, or to
separate a parcel of land into different use areas.
Filling: The dumping or depositing of earthen material resulting in the raising of the grade at
that location.
Flag: A fabric sheet of square or rectangular or triangular shape which is mounted on a pole.
This includes the United States, State, flags for registered corporations and other registered
entities, flags or foreign nations, decorative flags, and flags supporting activities of the Fountain
Hills Unified School District.
• Floor Area: The gross square footage of a building. When considering minimum off-street
parking area, floor area may also include the open land needed for service to the public as
customers, patrons, clients, or patients, including area occupied by fixtures and equipment used
for display or sale of merchandise.
Fractional Ownership Interest: A contractual right of occupancy in a Fractional Ownership
Project, whether by membership, agreement, share, tenancy in common, sale, deed, license,
right -to -use agreement or otherwise, where such right is divided into eleven (11) or more
undivided interests, whether or not such interest is coupled with an estate in real property, where
a purchaser, in exchange for consideration, receives a right to use a portion of a Fractional
ownership Project for a period of time less than six months during any given year.
Fractional Ownership Interest shall include interests otherwise known as "Interval Ownership"
or "Time Share Ownership."
Fractional Ownership Project: A project consisting of any dwelling unit, hotel, lot or parcel in
which a purchaser receives a Fractional Ownership Interest.
Front Lit Letter: An internally illuminated individual letter or graphic component of a sign that
has a translucent face.
Garage, Private: A building or portion thereof, used for the shelter or storage of self-propelled
vehicles, or owned or operated by the occupants of a main building where there is no service or
storage for compensation.
1756760.5
FH ZO Chap I Definitions 8
•
Garage, Public: Any building, except one herein defined as a "private garage" used for the
storage of self-propelled vehicles or where any such vehicles are equipped for operation or kept
for hire.
Grade: The elevation of the land.
Grade, Finished: Final elevation of the ground surface conforming to the approved grading
plans.
Grade, Natural: Elevation of the natural or undisturbed ground surface prior to any grading
operation. If "natural grade" can no longer be determined, then the grade elevation existing on
September 20, 1991, as shown on the Town's topographical maps of that date, shall be used in
lieu thereof. If a parcel of land is not shown on the September 20, 1991 topographical maps,
"natural grade" shall be as shown on a topographical map that has been both prepared after
September 20, 1991 and that is acceptable to the Town Engineer.
Grading: The process of changing gradients of land by contouring, smoothing or otherwise
shaping land areas, by excavating, filling, or combination thereof.
Group Home for the Handicapped and Adult Care: A dwelling shared by handicapped
and/or elderly people as their primary residence and their resident staff, who live together as a
single housekeeping unit, sharing responsibilities, meals, and recreation. The staff provides care
• for the residents. A Group Home for the Handicapped and Adult Care does not include nursing
homes, alcohol or other drug treatment centers, community correction facilities, shelter care
facilities, or homes for the developmentally disabled as regulated by the Arizona Revised
Statutes Section 36-582.
•
Grubbing: The elimination of roots from the ground by digging or pulling.
Guest: Any transient person who rents or occupies a room or structure for sleeping purposes.
Guest House: Living or sleeping quarters within an accessory building for the sole use of
occupants of the premises, guests of such occupants or persons employed on the premises. The
accessory building may be attached to or detached from the main building. Such quarters shall
not be rented, and/or otherwise used for income producing purposes.
Guest Ranch: A building or group of buildings containing two (2) or more guest rooms, other
than a boarding house, hotel, or motel, and including outdoor recreational facilities such as, but
not limited to, horseback riding, swimming, tennis courts, shuffleboard courts, barbecue and
picnic facilities, and dining facilities intended for the use primarily by guests of the guest ranch,
but not including bars and restaurants which cater primarily to other than guests of the guest
ranch.
Guest Room: A room designed for occupancy by one (1) or more guests for sleeping purposes,
but having no cooking facilities and not including dormitories.
1756760.5
FH ZO Chap I Definitions 9
Halo Illumination: Sign lighting constructed for wall or freestanding signs that is designed so
that the light for the entire sign, or the light for each individual component of the sign, is directed
against the surface behind the sign or sign component, producing a halo effect.
Handicapped: A person who: (A) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially
limits one or more of such person's major life's activities so that such person is incapable of
living independently; (B) has a record of having such an impairment; or (C) is regarded as
having such an impairment. However, "handicapped" does not include current, illegal use of or
addiction to a controlled substance as defined in the Controlled Substance Act (21 United States
Code 802).
Hazardous Materials: Any substance characterized as flammable solids, corrosive liquids,
radioactive materials, oxidizing materials, highly toxic materials, poisonous gases, reactive
materials, unstable materials, hypergolic materials and pyrophoric materials and any substance or
mixture of substances which is an irritant, a strong sensitizer or which generates pressure through
exposure to heat, decomposition or other means.
Holiday Window Decorations: The decorative display of holiday themed decorations or
window painting.
Home Day Care Center: A residential facility in which care for non-residents is provided for
periods of less than twenty-four hours per day, for five or less people.
Home Occupation: Any occupation or profession which is incidental and subordinate to the use
of the dwelling unit for dwelling purposes and which: (A) does not change the character thereof,
and in connection with which there are no employees other than members of the immediate
family residing in the dwelling unit; (B) does not generate traffic as a result of patronage and/or
shipping and receiving of materials beyond five (5) trips per day; and (C) has shipping and
receiving to and from such occupation only by a vehicle customarily used for residential delivery
purposes.
Hospital: A place for the treatment or care of human ailments, where overnight lodging for
patients is provided, other than nursing homes.
Hotel: A building or group of buildings, other than a motel, boarding house or lodging house,
containing individual guest rooms, suites of guest rooms, and dwelling units, and which
furnishes services customarily provided by hotels.
Individual: Any private individual, tenant, lessee, owner or any commercial entity including,
but not limited to, companies, partnerships, joint ventures or corporations.
Junk: Any old or scrap metal, rope, rags, batteries, paper, trash, wood, glass, plastic and/or
rubber debris, waste, or junked dismantled, or wrecked automobiles, or parts thereof, iron, steel,
and other old or scrap ferrous or nonferrous material.
Junkyard: Any land or building used for the abandonment, storage, keeping, collecting, or
. baling of paper, rags, scrap metals, other scrap or discarded materials, or for the abandonment,
1756760.5
FH ZO Chap I Definitions 10
demolition, dismantling, storage, or salvaging of automobiles or other vehicles not in running
condition, or machinery, or parts thereof.
Kennel: Any premises where more than four (4) dogs or cats are bred, boarded, and/or trained.
Having one litter up to six (6) weeks of age is not considered to be a kennel.
Kitchen: Any room in a building or dwelling unit that is used or intended to be used for cooking
or the preparation of food.
Landscaping: An area which has been improved through the harmonious combination and
introduction of trees, shrubs, and ground cover, and which may contain natural topping material
such as boulders, rock, stone, granite or other approved material. The area shall be devoid of any
asphaltic or concrete pavement except for pedestrian walkways.
A. "Fully -abutting" areas are those landscaped or revegetated areas, such as a
disturbed area that is proposed to look as if no disturbance activity has occurred,
where natural undisturbed areas abut one or both sides of a revegetated area.
B. "Partially -abutting" areas are those landscaped or revegetated areas, such as a
disturbed area that is proposed to look as if no disturbance activity has occurred,
where natural undisturbed areas abut one side of a revegetated area.
C. "Non -abutting" areas are those landscaped or revegetated areas that are not
® intended to fully resemble the preexisting natural undisturbed landscaping of the
site.
•
Laundry, Self Service: A building within which clothes washing and drying machines, and
clothes dry-cleaning machines, either coin operated or attendant operated, are provided on a
rental basis for use by individuals for doing their own laundry or dry cleaning. Self-service
laundry does not include outdoor drying facilities.
Letter Face: The exterior side of an individual letter or individual graphic element.
Logo: A graphic design representing a product, identity or service.
Lot: A single piece of property located in a recorded subdivision, having frontage on publicly
dedicated and accepted street or an approved private road, which is described and denoted as
such.
Lot, Corner: A lot, which has an interior angle of one hundred thirty-five (135) degrees or less
at the intersection of two (2) street lines. A lot abutting upon a curved street is considered a
corner lot if the tangents to the curve at the points of intersection of the side lot lines intersect at
an interior angle of one hundred thirty-five (13 5) degrees or less.
Lot, Interior: A lot other than a corner lot.
1756760.5
FH ZO Chap I Definitions 11
Lot, Key: A lot adjacent to a corner lot having its side lot line in common the rear lot line of the
corner lot and fronting on the street which forms the side boundary of the corner lot.
Lot, Through: A lot, which has street right-of-way frontage on two non -adjoining sides.
Lot Area: The total horizontal area within the lot lines of a lot.
Lot Coverage: That portion of a lot or building site, which is occupied by any building or other
covered structure, excepting paved areas, walks and swimming pools.
Lot Depth: The horizontal length of a straight line connecting the midpoints of the front and
rear lot lines.
Lot Frontage: The horizontal length of the front lot line.
Lot Line: The line bounding a lot.
Lot Line, Front: In the case of an interior lot, a line separating the lot from the street right-of-
way. In the case of a corner lot, the narrower of the two lot lines adjoining a street right-of-way.
Lot Line, Rear: A lot line, which is opposite and most distant from the front lot line. In the
case of a lot having five (5) or more sides, the rear lot line shall be any lot line, other than the
front lot line, which intersects a side or a street side lot line at any angle less than one hundred
• thirty-five (135) degrees.
•
Lot Line, Side: Those lot lines other than a street side lot line that connects the front and rear
lot lines.
Lot Line, Street Side: That lot line or lines on a corner lot adjoining a street right-of-way that
connects the front lot line to a rear lot line.
Lot Width: For rectangular lots, lots having side lot lines not parallel, and lots on the outside of
the curve of a street, the distance between side lot lines measured at the required minimum front
yard line on a line parallel to the street or street chord; and for lots on the inside of the curve of a
street, the distance between side lot lines measured thirty (30) feet behind the required minimum
front yard line on a line parallel to the street or street chord.
Mansard Roof: A roof style composed of a combination of a steep semi-vertical plane
connected to a flatter plane.
Manufacturing: The fabricating or assembling of materials into finished or partially finished
products by hand or by the use of machinery.
Massage Establishment: Any establishment having its place of business where any person,
firm, association or corporation engages in or carries on or permits to be engaged in or carried on
any massage activities defined as any method of pressure on, friction against, or stroking,
1756760.5
FH ZO Chap I Definitions 12
kneading, rubbing, tapping, pounding, vibrating, or stimulating of external soft parts of the body
with the hands or with the aid of any mechanical apparatus or electrical apparatus or appliance.
Master -Planned Village Sales and Information Center: A facility that meets the adopted
version of the Uniform Building Code of the Town of Fountain Hills, that is used as an
information/sales facility by the developer of a master -planned village.
Master -Planned Village: A development containing over 200 contiguous acres contained in a
master subdivision plat by a single developer.
Mobile Home: A structure transportable in one or more sections, including the plumbing,
heating, air conditioning and electrical systems contained in such structure which meets the
standards specified in the National Manufactured Housing and Safety Standards Act of 1976, as
amended, which erected on site meets all of the following criteria: (A) eight (8) body feet or
more in width; (B) Thirty-two (32) body feet or more in length; (C) built on a permanent chassis;
and (D) designated to be used as a portable home with or without a permanent foundation, and
shall be classified as a mobile home whether or not its wheels, rollers, skids or other rolling
equipment have been removed. For purposes of these regulations, mobile homes are a special
form of single-family detached dwellings and are subject to such special regulations as are set
forth herein and shall not be considered a modular or factory built building as defined in this
section.
Mobile Home Park: Any lot, parcel or tract of land, designed, maintained, used and intended
® for rent or lease of individual lots or sites to accommodate one or more mobile homes, including
all buildings, structures, vehicles, accessory buildings, and appurtenances to be used or intended
as equipment as a trailer court park, whether or not a charge is made for the use of the site or the
use of its facilities. A mobile home park does not include lots upon which unoccupied mobile
homes or unoccupied travel or commercial trailers are parked for display, inspection, and sale.
Mobile Home Subdivision: A subdivision designed for residential use where the residences are
mobile homes and structures conforming to the adopted building codes of the Town.
Mobile Structure: A movable or portable structure thirty-two (32) feet or more in length and
eight (8) feet or more in width, constructed to be towed on its own chassis and designed so as to
be installed with or without a permanent foundation for occupancy classification as an office,
retail store, airport hangar, classroom, or any other occupancy classification. It may include one
or more components that can be retracted for towing purposes and subsequently expanded for
additional capacity, or two (2) or more units separately towable, which can be joined to form a
single unit. The removal of the wheels and running gear shall not change the meaning of this
term.
Modular or Factory -Built Buildings: A building complying with the adopted building codes
of the Town which is manufactured, constructed, or fabricated off-site and capable of being
towed to a permanent site to be installed on a permanent foundation. Does not include a mobile
home. Such a structure must be certified by the Office of Manufactured Housing of the State of
Arizona.
•
1756760.5
FH ZO Chap I Definitions 13
Motel: A building or group of buildings containing guest rooms or apartments each of which
maintains a separate entrance, used primarily for the accommodation of motorists, and providing
automobile parking space on the premises.
Native Vegetation: Indigenous plant materials of the Sonoran Desert.
Natural: The condition of the land, vegetation, rocks, and other surface features, which have not
been, physically disturbed, changed or added to by any action of man or machine.
Nonconforming Structure: A structure which was lawfully erected prior to the adoption of this
ordinance but which, under this ordinance, does not conform with the standards of coverage,
yard spaces, height of structures or distance between structures prescribed in the regulations for
the district in which the structure is located.
Nonconforming Use: The use of a structure or land which was lawfully established and
maintained prior to the adoption of this ordinance but which, under this ordinance, does not
conform to the use regulations for the district in which it is located.
Nuisance: Anything, condition or use of property, which endangers life or health, gives offense
to the senses, and/or obstructs the reasonable and comfortable use of other property.
Nursing Home: A structure operated as a lodging house in which nursing, dietary and other
personal services are rendered to convalescents, not including persons suffering from contagious
• diseases, and in which surgery is not performed and primary treatment, such as customarily is
given in hospitals and sanitariums, is not provided. A convalescent home shall be deemed a
nursing home.
Nursery: A commercial operation for the growth and sale of plants, storage of equipment for
landscaping and the wholesale or retail sale of commercial gardening supplies.
Office: A room or rooms and accessory facilities for the managing or conducting of a business.
Off -Street Loading and Unloading Space: A designated off-street space located on the same
site as the site for which berths are required for temporary parking of motor vehicles for active
loading and unloading of merchandise or materials.
Open Space: Any parcel or area of land or water unimproved or improved and set aside,
dedicated, designated, or reserved for the public or private use and enjoyment of owners and
occupants of land adjoining or neighboring such open space.
Overhead Transmission Line: An electrical power line that is capable of conveying sixty-nine
(69) thousand or more volts of power.
Pan Channel Letter: An individual letter of a sign constructed so that the sides and back of the
letter are one unit.
• Parapet: An extension of a vertical building wall above the line of a structural roof.
1756760.5
FH ZO Chap I Definitions 14
Park: A public or private parcel of land developed and used for passive or active recreation.
Parking Area: An area designed and constructed, and used exclusively for the parking, storage
and maneuvering of vehicles.
Parking Shade Structures: A roofed, detached, accessory structure, which may be lighted,
with four (4) open sides, designated or used exclusively for the parking and sheltering of
operable motor vehicles.
Parking Space: A permanently surfaced area, enclosed or unenclosed, of not less than nine (9)
feet in width, and nineteen (19) feet in depth, together with a driveway connecting the parking
space with a street and permitting ingress and egress of the automobile, (See Chapter 7).
Pennant: Any lightweight plastic, fabric or other material, whether or not containing a message
of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire or string, usually in a series and designed to move in
the wind. Pennants must not exceed 12 inches in any direction.
Planned Unit Development: A development of five (5) or more acres in size, in which
flexibility can be permitted in lot size, lot width, lot coverage, and setbacks, in order to
encourage more creative and imaginary design, thereby preserving natural features, protecting
environmentally -sensitive areas and/or providing usable open spaces within the development.
. Professional Office: Any building, structure, or portion thereof, used or intended to be used as
an office for a lawyer, architect, engineer, surveyor, planner, optometrist, accountant, doctor,
dentist, or other similar professions.
Public Building: Facilities for conducting public business occupied by various public agencies.
This includes all federal, state, county, and town offices and buildings.
Public Hearing: A hearing held to receive public testimony as required by law.
Public Meeting: A meeting held in conformance to the Arizona Open Meeting Law as
contained in A.R.S. § 38-431 et seq.
Public Utility: Private or public facilities for distribution of various services, such as water,
power, gas, communication, etc., to the public.
Recreation Facilities: Includes buildings, structures or areas built or developed for purposes of
entertaining, exercising or observing various activities participated in either actively or passively
by individuals or organized groups.
Recreational Vehicle: A vehicular type unit primarily designed as temporary living quarters for
recreational, camping or travel use, which either has its own motive power or is mounted on or
drawn by another vehicle. This includes motor homes, self-contained travel trailers, and
campers.
0
1756760.5
FH ZO Chap I Definitions 15
Recreational Vehicle Park: Facilities for the temporary storage, parking and maneuvering of
recreational vehicles (motor homes, travel trailers, campers, etc.) with adequate roads and stall
sites, including sanitary and water facilities. Site locations are provided on a day-to-day basis.
Does not constitute a mobile home park and may not allow mobile homes.
Restaurant: An establishment whose primary business is the serving of food to the public.
Retail Store: A commercial business for selling goods, services, wares or merchandise directly
to the customer, but not including a professional office.
Retaining Wall: A wall or terraced combination of walls used to retain earth, but not directly
supporting the wall of a building, including stacked rock and imbedded boulder walls.
Revegetation: The replacement of indigenous living plant materials on areas where the natural
vegetation has been removed. The areas include disturbed natural areas and man-made cut and
fill slopes.
Reverse Pan Channel Letter: An individual letter of a sign constructed of an opaque material
so that the sides and front of the letter are one unit.
Riprap Material: Material that is a loosely composed layer of rocks and stones used to hinder
the flow of water, thereby preventing erosion.
Satellite Dish Antenna: A device incorporating a reflective surface that is solid, open mesh, or
bar configured and is in the shape of a shallow dish, cone, horn, or cornucopia. Such device
shall be used to transmit and/or receive radio or electromagnetic waves between terrestrially
and/or orbitally based stations. This definition is meant to include but not be limited to what are
commonly referred to as satellite earth stations, television reception -only (TVRO's), and satellite
microwave antennas.
School, Elementary, Junior High, High School, College, or Junior College: Public and other
non-profit institutions conducting regular academic instruction at kindergarten, elementary,
secondary, and tertiary levels. Such institutions shall offer general academic instructions
equivalent to the standards prescribed by the State Board of Education or the State Board of
Regents.
School, Nursery: A school or the use of a site or a portion of a site for an organized program
devoted to the education or day care of five (5) or more children of elementary school age or
younger, other than those residents on the site. This includes day care centers.
School, Private or Parochial: An institution conducting regular academic instruction at
kindergarten, elementary, secondary, and tertiary levels operated by a nongovernmental
organization.
School, Trade: Schools offering instruction in the technical, commercial or trade skills, such as
real estate schools, business colleges, electronic schools, automotive and aircraft technician
• schools and similar commercial establishments operated by a nongovernmental organization.
1756760.5
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 16
Service Station: An occupancy engaged in the retail sales of gasoline, oil, tires, batteries, and
new accessories and which provides for the servicing of motor vehicles and operations incidental
thereto, including: automobile washing, waxing and polishing, tire changing and repairing, but
not including recapping. May also include battery service, radiator cleaning, flushing and repair,
installation of minor accessories, lubrication of motor vehicles, rental of utility trailers, testing,
adjustment and replacement of motor parts and accessories.
Shelter Care: Short term residential care facilities providing lodging on a temporary basis,
meals and counseling to individuals and groups such as, but not limited to, the homeless,
pregnant teenagers, victims of domestic violence, neglected children, and runaways.
Shopping Center: A group of retail stores or professional offices planned and designed for the
site on which it is built, functioning as a unit, with off-street parking, landscaped areas and
pedestrian malls or plazas provided on the property as an integral part of the unit.
Sign: Any visual element, or combination of elements, including words or symbols, designed or
placed to attract attention or convey information, including any device providing identification,
advertising or directional information for a specific business, service, product, person,
organization, place, or building, including graphic devices such as logos, obtrusive colored facia
or architectural elements, banners, balloons, streamers, inflatable structures, exterior
merchandise displays, projected picture signs, holographic projection signs and other attention
attracting media and devices.
Sign, Abandoned: A sign that is no longer associated with the location, product or activity
conducted on the premises on which the sign is located.
Sign, Advertising: A sign which includes any copy and/or graphics relating to any business,
service, product, person, organization, place, or building in addition to simple identification.
Sign, A -Frame: A temporary sign normally supported by its own frame in a manner that
usually forms an "A" when in use; also referred to as a "sandwich" or "tent" sign.
Sign, Animated: A sign with actual motion, including light changes or color changes, or the
illusion of motion.
Sign, Awning: A sign displayed on, or attached flat against, the surface or surfaces of an
awning or any other surface attached to a building that provides shelter.
Sign, Bench: A sign painted on or affixed to a bench.
Sign, Building Mounted: Any sign mounted onto the vertical surface of a building; see also
Wall Sign.
Sign, Cabinet: A frame constructed to hold internal components and covered by a face to hold
the advertising sign.
1756760.5
FH ZO Chap I Definitions 17
0
Sign, Canopy: See definition of Awning Sign.
Sign, Changeable Copy: A sign constructed to hold individual letters or individual text sections
that are mounted in or on a track system. Changeable Copy Signs are usually used as Directory
Signs.
Sign, Directional: A sign, supplying pertinent directional information for the purpose of
promoting safety and the flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
Sign, Directory: A sign listing the names and/or uses, and/or locations of the various tenants or
activities within a building, or in a multi -tenant development, or group of buildings. Directory
Signs may be constructed as Changeable Copy Signs.
Sign, Fascia: A sign that is permanently affixed to the horizontal member or surface at the edge
of a projecting roof.
Example Fascia Sign
Sign, Flashing: A sign with an intermittent, repetitive or flashing light source.
Sign, Freestanding: A sign that has its own supporting structure independent of the building or
business it identifies.
Sign, Fuel Price: A sign displaying the price(s) of fuel at a service station.
Sign, Ground Mounted: A Freestanding Sign with no visible base.
Sign, Identification: A sign that contains only the name of the business, person, organization,
place, or building at that location.
1756760.5
FH ZO Chap I Definitions 18
tn
Sign, Flashing: A sign with an intermittent, repetitive or flashing light source.
Sign, Freestanding: A sign that has its own supporting structure independent of the building or
business it identifies.
Sign, Fuel Price: A sign displaying the price(s) of fuel at a service station.
Sign, Ground Mounted: A Freestanding Sign with no visible base.
Sign, Identification: A sign that contains only the name of the business, person, organization,
place, or building at that location.
1756760.5
FH ZO Chap I Definitions 18
Sign, Ideological: A sign that expresses, conveys, or advocates a non-commercial message.
Sign, Illuminated: A sign, that is lighted, either externally or internally.
Sign, Internally Illuminated: A sign constructed with a light source behind the face of the sign.
Sign, Mansard: A sign permanently affixed to a wall or surface not more than 20 degrees from
vertical at the upper edge of a building and running parallel with the mansard roof line or parapet
upon which the sign is attached. Any sign proposed for a building with a Mansard Roof shall
have the top of the sign mounted no higher than the lowest point of any portion of the roofline.
Sign, Menu Board: A changeable sign orientated to the drive-through lane for a business that
40 advertises the menu items or services available from the drive-through window.
•
Sign, Mobile: See Portable Sign.
Sign, Monument: A Ground Mounted Freestanding Sign identifying a subdivision or multiple -
occupancy development such as a shopping center, officer building or planned industrial park,
which has multiple suites, offices or tenants. A Monument Sign shall be a part of the signage
regulated by a Comprehensive Sign Plan.
Example Monument Sign
1756760.5
FH ZO Chap I Definitions 19
Freestanding Manurrnent Signs
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1756760.5
FH ZO Chap I Definitions 19
Sign, Multi -Tenant Building Identification: A sign for a building complex or center that
contains any number of businesses, greater than one, that share the same site and use common
points of ingress and egress to and from the site.
Sign, Neon: Any sign that uses neon, argon or any similar gas to illuminate transparent or
translucent tubing or other materials, or any use of neon, argon or any similar gas lighting on or
near the exterior of a building or window.
Sign, Off -Premise Directional: A portable sign containing directional information to a
destination within the Town's municipal boundary, which may only be located in specified areas
of Town road rights-of-way during specified times.
Sign, Open House Directional: A temporary sign with directional arrow, directing pedestrian
or vehicular travel to the property or premise for sale, lease or rent.
Sign, Parapet: A sign mounted to the face of a building parapet.
Sign, Pole Mounted: A Freestanding Sign constructed with a support structure that is more than
10% of the height of the total sign and less than 90% of the width of the sign. The sign support
structure shall be included in the sign area computation.
Sign, Political: A sign that identifies a person, expresses a position, conveys a message
concerning, or advocates a position on, the candidacy of a person, party or issue on an upcoming
ballot.
Sign, Portable: Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure,
or a sign designed to be transported, including, but not limited to, signs designed to be
transported by means of persons or wheels; signs converted to A -frames; menu and sandwich
board signs; balloons used as signs; umbrellas for advertising; and signs attached to or painted on
vehicles.
Example of Portable Sign
Sign, Projecting: A sign that extends from a building wall over a property line or right-of-way
line.
Sign, Pylon: See Pole Sign.
Sign, Real Estate: A sign, attached to the site, advertising the sale, lease or rental of the
property or premises on which it is located.
1756760.5
FH ZO Chap I Definitions 20
Sign, Roof. A sign affixed on, above or over the roof of a building so that it projects above the
roofline. The top of a parapet wall shall be considered the roofline. The vertical portion of a
Mansard Roof shall be considered the roofline. The top of the facia of a hipped roof shall be
considered the roofline. Where a parapet wall is combined with a mansard roof, the roofline
shall be the top of the parapet.
Sign, Sandwich: A portable sign; one, which is not permanently affixed to a structure or
permanently ground -mounted. For an example, see Chapter 6.
Sign, Shared Monument: A monument sign displaying (A) the names of participating business
within a sign district or (B) the names of businesses on property owned by the holder(s) of a
shared monument sign permit.
Sign, Temporary: A sign intended to display either commercial or non-commercial messages
of a transitory or temporary nature. Portable signs, any sign not permanently embedded in the
ground, or signs affixed to a building, wall, fence, or sign structure for a non -permanent time
period, are considered temporary signs. A banner, pennant, poster, balloon, construction sign,
political sign or an A -frame sign shall be considered a temporary sign.
Sign, Tent: A temporary sign normally supported by its own frame in a manner that usually
forms an "A" when in use; also referred to as a "sandwich" or "A -frame" sign.
Sign, Under -Canopy: A sign attached to the underside of a canopy, marquee, cantilevered roof
Isor eave or any other surface having an angle plus or minus fifteen (15) degrees from
perpendicular to a horizontal overhead structure.
Sign, Wall: A sign which is fastened to any vertical portion of a building; see also Building
Mounted Sign.
Sign, Wall -Mounted: A sign, which is fastened to any vertical portion of a building.
Sign, Window: Any sign, pictures, symbols or combination thereof, designed to communicate
information about an activity, business, commodity, event, sale or service that is affixed to, or
located within any area six (6) feet behind a window pane, positioned to be read from the
exterior of a building.
Sign District: A group of businesses within a business block, organized for the purpose of
designing and installing no more than two shared monument signs to be located within the
business block.
Sign District Agreement: An agreement between prospective sign district members and the
business block property owner(s) in which the shared monument sign will be erected, containing
the name of each business and its owner(s) and the business address and telephone number, and
evidencing that the sign district members have agreed to the following:
A. The placement of the shared monument sign within the business block;
1756760.5
FH ZO Chap I Definitions 21
0 B. A shared monument sign meeting the requirements of subsection 6.08(BB);
C. The individual business owners' and property owner's respective responsibilities
for maintenance, removal and alteration of the shared monument sign; and
D. The individual business owners' and property owner's responsibilities in the event
that the sign district is dissolved.
Sign District Members: Business owners within a sign district.
Sign Face: The area enclosing the copy and graphic components of a sign.
Sign Walker: A person, who wears, holds or balances a portable sign.
Significantly Altered Lot: A residential lot, upon which new constriction is occurring on the
lot resulting in:
A. Greater than 50% of the lot's yard area being disturbed; or
B. Greater than 1,000 square feet of the lot's yard area being disturbed.
Specified Anatomical Areas: Either of the following:
A. Less than completely and opaquely covered: (1) human genitals, pubic region; (2)
buttock; and (3) breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola.
B. Human male genitals in a discernible turgid state, even if completely and
opaquely covered.
Specified Sexual Activities:
A. Human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal.
B. Acts of human masturbation, sexual intercourse, or sodomy.
C. Fondling or other erotic touching of human genitals, pubic region, buttocks, or
breasts.
Stable: A detached accessory structure including, but not limited to, a corral or paddock for the
keeping of one or more horses owned by the occupants of the premises and which are not kept
for remuneration, hire or sale.
Stable, Commercial: A structure including, but not limited to, a corral or paddock for the
keeping of horses for remuneration, hire or sale.
Store: A building where manufactured or ready-made items can be purchased.
1756760.5
FH ZO Chap I Definitions 22
Story: That portion of a building included between the surface of any floor and the finished
ceiling next above it or the finished undersurface of the roof directly over the particular floor.
Street: A right-of-way that provides the principal vehicular and pedestrian access to adjacent
properties.
Street, Private: A street held or controlled by an entity other than the Town of Fountain Hills.
Street, Public: A street dedicated and accepted by the Town of Fountain Hills for public use.
Street Line: The boundary line between street right-of-way and abutting property.
Structure: Anything constructed or erected which requires a fixed location on the ground,
including a building or mobile home, but not including a fence or wall used as a fence.
Structural Alteration: Any change in the supporting members of a building, such as bearing
walls or partitions, columns, beams, or girders, or any complete rebuilding of the roof or exterior
walls.
Subdivision: Improved or unimproved land or lands divided for the purpose of financing, sale
or lease, whether immediate or future, into four (4) or more lots, tracts or parcels of land, or, if a
new street is involved, any such property which is divided into two (2) or more lots, tracts or
parcels of land, or, any such property, the boundaries of which have been fixed by a recorded
plat, which is divided into more than two (2) parts. "Subdivision" also includes any
condominium, cooperative, community apartment, townhouse or similar project containing four
(4) or more parcels, in which an undivided interest in the land is coupled with the right of
exclusive occupancy of any unit located thereon, but plats of such projects need not show the
buildings or the manner in which the buildings or airspace above the property shown on the plat
are to be divided. "Subdivision" does not include the following:
A. The sale or exchange of parcels of land to or between adjoining property owners
if such sale or exchange does not create additional lots.
B. The partitioning of land in accordance with other statutes regulating the
partitioning of land held in common ownership.
C. The leasing of apartments, offices, stores or similar space within a building or
trailer park, nor to mineral, oil or gas leases.
Supervisory Care Home: A residential care institution, which provides only supervisory care
services to no more than four (4) ambulatory persons unrelated to the owner of such a home.
Swale: A low flat depression to drain off excess water.
Swimming Pool: Any permanent structure, containing or intended to contain water eighteen
(18) inches or more in depth and/or eight (8) feet or more in width at any point.
1756760.5
FH ZO Chap I Definitions 23
Temporary Vehicle Storage Facility: Any land or building used for the temporary storage of
abandoned, wrecked or legally impounded automobiles, boats, or other vehicles regardless of
running condition. Such a facility is not a facility where dismantling of any vehicle, the storage
of any vehicle parts, the retailing or wholesaling of any vehicle or vehicle parts may take place.
Travel Trailer: A portable structure without motive power, with wheels built on a chassis,
designed as a temporary dwelling for travel, recreation, and vacation purposes, having a body
width not exceeding eight (8) feet and a body length not exceeding thirty-two (32) feet.
Treatment Center: Facilities providing lodging and meals and, primarily, treatment, training or
education as a part of an alcoholism or drug addiction program.
Use: The purpose for which a site or structure is arranged, designed, intended, constructed,
moved, erected, altered or enlarged or for which either a site or structure is or may be occupied
and maintained.
Use, Accessory: A use which is incidental, related, appropriate, and clearly subordinate to the
lot or building, and which does not alter the principal use of the lot or building.
Use, Permitted: A use which is listed as a "permitted use" in any given zone district. Such use
shall be allowed to be established within that zone district, subject to the specific requirements of
this ordinance.
0 Use, Prohibited: Any use not specifically permitted or permitted by a special use permit.
Use, Special: A use, which is listed as a "special use" in any given zoning district. Such use
shall require a "special use permit" in order to be established within that zoning district, and shall
be subject to all conditions and requirements imposed by the Town Council in connection with
the special use permit.
Use, Temporary: A use, which is listed as a "temporary use" in any given zoning district. Such
use shall require a "temporary use permit in order to be established within that zoning district
and shall be subject to all conditions and requirements imposed by the staff or Town Council,
whichever issues the permit.
Usable Open Space: Space, which can be enjoyed by people. This could include landscaped
plazas, grass and trees, fountains, sitting areas, etc., and is meant to provide an open garden
atmosphere. Meaningful open space does not include parking areas, vacant or undeveloped lots
or any other space, which does not contribute to the quality of the environment.
Utility Services: Service to the public of water, sewer, gas, electricity, telephone and cable
television. The foregoing shall be deemed to include attendant facilities and appurtenances to
the above uses, including, without limitation, stations along pipelines, and substations along
electric transmission lines; but not including public utility treatment and generating plants or
offices.
Variance: See Chapter 2, Section 2.06(B) herein.
1756760.5
FH ZO Chap I Definitions 24
Wall: Any device forming a physical barrier which is so constructed that fifty percent (50%) or
more of the vertical surface is closed preventing the passage of light, air and vision through said
surface.
Warehouse: A building or buildings used for the storage of goods.
Wholesale: The sale of goods or materials for the purposes of resale.
Yard: A minimum required open area adjacent to a lot line that shall be free from any structure
except as specified in the Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance.
Yard, Front: A yard, the depth of which is the minimum required horizontal distance between
the front line and the front yard setback line, which yard extends across the full width of the lot.
For a corner lot, the front yard is the narrower of the two street side frontages.
Yard, Rear: A yard, the depth of which is the minimum required horizontal distance between
the rear lot line and rear -yard setback line, which yard extends across the full width of the lot, not
including any portion of a required street side yard.
Yard, Required: The minimum open space as specified by the regulations of this Ordinance for
front, rear, side, and street side, as distinguished from any yard area in excess of the minimum
• required. See 'Building Area".
Yard, Side: A yard, the width of which is the minimum required horizontal distance between
the side lot and the side -yard setback line, not including any portion of the required front yard or
required rear yard.
is
Yard, Street Side: Any yard, the depth of which is the minimum required horizontal distance
between the street side lot line and the street side -yard setback line, not including any portion of
the required front yard.
Zone: A district classification established by this ordinance, which limits or permits various and
specific uses.
Zoning Administrator: The person appointed by the Town Manager to be the Zoning
Administrator. If there is no such person designated by the Town Manager, the Town Manager
is the Zoning Administrator.
Zoning Clearance: The approval by the Community Development Director of a plan that is in
conformance with The Zoning Ordinance for the Town of Fountain Hills.
Zoning District: A zone area in which the same zoning regulations apply throughout the
district.
1756760.5
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 25
ZONING DEFINITIONS
NOVEMBER 1* 2012
11
L
Abutting: The condition of two (2) adjoining properties having a common property line or
boundary, including cases where two (2) or more lots adjoin only a corner or corners.
Access or Access Way: The place, means, or way by which pedestrians and vehicles shall have
safe, adequate and usable ingress and egress to a property or use as required by this ordinance.
Acre: An area of land containing forty-three thousand five hundred sixty (43,560) square feet.
Adjacent: Nearby, not distant or having a common endpoint or border.
Adjoining: Touching or bounding at a point or line.
Adult Oriented Facilities: Which shall include the following:
A. Adult Bookstore:
1. Having as a substantial portion of its stock in trade, videos, film,
books, magazines and other periodicals depicting, describing, or relating to
"specified sexual activities" or which are characterized by their emphasis on
matter depicting, describing or relating to "specified anatomical areas", or
2. Having as a substantial portion of its stock in trade, books,
magazines and other periodicals, and which excludes all minors from the
premises or a section thereof.
B. Adult Live Entertainment Establishment: An establishment, which
features topless female or bottomless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers,
strippers or similar entertainers.
C. Adult Theater: An enclosed building or open-air drive-in theater:
1. Regularly used for presenting any film or plate negative, film or
plate positive, film or tape designed to be projected on a screen for
exhibition or films, glass slides or transparencies, either in negative or
positive form, designed for exhibition by projection on a screen depicting,
describing or relating to "specified sexual activities" or characterized by an
emphasis on matter depicting, describing or relating to "specified
anatomical areas"; or
2. Used for presenting any film or plate negative, film, or plate
positive, film or tape designed to be projected on a screen for exhibition, or
films, glass slides or transparencies, either in negative or positive form,
designed for exhibition by projection on a screen and which regularly
excludes minors.
btAtee
—-. Fondling er- )thef er-efie tettehing-oizr'a♦in♦a genitals, pubte region, �
Anatontien! Areas --L
Less than eampletely and opaquely eever-ed: (a) httfnan genitals, pubie region-
> ,
2. Human male genitals in a diseefnible tur-gid state, even if eempletely and epaqttely
eevered
Advertising Copy: Cotes that includes but is not limited to information such as phone numbers,
prices announcement of sales business hours meeting times individual or specific product or
merchandise information and directional information.
Agriculture: The tilling of the soil, raising of crops, horticulture, viticulture, sulviculture,
including all uses customarily incidental thereto but not including slaughterhouses, fertilizer yards,
or plants for the reduction of animal matter, or any other industrial use which is similarly
objectionable because of noise, odor, smoke, dust or fumes.
Airport: Any area which is used or is intended to be used primarily for the taking off and landing
of aircraft, and any appurtenant areas which are used or intended to be used for airport buildings or
facilities including open spaces, taxiways and tie -down areas, hangars, transition and clear zones,
and other accessory buildings.
Alley: A right-of-way, dedicated to public use, affording a secondary means of access to abutting
property and not intended for general traffic circulation.
Ambulatory Person: Any individual including one who uses a cane or other ambulatory support,
who is physically and mentally capable, under emergency conditions, of finding a way to safety
without assistance.
Amendment: In reference to this ordinance, a change in the wording or substance of this
ordinance, or an addition or deletion or a change in the zone district boundaries or classifications of
the zoning map.
Animal Hospital: Facilities for the care, treatment, and boarding of animals including facilities
within the term "veterinary clinic."
Antique: A product that is old or exchanged because of value derived, because of oldness as
respects the present age, and not simply because same is not a new product.
Appeal: An action which permits anyone to arrange for a hearing before an individual or a group
other than the individual or group from whose decision the appellant seeks redress, or a first
request for action, depending on context; Chapter 2 addresses the appeal procedures available to
aggrieved parties.
Area of Jurisdiction: The Town of Fountain Hills as it exists now and as it is lawfully changed;
plus any area allowed by Arizona Revised Statute outside of the corporate limits which permits
review by the Town of Fountain Hills.
Automotive Junk: Any vehicle missing one or more body parts; or is incapable of operating
under its own power; or is missing any wheels; or has missing or severely shattered glass which
prohibits safe operation; or has one or more flat tires for a period of seventy-two (72) or more
hours.
Automobile Repair: All aspects of the repair of motor vehicles including, but not limited to,
lubrication, tune-up and preventive maintenance.
Automobile Sales: An agency selling motor vehicles and providing services commonly
associated with motor vehicle sales.
Awning: An architectural projection or shelter projecting from or supported by, the exterior wall
of a building and composed of a covering of rigid or non -rigid materials and/or fabric on a
supporting framework that may be either permanent or retractable including such structures which
are internally illuminated by fluorescent or other light sources.
r
Ballast: The portion of a sign required to operate a fluorescent lamp._
Banner A temporary sign composed of fabric plastic or other pliable material on which
advertising copy or graphics may be displayed.
Bar or Cocktail Lounge: An establishment whose primary business is the serving of alcoholic
beverages to the public for consumption on the premises.
Basketball Court: A basketball court as defined by the National Federation State High School
Association regulations.
Basement: A space in a structure that is partly or wholly below grade.
Bed and Breakfast Establishment: A dwelling in which the occupants of the dwelling provide,
for compensation, the short term lodging and meals for guests, occupying not more than two (2)
guest rooms, located within the same dwelling.
Billboard A permanent off -pre ise outdoor advertising sign erected maintained or used for the
purpose of commercial or non-commercial messages.
Board of Adjustment: (See Section 1.07).
Building: Any structure used for the support, shelter, housing or enclosure of persons, animals,
chattels or property of any kind, with the exception of doghouses, playhouses and similar
structures.
Building, Accessory: A building or structure that does not share a livable, enclosed connection to
the main building, and that is subordinate to, and the use of which is customarily incidental to, that
of the main building, structure, or use on the same lot or parcel.
Building Area: The total areas, taken on a horizontal plane at the mean grade level, of the
principal buildings and all accessory buildings, exclusive of uncovered porches, terraces and steps.
Building, Attached: A building which has at least part of a wall in common with another
building, or which is connected to another building by a roof.
Building, Detached: A building, which is separated from another building or buildings on the
same lot.
> >
of the stnaetufe.
Building, Height Of: The vertical distance measured at any point from the natural, pre-existing
• grade level or proposed grade, whichever is lower, to the highest point of the structure. If the
structure is located in a platted subdivision where grading was done as a part of the subdivision's
improvements, the building height shall be the vertical distance measured at any point from the
finished grade as shown on the subdivision grading plans or the natural, pre-subdivision grade,
whichever is lower, to the highest point of the structure. If the structure has a basement, where the
basement floor pad grade is lower than the preexisting grade and where all exterior walls to the
basement are completely back-filled to the pre-existing grade and no ingress or egress is proposed
directly from the basement to the exterior of the building, building height shall be measured at any
point along the pre-existing grade to the highest point of the structure above that point. If the
structure is proposed as a walk-out, where the walk-out or lower floor pad grade is lower than the
pre-existing grade and where ingress and egress is proposed on only one side of the walk-out floor
and where the other non-walk-out sides of the walk-out floor are completely back-filled to the
pre-existing grade and no ingress or egress is proposed directly from the non-walk-out sides of the
walk-out floor to the exterior of the building, building height above the walk-out level shall be
measured at any point along the pre-existing grade to the highest point of the structure above that
point. In the event that terrain problems prevent an accurate determination of height, the Zoning
Administrator shall rule as to height and appeal from that decision shall be to the Board of
Adjustment_
Building, Principal: A building, or buildings, in which is conducted the principal use of the lot on
which it is situated. In any residential district, any dwelling shall be deemed to be the main
building of the lot on which the same is situated.
ON Building Footprint The area of the primary structure measured from the outside walls
(excluding any overhanging portionsl whichincludes indoor uses such as attached garae.
carports utility room laundry, etc (includingcovered patios and breezeways which are an integral
part of the roof structure of the structure.
Building Frontage: The linear measurement of an exterior buildin¢ wall or structure that faces
the public roadway.
Building Permit: A permit required for erection, construction, modification, addition to or
moving of any building, structure or use in the incorporated area of the Town of Fountain Hills as
more fully defined in Section 417 of the Uniform Building Code adopted by the Town Council.
Building Setback: The minimum distance as prescribed by this ordinance between any property
line and the closest point of the foundation or any supporting post or pillar of any building or
structure related thereto. (See: Yard, front, side and rear).
Business Area An area designated by the Zoning Administrator as containing a concentrated
group of businesses.
Business Block A portion of a business area consisting of at least three lots bounded on all sides
by a public right-of-way, alleyway or an adjacent property line.
Campground: Any lot, parcel, or tract of land used, designed, maintained, and intended for rent
of plots or sites to accommodate temporary camping by the traveling public with or without
sanitary facilities and water, whether or not a charge is made for the use of the park and its
facilities.
Carport: A roof supported by pillars or cantilevers, which shelters a car or other vehicle. May
either extend from a structure (usually a house) or be constructed separately (often to
accommodate several cars).
Cemetery: Land used or intended to be used for the burial of the dead, and dedicated for such
purposes, including columbaria, crematoriums, mausoleums and mortuaries when operated in
conjunction with and within the boundaries of such premises.
Channel Letter Individual letters constructed to be applied singly in the formation of a Building
Mounted Sign or a Freestanding Sign Channel letters may be illuminated or non -illuminated.
Church: A permanently located building commonly used for religious worship fully enclosed
with walls, but including windows and doors, and having a structurally solid and sound roof.
Clearing: The removal and disposal of all obstructions such as fences, walls, foundations,
buildings and existing structures, and accumulations of rubbish of whatever nature. Also, the
substantial removal of trees, also the substantial removal of trees, shrubs, cacti, and other
indigenous vegetation, but not including grass and weeds considered to be a potential fire hazard.
Clinic: A place for the provision of group medical services, not involving overnight housing of
patients.
Clubhouse: A building, located on a golf course with nine' (9) or more holes, that contains one or
more of the following facilities: pro shop for the retailing of clothing and golf accessories; the golf
course's own cart rental and maintenance facility (does not include the golf cart sales and the
maintenance of golf carts not owned by the golf course); restaurant with or without alcoholic
beverage service; and the golf course's administrative office.
Cluster Housing: Houses built close together with little yard space and a large common area,
rather than each house having a large separate yard.
Commission: The Town of Fountain Hills Planning and Zoning Commission. (See Section 1.06).
Common Open Space: Open space usable by all the people within a certain development and
such area is owned by all the property owners in that development.
Community Corrections Facility: A facility, which provides lodging and meals and, primarily,
counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation to adjudicated delinquents, parolees, and individuals in
pre-release (transitional) or diversionary programs from correction institutions.
Community Development Director: The per -sen appek-Aed by the Tewn Manager to be the
Gemmtmity Develepmen� Direeter-. if there is ne sueh per -sen designated by 4.1he Tewn M ager-,
is
T Manager- the Ce unity Development r�;, Bete. (Same as Development Services
the
Dir ctor .
Comprehensive Sign Plan: Comprehensive Sian Plans are required in all commercial zoninv.
districts for multi tenanted buildings or shopping centers The Comprehensive Sian Plan shall be
reviewed and approved by the Zoning Administrator or designee and conform to the sign
regulations contained in Chapter 6 of this Ordinance A "multi -tenanted building" is a building
complex or center that contains any number of businesses greater than one that share the same
site use common points of ingress and egress to and from the site.
Condominium: Real estate, portions of which are designated for separate ownership and the
remainder of which is designated for common ownership solely by the owners of the separate
portions. Real estate is not a condominium unless the undivided interests in the common elements
are vested in the unit owners.
Contiguous: In actual contact.
Convalescent Home: (Same as nursing home).
Copy: The text graphics or message of a sign.
Corral: A pen or enclosure for confining animals.
OCouncil: Town Council of the Town of Fountain Hills, Arizona.
County: Maricopa County, Arizona.
Day Care Center: A residential facility in which care for non-residents is provided for periods of
less than twenty-four hours per day, for more than five (5) people.
Density: The average number of families, persons or housing units per unit of land; usually
density is expressed "per acre." Thus, the density of a development of 300 units occupying 40
The � 1 ''densitybaste �
acres is 7.5 units per acre. F+tap "'es "T`on'g,
Development Services Director The person appointed by the Town Manager to be the chief
land use official for the Town If there is no such person designated by the Town ivianager. the
Town Manager is the Development Services Director.
Direct Illumination An externally mounted light source that is used for illuminating a sign; also
referred to as "exterior illumination."
Disturbance: Clearing, grubbing, excavation and/or filling.
Drive-in Restaurant: Any establishment where food or beverages are dispensed and may be
consumed on the premises, but outside a closed building.
Drive-in Theater: An open-air theater where the performance is viewed by all, or part, of the
eaudience from motor vehicles.
Dwelling: A building or portion thereof, built in accordance to the building code adopted in the
Town or, if built prior to incorporation, adopted by Maricopa County, designed exclusively for
residential purposes, including single-family and multiple -family dwellings; but not including
hotels, motels, boarding and lodging houses, fraternity and sorority houses, rest homes and nursing
homes, or child care nurseries.
Dwelling, Multiple -Family: A building, built in accordance to the building code adopted in the
Town or, if built prior to incorporation, adopted by Maricopa County, designed exclusively for
occupancy by or occupied by two (2) or more families living independently of each other. Such
building(s) shall have a connection, which is comprised, of a full ground to roof wall and a roof
structure of not less than eight (8) feet in depth.
Dwelling, Single -Family: A detached building, built in accordance to the building code adopted
in the Town or, if built prior to incorporation, adopted by Maricopa County, designed exclusively
for occupancy by or occupied by one (1) family for residential purposes.
Dwelling, Two -Family: A building, built in accordance to the building code adopted in the Town
or, if built prior to incorporation, adopted by Maricopa County, designed exclusively for
occupancy by or occupied by two (2) families living independently of each other. Such building(s)
shall have a connection, which is comprised, of a full ground to roof wall and a roof structure of
40 not less than eight (8) feet in depth.
Dwelling Unit: A building or portion thereof having restricted access to one kitchen or area
convertible to kitchen activities, built in accordance to the building code adopted in the Town, or if
built prior to incorporation, adopted by Maricopa County, designed exclusively for residential
purposes, including single-family and multi -family dwellings; but not including hotels, motels,
boarding and lodging houses, fraternity and sorority houses, rest homes and nursing homes, or
child care nurseries.
Easement: A specified area on a lot or parcel of land reserved or used for the location of and/or
access to, utilities, drainage or other physical access purposes, or for preservation of undisturbed
terrain for the benefit of the general public.
Electronic Message Center: A sign that uses computer-generated or electronic means to change
advertising copy, messages or color including signs that flip or rotate.
Elderly: A person who is sixty-five- (65) years of age or older.
Erect: The word "erect" includes build, build upon, add to, alter, construct, reconstruct, move
upon, or any physical operations on the land, required for a building.
Excavation: The removal of earthen material, resulting in a lowering of the grade at the location.
Family: An individual, or two (2) or more persons related by blood or marriage, or a group of
persons not related by blood or marriage, living together as a single housekeeping group in a
• dwelling unit.
Farm: An area of not less than two (2) contiguous acres which is used for the commercial
production of farm crops such as vegetables, fruit trees, cotton, grain and other crops, and their
storage on the area, as well as the raising thereon of farm poultry and farm animals, such as horses,
cattle, and sheep for commercial purposes. The term "farm" includes the operating of such an area
for one (1) or more of the above uses, including dairy farms, with the necessary accessory uses for
treating or storing the produce, provided that the operation of any such accessory use is secondary
to that of the farm activities, and provided further that the farm activities do not include
commercial feeding or offal to swine or other animals.
Fence: Any device built to enclose a parcel of land, to separate two (2) parcels of land, or to
separate a parcel of land into different use areas.
Filling: The dumping or depositing of earthen material resulting in the raising of the grade at that
location.
Flag A fabric sheet of square or rectangular or triangular shape which is mounted on a pole This
includes the United States State flags for registered corporations and other registered entities,
flags or foreign nations decorative flags and flags supporting activities of the Fountain Hills
Unified School District.
40 Floor Area: The gross square footage of a building. When considering minimum off-street
parking area, floor area may also include the open land needed for service to the public as
customers, patrons, clients, or patients, including area occupied by fixtures and equipment used for
display or sale of merchandise.
Fractional Ownership Interest: A contractual right of occupancy in a Fractional Ownership
Project, whether by membership, agreement, share, tenancy in common, sale, deed, license,
right -to -use agreement or otherwise, where such right is divided into eleven (11) or more
undivided interests, whether or not such interest is coupled with an estate in real property, where a
purchaser, in exchange for consideration, receives a right to use a portion of a Fractional
ownership Project for a period of time less than six months during any given year.
Fractional Ownership Interest shall include interests otherwise known as "Interval Ownership" or
"Time Share Ownership."
Fractional Ownership Project: A project consisting of any dwelling unit, hotel, lot or parcel in
which a purchaser receives a Fractional Ownership Interest.
Front Lit Letter An internally illuminated individual letter or graphic comuonent of a sign that
has a translucent face.
Garage, Private: A building or portion thereof, used for the shelter or storage of self-propelled
vehicles, or owned or operated by the occupants of a main building where there is no service or
storage for compensation.
Garage, Public: Any building, except one herein defined as a "private garage" used for the
storage of self-propelled vehicles or where any such vehicles are equipped for operation or kept for
hire.
Grade: The elevation of the land.
Grade, Finished: Final elevation of the ground surface conforming to the approved grading
plans.
Grade, Natural: Elevation of the natural or undisturbed ground surface prior to any grading
operation. If "natural grade" can no longer be determined, then the grade elevation existing on
September 20, 1991, as shown on the Town's topographical maps of that date, shall be used in lieu
thereof. If a parcel of land is not shown on the September 20, 1991 topographical maps, "natural
grade" shall be as shown on a topographical map that has been both prepared after September 20,
1991 and that is acceptable to the Town Engineer.
Grading: The process of changing gradients of land by contouring, smoothing or otherwise
shaping land areas, by excavating, filling, or combination thereof.
Group Home for the Handicapped and Adult Care: A dwelling shared by handicapped and/or
elderly people as their primary residence and their resident staff, who live together as a single
housekeeping unit, sharing responsibilities, meals, and recreation. The staff provides care for the
residents. A Group Home for the Handicapped and Adult Care does not include nursing homes,
alcohol or other drug treatment centers, community correction facilities, shelter care facilities, or
homes for the developmentally disabled as regulated by the Arizona Revised Statutes Section
36-582.
Grubbing: The elimination of roots from the ground by digging or pulling.
Guest: Any transient person who rents or occupies a room or structure for sleeping purposes.
Guest House: Living or sleeping quarters within an accessory building for the sole use of
occupants of the premises, guests of such occupants or persons employed on the premises. The
accessory building may be attached to or detached from the main building. Such quarters shall not
be rented, and/or otherwise used for income producing purposes.
Guest Ranch: A building or group of buildings containing two (2) or more guest rooms, other
than a boarding house, hotel, or motel, and including outdoor recreational facilities such as, but not
limited to, horseback riding, swimming, tennis courts, shuffleboard courts, barbecue and picnic
facilities, and dining facilities intended for the use primarily by guests of the guest ranch, but not
including bars and restaurants which cater primarily to other than guests of the guest ranch.
Guest Room: A room designed for occupancy by one (1) or more guests for sleeping purposes,
but having no cooking facilities and not including dormitories.
Halo Illumination Sian lighting constructed for wall or freestanding signs that is designed so
that the light for the entire sign or the light for each individual component of the sign is directed
® against the surface behind the sign or sign component, producing a halo effect.
Handicapped: A person who: (W has a physical or mental impairment which substantially
limits one or more of such person's major life's activities so that such person is incapable of living
independently; (b13has a record of having such an impairment; or (e�) is regarded as having such
an impairment. However, "handicapped" does not include current, illegal use of or addiction to a
controlled substance as defined in the Controlled Substance Act (21 United States Code 802).
Hazardous Materials: Any substance characterized as flammable solids, corrosive liquids,
radioactive materials, oxidizing materials, highly toxic materials, poisonous gases, reactive
materials, unstable materials, hypergolic materials and pyrophoric materials and any substance or
mixture of substances which is an irritant, a strong sensitizer or which generates pressure through
exposure to heat, decomposition or other means.
Holiday Window Decorations The decorative display of holiday themed decorations or window
painting-
Home
intin .Home Day Care Center: A residential facility in which care for non-residents is provided for
periods of less than twenty-four hours per day, for five or less people.
Home Occupation: Any occupation or profession which is incidental and subordinate to the use
of the dwelling unit for dwelling purposes and which�=W does not change the character thereof,
® and in connection with which there are no employees other than members of the immediate family
residing in the dwelling unit. B does not generate traffic as a result of
patronage and/or shipping and receiving of materials beyond five (5) trips apLr days,
r (C) has shinning and receiving slto and from such occupation only be -by a vehicle customarily
used for residential delivery purposes.
Hospital: A place for the treatment or care of human ailments, where overnight lodging for
patients is provided, other than nursing homes.
Hotel: A building or group of buildings, other than a motel, boarding house or lodging house,
containing individual guest rooms, suites of guest rooms, and dwelling units, and which furnishes
services customarily provided by hotels.
Individual: Any private individual, tenant, lessee, owner or any commercial entity including, but
not limited to, companies, partnerships, joint ventures or corporations.
Junk: Any old or scrap metal, rope, rags, batteries, paper, trash, wood, glass, plastic and/or rubber
debris, waste, or junked dismantled, or wrecked automobiles, or parts thereof, iron, steel, and other
old or scrap ferrous or nonferrous material.
Junkyard: Any land or building used for the abandonment, storage, keeping, collecting, or baling
of paper, rags, scrap metals, other scrap or discarded materials, or for the abandonment,
demolition, dismantling, storage, or salvaging of automobiles or other vehicles not in running
condition, or machinery, or parts thereof.
Kennel: Any premises where more than four (4) dogs or cats are bred, boarded, and/or trained.
Having one litter up to six (6) weeks of age is not considered to be a kennel.
Kitchen: Any room in a building or dwelling unitek=hal is used or intended to be used for
cooking or the preparation of food.
Landscaping: An area which has been improved through the harmonious combination and
introduction of trees, shrubs, and ground cover, and which may contain natural topping material
such as boulders, rock, stone, granite or other approved material. The area shall be voiddevoid of
any asphaltic or concrete pavement except for pedestrian walkways.
A. "Fully -abutting" areas are those landscaped or revegetated areas, such as a
disturbed area that is proposed to look as if no disturbance activity has occurred,
where natural undisturbed areas abut one or both sides of a revegetated area.
B. "Partially -abutting" areas are those landscaped or revegetated areas, such as a
disturbed area that is proposed to look as if no disturbance activity has occurred,
where natural undisturbed areas abut one side of a revegetated area.
C. "Non -abutting" areas are those landscaped or revegetated areas that are not
intended to fully resemble the preexisting natural undisturbed landscaping of the
site.
Laundry, Self Service: A building within which clothes washing and drying machines, and
clothes dry-cleaning machines, either coin operated or attendant operated, are provided on a rental
basis for use by individuals for doing their own laundry or dry cleaning. Self-service laundry does
not include outdoor drying facilities.
Letter Face The exterior side of an individual letter or individual graphic element.
Logo A graphicdesign representing a product identity or service.
Lot: A single piece of property located in a recorded subdivision, having frontage on publicly
dedicated and accepted street or an approved private road, which is described and denoted as such.
LotAreal The total 1, ize 1 area within the let irfc • of a
Lot, Corner: A lot, which has an interior angle of one hundred thirty-five (135) degrees or less at
the intersection of two (2) street lines. A lot abutting upon a curved street is considered a corner lot
if the tangents to the curve at the points of intersection of the side lot lines intersect at an interior
angle of one hundred thirty-five (13 5) degrees or less.
Lot Interior• A lot other than a corner lot.
Lot, Key: A lot adjacent to.a corner lot having its side lot line in common the rear lot line of the
(W corner lot and fronting on the street which forms the side boundary of the corner lot.
Lot Through: A lot which has street right-of-way frontage on two non -adjoining sides.
Lot Area: The total horizontal area within the lot lines of a lot.
Lot Coverage: That portion of a lot or building site, which is occupied by any building or other
covered structure, excepting paved areas, walks and swimming pools.
Lot Depth: The horizontal length of a straight line connecting the midpoints of the front and rear
lot lines.
Lot Frontage: The horizontal length of the front lot line.
hot, n 1+ other -than a eofner- let.
Lot, Keyi A lot adjaeet4 to a eemer- lot having its side lot line in eemmon the r-eaf 10t lifle E)f the
Lot Line: The line bounding a lot.
Lot Line, Front: In the case of an interior lot, a line separating the lot from the street
right-of-way. In the case of a corner lot, the narrower of the two lot lines adjoining a street
right-of-way.
Lot Line, Rear: A lot line, which is opposite and most distant from the front lot line. In the case
of a lot having five (5) or more sides, the rear lot line shall be any lot line, other than the front lot
line, which intersects a side or a street side lot line at any angle less than one hundred thirty-five
(13 5) degrees.
Lot Line, Side: Those lot lines other than a street side lot line that connects the front and rear lot
lines.
Lot Line, Street Side: That lot line or lines on a corner lot adjoining a street right-of-way that
connects the front lot line to a rear lot line.
�,..:_:.:,:..:.:..:..:....-
Lot Width: For rectangular lots, lots having side lot lines not parallel, and lots on the outside of
the curve of a street, the distance between side lot lines measured at the required minimum front
yard line on a line parallel to the street or street chord; and for lots on the inside of the curve of a
street, the distance between side lot lines measured thirty, (30) feet behind the required minimum
front yard line on a line parallel to the street or street chord.
Mansard Roof A roof style composed of a combination of a steep semi-vertical plane connected
to a flatter plane.
Manufacturing: The fabricating or assembling of materials into finished or partially finished
products by hand or by the use of machinery.
Massage Establishment: Any establishment having its place of business where any person, firm,
association or corporation engages in or carries on or permits to be engaged in or carried on any
massage activities defined as any method of pressure on, friction against, or stroking, kneading,
rubbing, tapping, pounding, vibrating, or stimulating of external soft parts of the body with the
hands or with the aid of any mechanical apparatus or electrical apparatus or appliance.
Master -Planned Village Sales and Information Center: A facility that meets the adopted
version of the Uniform Building Code of the Town of Fountain Hills, that is used as an
information/sales facility by the developer of a master -planned village.
Master -Planned Village: A development containing over 200 contiguous acres contained in a
master subdivision plat by a single developer.
Mobile Home: A structure transportable in one or more sections, including the plumbing,
heating, air conditioning and electrical systems contained in such structure which meets the
standards specified in the National Manufactured Housing and Safety Standards Act of 1976, as
amended, which erected on site meets all of the following criteria: (ate eight (8) body feet or more
in width; (ba) Thirty-two (32) body feet or more in length; (eg built on a permanent chassis; and
(d) designated to be used as a portable home with or without a permanent foundation, and shall
be classified as a mobile home whether or not its wheels, rollers, skids or other rolling equipment
® have been removed. For purposes of these regulations, mobile homes are a special form of
single-family detached dwellings and are subject to such special regulations as are set forth herein
and shall not be considered a modular or factory built building as defined in this section.
Mobile Home Park: Any lot, parcel or tract of land, designed, maintained, used and intended for
rent or lease of individual lots or sites to accommodate one or more mobile homes, including all
buildings, structures, vehicles, accessory buildings, and appurtenances to be used or intended as
equipment as a trailer court park, whether or not a charge is made for the use of the site or the use
of its facilities. A mobile home park does not include lots upon which unoccupied mobile homes
or unoccupied travel or commercial trailers are parked for display, inspection, and sale.
Mobile HomeSubdivision: A subdivision designed for residential use where the residences are
mobile homes and structures conforming to the adopted building codes of the Town.
Mobile Structure: A movable or portable structure thirty-two (32) feet or more in length and
eight (8) feet or more in width, constructed to be towed on its own chassis and designed so as to be
installed with or without a permanent foundation for occupancy classification as an office, retail
store, airport hangar, classroom, or any other occupancy classification. It may include one or more
components that can be retracted for towing purposes and subsequently expanded for additional
capacity, or two (2) or more units separately towable, which can be joined to form a single unit.
The removal of the wheels and running gear shall not change the meaning of this term.
Mobile Home Subdivision, A subdivisien es.gnad fer- residential use where th ees are
Modular or Factory _Built Buildings: A building complying with the adopted building codes of
the Town which is manufactured, constructed, or fabricated off-site and capable of being towed to
a permanent site to be installed on a permanent foundation. Does not include a mobile home. Such
a structure must be certified by the Office of Manufactured Housing of the State of Arizona.
Motel: A building or group of buildings containing guest rooms or apartments each of which
maintains a separate entrance, used primarily for the accommodation of motorists, and providing
automobile parking space on the premises.
Native Vegetation: Indigenous plant materials of the Sonoran Desert.
Natural: The condition of the land, vegetation, rocks, and other surface features, which have not
been, physically disturbed, changed or added to by any action of man or machine.
Nonconforming Structure: A structure which was lawfully erected prior to the adoption of this
ordinance but which, under this ordinance, does not conform with the standards of coverage, yard
spaces, height of structures or distance between structures prescribed in the regulations for the
district in which the structure is located.
Nonconforming Use: The use of a structure or land which was lawfully established and
maintained prior to the adoption of this ordinance but which, under this ordinance, does not
conform to the use regulations for the district in which it is located.
1756760.5
FH 70 Chap 1 Definitions 14
Nuisance: Anything, condition or use of property, which endangers life or health, gives offense to
the senses, and/or obstructs the reasonable and comfortable use of other property.
Nursing Home: A structure operated as a lodging house in which nursing, dietary and other
personal services are rendered to convalescents, not including persons suffering from contagious
diseases, and in which surgery is not performed and primary treatment, such as customarily is
given in hospitals and sanitariums, is not provided. A convalescent home shall be deemed a
nursing home.
Nursery: A commercial operation for the growth and sale of plants, storage of equipment for
landscaping and the wholesale or retail sale of commercial gardening supplies.
Office: A room or rooms and accessory facilities for the managing or conducting of a business.
Off -Street Loading and Unloading Space: A designated off-street space located on the same
site as the site for which berths are required for temporary parking of motor vehicles for active
loading and unloading of merchandise or materials.
Open Space: Any parcel or area of land or water unimproved or improved and set aside,
dedicated, designated, or reserved for the public or private use and enjoyment of owners and
occupants of land adjoining or neighboring such open space.
Overhead Transmission Line An electrical bower line that is capable of conveying sixty-nine
(69) thousand or more volts of power.
Pan Channel Letter: An individual letter of a sign constructed so that the sides and back of the
letter are one unit.
Parapet An extension of a vertical building wall above the line of a structural roof.
Park: A public or private parcel of land developed and used for passive or active recreation.
Parking Area: An area designed and constructed, and used exclusively for the parking, storage
and maneuvering of vehicles.
Parking Shade Structures: A roofed, detached, accessory structure, which may be lighted, with
four (4) open sides, designated or used exclusively for the parking and sheltering of operable
motor vehicles.
Parking Space: A permanently surfaced area, enclosed or unenclosed, of not less than nine (9)
feet in width, and nineteen (19) feet in depth, together with a driveway connecting the parking
space with a street and permitting ingress and egress of the automobile, (See Chapter 7).
Pennant Any -lightweight plastic fabric or other material whether or not containing a message of
any kind suspended from a rope wire or string usually in a series and designed to move in the
wind Pennants must not exceed 12 inches in any direction.
Planned Unit Development: A development of five (5) or more acres in size, in which flexibility
can be permitted in lot size, lot width, lot coverage, and setbacks, in order to encourage more
creative and imaginary design, thereby preserving natural features, protecting
environmentally -sensitive areas and/or providing usable open spaces within the development.
plan ting and Zoning CommissiOflt The Town -of Fout"R Hills Nanning and. Zoning
Professional Office: Any building, structure, or portion thereof, used or intended to be used as an
office for a lawyer, architect, engineer, surveyor, planner, optometrist, accountant, doctor, dentist,
or other similar professions.
Public Building: Facilities for conducting public business occupied by various public agencies.
This includes all federal, state, county, and town offices and buildings.
Public Hearing: A hearing held to receive public testimony as required by law.
Public Meeting: A meeting held in conformance to the Arizona Open Meeting Law as contained
in A.R.S. X38-431 et- seq.
Public Utility: Private or public facilities for distribution of various services, such as water,
power, gas, communication, etc., to the public.
Recreation Facilities: Includes buildings, structures or areas built or developed for purposes of
entertaining, exercising or observing various activities participated in either actively or passively
by individuals or organized groups.
Recreational Vehicle: A vehicular type unit primarily designed as temporary living quarters for
recreational, camping or travel use, which either has its own motive power or is mounted on or
drawn by another vehicle. This includes motor homes, self-contained travel trailers, and campers.
Recreational Vehicle Park: Facilities for the temporary storage, parking and maneuvering of
recreational vehicles (motor homes, travel trailers, campers, etc.) with adequate roads and stall
sites, including sanitary and water facilities. Site locations are provided on a day-to-day basis.
Does not constitute a mobile home park and may not allow mobile homes.
Restaurant: An establishment whose primary business is the serving of food to the public.
Retail Store: A commercial business for selling goods, services, wares or merchandise directly to
the customer, but not including a professional office.
Retaining Wall: A wall or terraced combination of walls used to retain earth, but not directly
supporting the wall of a building, including stacked rock and imbedded boulder walls.
r1
Revegetation: The replacement of indigenous living plant materials on areas where the natural
vegetation has been removed. The areas include disturbed natural areas and man-made cut and fill
slopes.
Reverse Pan Channel Letter; An individual letter of a siue material so
that the sides and front of the letter are one unit.
Riprap Material: Material that is a loosely composed layer of rocks and stones used to hinder the
flow of water, thereby preventing erosion.
Satellite Dish Antenna: A device incorporating a reflective surface that is solid, open mesh, or
bar configured and is in the shape of a shallow dish, cone, horn, or cornucopia. Such device shall
be used to transmit and/or receive radio or electromagnetic waves between terrestrially and/or
orbitally based stations. This definition is meant to include but not be limited to what are
commonly referred to as satellite earth stations, television reception -only (TVRO's), and satellite
microwave antennas.
School, Elementary, Junior High, High School, College, or Junior College: Public and other
non-profit institutions conducting regular academic instruction at kindergarten, elementary,
secondary, and tertiary levels. Such institutions shall offer general academic instructions
equivalent to the standards prescribed by the State Board of Education or the State Board of
Regents.
School, Nursery: A school or the use of a site or a portion of a site for an organized program
devoted to the education or day care of five (5) or more children of elementary school age or
younger, other than those residents on the site. This includes day care centers.
School, Private or Parochial: An institution conducting regular academic instruction at
kindergarten, elementary, secondary, and tertiary levels operated by a nongovernmental
organization.
School, Trade: Schools offering instruction in the technical, commercial or trade skills, such as
real estate schools, business colleges, electronic schools, automotive and aircraft technician
schools and similar commercial establishments operated by a nongovernmental organization.
Service Station: An occupancy engaged in the retail sales of gasoline, oil, tires, batteries, and new
accessories and which provides for the servicing of motor vehicles and operations incidental
thereto, including: automobile washing, waxing and polishing, tire changing and repairing, but not
including recapping. May also include battery service, radiator cleaning, flushing and repair,
installation of minor accessories, lubrication of motor vehicles, rental of utility trailers, testing,
adjustment and replacement of motor parts and accessories.
r1
U
Shelter Care: Short term residential care facilities providing lodging on a temporary basis, meals
and counseling to individuals and groups such as, but not limited to, the homeless, pregnant
teenagers, victims of domestic violence, neglected children, and runaways.
Shopping Center: A group of retail stores or professional offices planned and designed for the
site on which it is built, functioning as a unit, with off-street parking, landscaped areas and
pedestrian malls or plazas provided on the property as an integral part of the unit.
Sign: Ani` An visual element or combination of elements including words or symbols, designed
or placed to attract attention or convey information, including any device providing identification,
advertising or directional information for a specific business, service, product, person,
organization, place, or building T ' a '' "''"inclu in graphic devices
fns++ ,• + _ sueh as b ,., 5 r . obtrusive colored
such as logos a
facia or architectural elements, bannersballoons, streamers, inflatable structures. exterior
merchandise displays projected picture signs holographic projection signs and other attention
attracting media and devices.
Sign Abandoned A sign that is no longer associated with the location product or activity
conducted on the premises on which the sign is located.
Sign, Advertising: A sign which includes any copy and/or graphics relating to any business,
service, product, person, organization, place, or building in addition to simple identification,
Sign A Frame A temporary sign normally supported by its own frame inn manner that usually
forms an "A" when in use; also referred to as a "sandwich" or "tent" sign.
Sign Animated A sign with actual motion including light changes or color changes or the
illusion of motion.
Sign, Awning A sign displayed on or attached flat against the surface or surfaces of an awning
or any other surface attached to a building that provides shelter.
Sign Bench: A sign painted on or affixed to a beach --
Sign, Building Mounted Any sign mounted onto the vertical surface of a building- see also Wall
Si
Sin Cabinet A frame constructed to hold internal components and covered by a face to hold the
advertising sign.
Sign Canopy: See definition of Awning Sign.
Sign Changeable Copy: A sign constructed to hold individual letters or individual text sections
that are mounted in or on a track system Changeable Copv Signs are usually used as Directory
Signs.
, . • _ but rl o�
t t either- '.a t'� t a vein
ARIA Sign, Directional: A sign ' " o" b r"
' supplying pertinent directional
information for the purpose of promoting safety and the flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.See
Chapter- 6 for- an r
Example of Dirccbom d Signs:
ENTER 3 ?J E 0
Sign, Directory: A sign listing the names and/or uses, and/or locations of the various tenants or
activities within a building, or in a multi -tenant development,
or group of buildings. Directory Signs may be constructed as
Changeable Copy Signs.
Sign, Fascia: A sign, ,.� thA is permanently affixed to the horizontal member or surface at the
edge of a projecting roof. c ehapteffor- example-
le -
Example Fascia Sian
_ANA FAMMYS
is LL
Sign Flashing• A sign with an intermittent repetitive or flashing light source.
Sign, Freestanding: A signal} that has its own supporting structure independent of the
building or business it identifies,
or- any pfeduet or- sen4e_e��-
Sign, Fuel Price: A sign displaying the price(s) of fuel at a service station.
Sign Ground Mounted: A Freestanding Sign with no visible base.
Sign, Identification: A sign, iah tha contains only the name of the business, person,
organization, place, r building at that location.
Sign, Ideological: A signh that expresses, conveys, or advocates a non-commercial
message.
Sign, Illuminated: A sign, ..�" is lighted, either externally or internally.
Sign internally Illuminated A sign constructed with a light source behind the face of the sign.
Sign, Mansard-&—P-affij.4: A sign permanently affixed to a wall or surface not more than 20
degrees from vertical at the upper edge of a building and running parallel with the mansard roof
line or parapet upon which the sign is attached. Fef an example,see C iapf6-Anv sign proposed
for a building with a Mansard Roof shall have the ton of the sign mounted no higher than the
lowest point of any portion of the roofline.
Mansard Roof
Sign, Menu Board: A changeable sign disp! ytftgoriQntated to the
erdrive-through lane for a business that advertises the menu items or services availaable the
drive-through fewindow.
Sign, Mobile: See Portable Sign.
Sin Monument A Ground Mounted Freestanding Sign identifying a subdivision or
multiple occupancy development such as a shopping center, officer building or planned industrial
ark which has multiple suites offices or tenants. A Monument Si n snail be a pari onage
regulated by a Comprehensive Sign Plan.
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Freestanding Monument Signs
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Maximum Width
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Height x 0.6 Height x 0.4
Maximum Width
Sign Multi Tenant Building Identification• A Sian for a building complex or center that
contains ann b r of businesses greater than one that share the same site and use common
points of ingress and egress to and from the site.
Sin Neon Any sign that uses neon argon or any similar gas _to illuminate transparent or
translucent tubing or other materials or any use of neon argon or any similar as lighting on or
near the exterior of a building or window.
Sign, Off -Premise Directional: A portable sign containing directional information to a
destination within the Town's municipal boundary, which may only be located in specified
areas of Town road rights-of-way during specified times.
Sign Open House Directional: A temporary sign with directional arrow, directing pedestrian or
vehicular travel to the property or premise for sale lease or rent.
Sign Para -et: A sign mounted to the face of a building parapet.
Sign Pole Mounted: A Freestanding Sign constructed with a support structure that is more than
10% of the height of the total sign and less than 90% of the width of the sign The sign support
structure shall be included in the sign area computation.
Sign, Political: A sign whiethat identifies a person expresses a position;; conveys a message
concerning, or advocates a position on., the candidacy of a person, party; or issue on an upcoming
ballot.
Sign Portable Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or otherermanent structure. or
a sign designed to be transported including,but not limited to signs desi¢ned to be transported by
means of persons or wheels signs converted to A frames• menu and sandwich board signs
balloons used as signs; umbrellas for advertising- and signs attached to or painted on vehicles.
FxamnlP of Portable Sign
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Sign Projecting A sign that extends from a building wall over a property line or right -of --way
line.
Sign_ Pylon: See Pole Sign.
Sign Real Estate A sign attached to the site advertising the sale lease or rental of the property
or premises on which it is located.
Sign, Roof: A sign affixed on, above; or over the roof of a building so that it projects above the
roofline. The top of a parapet wall shall be considered the roofline. The hint cf
mansH4vertical portion of a Mansard Roof shall be considered the roofline. The ton of the facia of
a hipped roof shall be considered the roofline. Where a parapet wail is combined with a in sed
roof, the roofline shall be the top of the parapet.
Sign, Sandwich: A portable sign; one, which is not permanently affixed to a structure or
permanently ground -mounted. For an example, see Chapter 6.
Sign Shared Monument A monument sign displaying (A) the names of participating business
_ _.] L.. �L 1. ��nriol of a -shared
within a sign district or (B) the names of businesses on property owueu by the hold ,=, s) o� s=hared
monument sign permit.
Si n Temporary A sign intended to display either commercial or non-commercial messages of
a transitory or temporary nature Portable signs any sign not permanently embedded `n the
ground, or signs affixed to a building, wall fence or sin st cure for a non -Penn ent _____e
period, are considered temporary signs A banner, pennant poster balloon construction sign
politicalsign or an A frame sign shall be considered atcmporiry sign.
Sin Tent A temporary sign normally supported by its own frame in a manner that usually forms
an "A" when in use; also referred to as a "sandwich" or "A -frame" sign.
Sign Under Canopy anopy. A sign attached to the underside of a cmarquee cantilevered roof or
_�. ic� �____� F nnrh�nlartn
eave or any other surface having an angle plus or minus -Fifteen
(1 ►
a horizontal overhead structure.
Sign Wall A sign which is fastened to any vertical portion of a building; see also Building
Mounted Sign.
Sign, Wall -Mounted: A sign, which is fastened to any vertical portion of a building.
Sign, Window: Any '
er- other- te�A or- visual
i n pictures symbols or combination thereof. designed to
communicate information about an activity business commodity event sale or service that is
affixed to or located within any area six (6) feet behind a window pane,
a is rla^Iposrtioned to
be read from the exterior of a building.
Sign District A group of businesses within a business blockorganized for the pmose of
designing and installing no more than two shared monument signs to be located within the
business block.
Sign District Agreement An agreement between prospective sign district members and the
business block property owner(s) in which the shared monument sign will be erected contammg
the name of each business and its owner(s) and the business address and telephone number, wd
evidencing that the sign district members have agreed to the following:
A The placement of the shared monument sign within the business block:
B A shared monument sign meeting the requirements of subsection 6.08 BB
C The individual business owners' and property owner's respective responsibilities
for maintenance removal and alteration of the shared monument sign and
D The individual business owners' and property owner's responsibilities in the event
that the sign district is dissolved.
Sign District Members: Business owners within a sign district.
Sign n Face The area enclosing the copy and graphic components of a sign.
Sign Walker A person who wears holds or balances a portable sign.
Significantly Altered Lot: A residential lot, upon which new construction is occurring on the lot
resulting in:
A-.A,Greater than 50% of the lot's yard area being disturbed; or
B-.B.Greater than 1,000 square feet of the lot's yard area being disturbed.
Specified Anatomical Areas: Either of the following:
A Less than completely and opaquely covered: (1) human genitals pubic region 2
buttock; and (3) breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola.
B Human male genitals in a discernible turgid state even if completely and opaquely
covered.
Specified Sexual Activities:
A.- Human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal.
B Acts of human masturbation sexual intercourse or sodomy.
C Fondling or other erotic touching of human genitals pubic region buttocks, or
breasts.
Stable: A detached accessory structure including, but not limited to, a corral or paddock for the
keeping of one or more horses owned by the occupants of the premises and which are not kept for
remuneration, hire or sale.
Stable, Commercial: A structure including, but not limited to, a corral or paddock for the keeping
of horses for remuneration, hire or sale.
Store: A building where manufactured or ready-made items can be purchased.
Story: That portion of a building included between the surface of any floor and the finished
ceiling next above it or the finished undersurface of the roof directly over the particular floor.
Street: A right-of-way '
whiehthat provides the principal vehicular and pedestrian access to adjacent properties.
Street Private A street held or controlled by an entity other than the Town of Fountain Hills.
Street Public A street dedicated and accented by the Town of Fountain Hills for public use.
Street Line: The boundary line between street right-of-way and abutting property.
Street, Publie; A f!ight of way, d Aieated to and ar-eepted by the Town of Fountain l4ills, f0f
Structure: Anything constructed or erected which requires a fixed location on the ground,
including a building or mobile home, but not including a fence or wall used as a fence.
Structural Alteration: Any change in the supporting members of a building, such as bearing
walls or partitions, columns, beams, or girders, or any complete rebuilding of the roof or exterior
walls.
Subdivision: Improved or unimproved land or lands divided for the purpose of financing, sale or
lease, whether immediate or future, into four (4) or more lots, tracts or parcels of land, or, if a new
street is involved, any such property which is divided into two (2) or more lots, tracts or parcels of
land, or, any such property, the boundaries of which have been fixed by a recorded plat, which is
divided into more than two (2) parts. "Subdivision" also includes any condominium, cooperative,
community apartment, townhouse or similar project containing four (4) or more parcels, in which
an undivided interest in the land is coupled with the right of exclusive occupancy of any unit
located thereon, but plats of such projects need not show the buildings or the manner in which the
buildings or airspace above the property shown on the plat are to be divided. "Subdivision" does
not include the following:
A. The sale or exchange of parcels of land to or between adjoining property owners if
such sale or exchange does not create additional lots.
B. The partitioning of land in accordance with other statutes regulating the
partitioning of land held in common ownership.
C. The leasing of apartments, offices, stores or similar space within a building or
trailer park, nor to mineral, oil or gas leases.
Supervisory Care Home: A residential care institution, which provides only supervisory care
services to no more than four (4) ambulatory persons unrelated to the owner of such a home.
Swale: A low flat depression to drain off excess water.
Swimming Pool: Any permanent structure, containing or intended to contain water eighteen (18)
inches or more in depth and/or eight (8) feet or more in width at any point.
Temporary Vehicle Storage Facility: Any land or building used for the temporary storage of
abandoned, wrecked or legally impounded automobiles, boats, or other vehicles regardless of
running condition. Such a facility is not a facility where dismantling of any vehicle, the storage of
any vehicle parts, the retailing or wholesaling of any vehicle or vehicle parts may take place.
Transmission Line, Over-headl - An eleetr4eal power- line, whieh is eapable of-eeffyey-iffg
Travel Trailer: A portable structure without motive power, with wheels built on a chassis,
designed as a temporary dwelling for travel, recreation, and vacation purposes, having a body
width not exceeding eight (8) feet and a body length not exceeding thirty-two (32) feet.
Treatment Center: Facilities providing lodging and meals and, primarily, treatment, training or,
education as a part of an alcoholism or drug addiction program.
Use: The purpose for which a site or structure is arranged, designed, intended, constructed,
moved, erected, altered or enlarged or for which either a site or structure is or may be occupied and
® maintained.
Use, Accessory: A use which is incidental, related, appropriate, and clearly subordinate to the lot
or building, and which does not alter the principal use of the lot or building.
Use, Permitted: A use which is listed as a "permitted use" in any given zone district. Such use
shall be allowed to be established within that zone district, subject to the specific requirements of
this ordinance.
Use, Prohibited: Any use not specifically permitted or permitted by a special use permit4s
Use, Special: A use, which is listed as a "special use" in any given zoning district. Such use shall
require a "special use permit in order to be established within that zoning district, and shall be
subject to all conditions and requirements imposed by the Town Council in connection with the
special use permit.
Use, Temporary: A use, which is listed as a "temporary use" in any given zoning district. Such
use shall require a "temporary use permit" in order to be established within that zoning district and
shall be subject to all conditions and requirements imposed by the staff or Town Council,
whichever issues the permit.
Usable Open Space: Space, which can be enjoyed by people. This could include landscaped
plazas, grass and trees, fountains, sitting areas, etc., and is meant to provide an open garden
atmosphere. Meaningful open space does not include parking areas, vacant or undeveloped lots or
any other space, which does not contribute to the quality of the environment.
Utility Services: Service to the public of water, sewer, gas, electricity, telephone and cable
television. The foregoing shall be deemed to include attendant facilities and appurtenances to the
above uses, including, without limitation, stations along pipelines, and substations along electric
transmission lines; but not including public utility treatment and generating plants or offices.
Variance: See Chapter 2, Section 2.06tB) herein.
Wall: Any device forming a physical barrier which is so constructed that fifty (Wpercent OW
or more of the vertical surface is closed preventing the passage of light, air and vision through said
surface.
Warehouse: A building or buildings used for the storage of goods.
Wholesale: The sale of goods or materials for the purposes of resale.
Yard: A minimum required open area adjacent to a lot line that shall be free from any structure
except as specified in the Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance.
Yard, Front: A yard, the depth of which is the minimum required horizontal distance between the
front line and the front yard setback line, which yard extends across the full width of the lot. For a
corner lot, the front yard is the narrower of the two street side frontages.
Yard, Rear: A yard, the depth of which is the minimum required horizontal distance between the
rear lot line and rear -yard setback line, which yard extends across the full width of the lot, not
including any portion of a required street side yard.
Yard, Required: The minimum open space as specified by the regulations of this Ordinance for
front, rear, side, and street side, as distinguished from any yard area in excess of the minimum
required. See 'Building Area".
Yard, Side: A yard, the width of which is the minimum required horizontal distance between the
side lot and the side -yard setback 'line, not including any portion of the required front yard or
required rear yard.
Yard, Street Side: Any yard, the depth of which is the minimum required horizontal distance
between the street side lot line and the street side -yard setback line, not including any portion of
the required front yard.
Zone: A district classification established by this ordinance, which limits or permits various and
specific uses.
Zoning Administrator: The person appointed by the Town Manager to be the Zoning
® Administrator. If there is no such person designated by the Town Manager, the Town Manager is
`� the Zoning Administrator.
Zoning Clearance: The approval by the Community Development Director of a plan that is in
conformance with The Zoning Ordinance for the Town of Fountain Hills.
Zoning District: A zone area in which the same zoning regulations apply throughout the district.
11
E*
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TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
SIGN REGULATIONS
0 NOVEMBER 1, 2012
P�
1752356.8
A I
6.01
6.02
6.03
6.04
6.05
6.06
6.07
6.08
1752356.8
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
2= �
Purpose
[Reserved]
Sign Permits; Fees
Violations
Penalty
Enforcement and Remedies
General Regulations
Signs Allowed
November 1, 2012
A
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Section 6.01 Purpose
The regulations set forth in this Chapter are intended to encourage attractive
signage for businesses and services, optimizing the availability of
information, while promoting the general welfare by creating more
aesthetically appealing community.
A. Except as provided herein, it shall be unlawful to erect, install and/or
modify any sign within the Town without first applying for and
obtaining a sign permit from the Development Services Department.
"Modify," as it is used herein, shall mean any change in or to an
existing sign, its face, electrical components, design and/or supporting
structures. A permit shall not be required for the following signs;
provided, however, that such signs shall be subject to any and all
applicable provisions of this ordinance, including Zoning Administrator
approval when required:
1. Nameplate signs, four (4) square feet or less in area, which shall
contain the name of the business and may contain any or all of
the following: street address, hours of operation and business
logo.
2. Street addresses.
3. Any sign four (4) square feet or less in area not otherwise
prohibited by this ordinance.
4. Repainting without changing wording, composition or colors; or
minor nonstructural repairs.
1752356.8
5. Temporary noncommercial signs.
6. Signs not visible from off-site public or private property.
7. Holiday signs permitted by subsection 6.08(Z).
8. Garage sale signs permitted by subsection 6.08(M).
9. Political signs.
Page 2 of 34 November 1, 2012
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
10. Window signs on the inside of a window.
11. Signs of less than eight (8) square feet placed on any church
property or any sign relating to church operations that is not
visible from an adjacent street or property.
12. Signs placed on any school property by the Fountain Hills Unified
School District.
13. [Reserved].
14. Signs that relate to a special event, except as required by
subsection 6.08(U).
15. Banners, balloons and pennants, except as required by
subsection 6.08(D).
16. Changes to a sign panel or copy on an existing sign.
B. Failure to conform to the conditions of a sign permit, including any
conditions and/or stipulations attached thereto by the Town Council
and/or Board of Adjustment, shall render such permit void.
C. Fees for sign permits shall be required and payable in such sums as
the Town Council may from time to time establish as part of the
Town's annual budget or by separate resolution.
D. A sign permit does not include electrical work; however, this
exemption shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to
be done in violation of the provisions of the Fountain Hills Town Code
or any other laws or ordinances.
o
Any of the following shall be a violation of this Chapter and shall be subject
to the enforcement remedies and penalties provided by the Town of Fountain
Hills Zoning Ordinance, and by state law, as applicable:
A. To install, create, erect or maintain any sign in a way that is
inconsistent with any plan or permit governing such sign or the zone
within which the sign is located.
B. To install, create, erect or maintain any sign requiring a permit without
such a permit.
Page 3 of 34 November 1, 2012
1752356.8
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
C. To fail to remove any sign that is installed, created, erected or
maintained in violation of this ordinance, or for which the sign permit
has lapsed.
If any such violation is continued, then each day of a continued violation
shall be considered a separate violation when applying the penalty
provisions set forth in Section 6.05 below.
The violations set forth in Section 6.04 above are declared to be civil in
nature. The responsible parties for enforcement purposes are (i) the owner
or operator of the business or residence identified on the sign and (ii) the
owner or occupant of the business or residence to which the sign is directing
pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Enforcement of violations of this chapter shall
be made through the use of the civil citation process set forth in Subsection
1-8-3 of the Town Code. Fines may be assessed according to the following
schedule:
A. First offense, fine not to exceed $25.00 and confiscation of sign(s).
B. Second offense within twelve (12) calendar months of first offense,
fine not to exceed $50.00 and confiscation of sign(s).
C. All subsequent violations within twelve (12) calendar months of the
first offense, fine not to exceed $100.00 and confiscation of sign(s).
Section 6.06 Enforcement and Remedies
Any violation or attempted violation of this ordinance or of any condition or
requirement adopted pursuant hereto may be restrained, corrected or
abated, as the case may be, by injunction or other appropriate proceedings
pursuant to state law. A violation of this chapter shall be considered a
violation of the Zoning Ordinance. The remedies of the Town shall include,
but are not limited to the following:
A. Issuing a stop -work order for any and all work on any signs on the
same lot;
B. Confiscation of sign(s);
Page 4 of 34 November 1, 2012
1752356.8
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
C. Seeking an injunction or other order of restraint or abatement that
requires the removal of the sign(s) or the correction of the
nonconformity;
D. Imposing any penalties that can be imposed directly by the Town
under the Zoning Ordinance;
E. Seeking in court the imposition of any penalties that can be imposed
by such court under the Zoning Ordinance; and
F. In the case of a sign that poses an immediate danger to the public
health or safety, the Town may take such measures as are available
under the applicable provisions of the Zoning Ordinance and Building
Code for such circumstances.
The Town shall have such other remedies as are and as may from time to
time be provided for or allowed by state law for the violation of the Zoning
Ordinance.
All such remedies provided herein shall be cumulative. To the extent that
state law may limit the availability of a particular remedy set forth herein for
a certain violation or a part thereof, such remedy shall remain available for
other violations or other parts of the same violation.
r w 1 " r =
A. Any sign hereafter erected or maintained shall maintain conformance
to the provisions of this ordinance and the provisions of the Town
Code.
B. No sign, other than an official traffic sign or similar sign, shall be
erected within the lines of any street or public right-of-way unless
(1) specifically authorized herein; (2) authorized by other Town
ordinances or regulations; or (3) permitted by special Town
authorization.
C. No sign, including a temporary sign or sign structure, shall be erected
or placed: (1) in a manner that would obscure vehicular visibility; or
(2) at any location where by its position, the shape or color of the sign
may interfere with or obstruct the view of, or be confused with, any
authorized traffic sign, signal or device.
D. Every sign permitted by this ordinance must be kept in good condition
(W and repair. When any sign becomes in danger of falling, or is
Page 5 of 34 November 1, 2012
1752356.8
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
(W otherwise deemed unsafe by the Town's Chief Building Official, or if
any sign shall be unlawfully installed, erected or maintained in
violation of any of the provisions of this ordinance, the owner thereof,
or the person or firm using the sign, shall, upon written notice by the
Chief Building Official, or immediately in the case of immediate danger,
and in any case within not more than ten (10) days after notice:
(1) make such sign conform to the provisions of this ordinance; or
(2) remove the sign. If, within ten (10) days, the order is not
complied with, the Chief Building Official may remove or cause such
sign to be removed at the expense of the owner and/or user of the
sign.
E. Legal non -conforming signs.
1. Any sign legally existing at the time of the passage of this
Chapter that, due to changes in this Chapter, no longer conforms
in use, location, height or size with the regulations of this
Chapter, shall be considered a legal non -conforming use and
may continue in use until such time as it is removed or it is
abandoned for a period of six or more continuous months.
Except as otherwise set forth in paragraphs 6.07(E)(2) and (3)
below, any change in the sign, including a 50% or more change
of sign copy, shall be considered an abandonment and the legal
non -conforming status of the sign shall become void.
2. Whenever the name of a business or other sign text changes,
any legal non -conforming signs on the premises shall be
modified to bring them into conformance with this Chapter, even
though the change is a change of sign copy only. This paragraph
shall not apply to directory signs designed with interchangeable
letters or panels or to the text area of a monument sign.
3. Legal non -conforming freestanding signs, sign structures, poles
and other related equipment that have been abandoned or not in
use for more than six months shall be removed and the building,
land or site restored to its original state.
F. Unless otherwise specifically permitted pursuant to this Chapter, each
sign must be located on the lot for which it advertises, informs or
otherwise attracts attention.
G. Sign area is the sum of the areas of all permitted signs, except
directional signs, street addresses or safety signs (e.g., stop engine,
no smoking). Sign area shall be measured as follows:
Page 6 of 34 November 1, 2012
175235(.3
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinancc.1
Chapter 6
1. For sign copy mounted or painted on a background panel or area
distinctively painted, textured or constructed, the Sign area is
the area within the outside dimensions of the background panel
or surface.
Example Sign Copy Area
2. For sign copy consisting of individual letters and/or graphics
affixed to a wall or portion of a building that has not been
painted, textured, or otherwise altered to provide a distinctive
background for the sign copy, the sign area is the area within
the smallest rectangle that will enclose the sign copy.
Example Sign Area
Y
3. For Sign copy mounted or painted on an internally -illuminated
sign or internally -illuminated element of a building, the entire
internally -illuminated surface or architectural element that
contains sign copy will be counted as sign area.
Page 7 of 34 November 1, 2012
1752356.8
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning ordinance
Chapter 6
Example Illuminated Sign Area
4. Number of sign faces:
one - Area of the single face only.
Two - If the interior angle between the two sign faces is forty-
five (45) degrees or less, the sign area is the area of one face
only; if the angle between the sign faces exceeds forty-five (45)
degrees, the sign area is the sum of the areas of the two faces.
Three or more - For any sign containing three or more faces, the
sign area shall be measured as the sum of areas of the all the
• sign faces.
Example Sign Face Area
Greater
�1ha n 450
Up to 45°
� a s
2 faces 1 face
Three dimensional, sculptural or other non -planar signs - Sign
area will be the sum of the areas of the vertical faces of the
smallest polyhedron that will encompass the sign structure.
Page 8 of 34 November 1, 2012
175235G.S
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Example Dimensional Sign Area
5. For signs having more than one component (e.g., a service
station identification/price sign combination mounted on a
common base), the sign area is the area of the rectangle
enclosing all components of the sign.
Example Fuel Price Sign Area
H. Sign height is defined as follows:
1. Freestanding Sign: Sign height is the distance from the top of
the sign structure, to the top of curb of the public road nearest
the sign, or to the crown of public road nearest the sign if no
curb exists.
Example Freestanding Sign Height
2. Wall or Fascia Mounted Signs: Sign height is the distance
measured from a point perpendicular to the top of the midpoint
of the sign structure, to the top of the finished floor of the
ground floor level directly below the midpoint of the sign.
Page 9 of 34 November 1, 2012
1752356.8
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Example Midpoint of Sign
i�
Midpoint of 9gn
Midpoint of 9gn
l
r r
�- Finished floor beneath midpoint of Sign
I. Signs not specifically authorized herein are prohibited, including, but
not limited to the following:
1. Neon signs, except as permitted in subsection 6.08(P).
2. Roof signs, or signs that project above the highest point of the
roofline, parapet, or fascia of the building.
3. Any sign emitting sound.
4. Any animated or moving sign, including televisions or signs with
(W streaming video.
5. Portable or mobile signs, except for sign walkers or as otherwise
specifically permitted.
6. Billboard signs.
7. Non -electrically illuminated signs.
8. Any non-public signs in public right-of-way or on public property,
except as otherwise specifically permitted.
9. All off -premise signs, except as otherwise allowed.
10. All banners, pennants, streamers, balloons, flags, searchlights,
strobe lights, beacons, inflatable signs, except as specifically
provided for in paragraph 6.08(D) below.
11. Any sign imitating an official traffic control sign and any sign or
device obscuring such traffic control signs or devices.
12. Temporary or portable signs within the Shea Boulevard right-of-
way.
Page 10 of 34 November 1, 2012
1752356.8
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
13. A -frame signs, except as provided in subsections 6.08(B),
6.08(M) and 6.08(Q).
I The source of a sign's illumination shall not be visible from any
adjacent residential streets or neighborhoods.
K. No sign shall be erected or placed within any center median or any
public sidewalk or bicycle path. The Town employees may remove any
sign located in these areas. Directional signs owned by the Town shall
be exempt from the regulations set forth in this Chapter.
L. [Reserved].
M. Signs mounted, attached or painted on trailers, boats or vehicles shall
be subject to the following:
1. Business or commercial vehicles displaying signage or
advertising as a normal part of business activity may be parked
in an off-street parking space adjacent to the business to which
the vehicle relates; provided, however, such off street parking
space shall not be located immediately adjacent to a street
(W frontage, except as permitted in paragraph 6.07(M)(2) below.
Vehicles that are visible from the public right-of-way shall not
remain in the same parking space for more than forty-eight (48)
consecutive hours.
A
1752356.8
2. One business or commercial vehicle of less than three and one
half (3.5) tons gross vehicle weight and displaying up to twelve
(12) square feet of signage may be parked in an off-street
parking space near the business to which the vehicle relates and
immediately adjacent to a street frontage. Portable signs shall
not be displayed on or in the vehicle. Said vehicle shall not
remain in the same parking space for more than forty-eight (48)
consecutive hours.
3. Trailers, boats or trucks larger than three and one half
(3.5) tons, displaying signage or advertising may not be parked
within any commercially zoned area within the Town that is
visible from any public street except while making deliveries or
providing services to a business within such commercially zoned
area.
Page 11 of 34 November 1, 2012
A
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
4. One business or commercial vehicle smaller than three and one
half (3.5) tons displaying signage or advertising as a normal part
of business activity may be parked in an off-street parking space
within a residential zone at the residence of the owner or lessee
of such vehicle unless otherwise prohibited by subsections
7.02(G) & (H) and 5.14(F) of this Zoning Ordinance.
5. Unless specifically permitted in subsections 6.07(M)(1)-(4)
above, signs mounted, attached or painted on trailers, boats,
motor vehicles or any moveable object placed on premises to
serve as additional advertising signage are prohibited.
N. Total aggregate sign area may be increased up to 25%, provided the
additional area is used to display a Town -provided logo or symbol.
Section 6.08 Signs Allowed or Required
Legend: Letters A - BB indicate the following subsection with
additional requirements or clarification of the signs listed in the
table below. N/A means not allowed.
Zoning District
Commercial
Residential/
Open Space
Recreation
INDUSTRIAL
Lodging
Tota! Aggregate Sign Area
A
N/A
A
1
A -Frame Sign
B
N/A
B
B
Awning/Canopy Sign
C
C
C
C
Civic Organization
Identification
E
E
E
E
Comprehensive Sign Plans
Z
N/A
Z
Z
Contractor Signs
F
F
F
F
Directory Signs
G
G
G
G
Electronic iN'lessage Center
CC
*
CC
N/A
Event Banners, Balloons and
Pennants
D
*
D
D
Flag
1
1
I
I
Freestanding Signs
J
N/A
J
J
Fuel Price Signs
K
N/A
N/A
N/A
Future. Development Signs
L
L
L
L
Garage Sale Signs
M
M
M
M
Menu Board
N
I N/A
N/A
N/A
1752356.8
Page 12 of 34 November 1, 2012
Towri of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Zoning District
Commercial
Residential/
Open Space
Recreation
INDUSTRIAL
Lodging
;Multi -Tenant Building;
Identification Signs
O
N/A
O
O
Neon Signs
P
N/A
P
P
Open House Directional Signs
Q
Q
Q
N/A
Political and Ideological Signs
R
R
R
R
Projecting Signs
S
N/A
S
S
Real Estate Signs
T
T
T
T
Shared Monument Signs
J
N/A
J
J
Sign Waltzers
BB
N/A
N/A
N/A
Special Event Signage
U
CI
U
U
Street Addresses
AA
AA
AA
AA
Subdivision Identifikation Signs
J
J
J
J
Under -Canopy Signs
V
N/A
V
V
Wall Signs
W
N/A
W
W
Window Signs
X
N/A
X
X
Window Decorations/Painting
(Holiday Theme)
Y
Y
Y
Y
* Specific Rebulations Apply
A. "Total Aggregate Sign Area" is the sum of the total allowable sign area
for an entire site with the following restrictions. As used herein,
"Site," within commercially or industrially zoned area shall mean the
building area leased or owned by or on behalf of any business together
with its adjacent privately owned walkway or parking area.
1. Frontage is determined by the measurement of the portion of
the building facing the street. Corner buildings may include two
street frontages if the frontages are joined at an angle between
forty-five (45) and ninety (90) degrees. Building frontages that
contain angles of less than forty-five (45) degrees or between
ninety (90) and one hundred eighty (180) degrees shall be
considered to be one frontage. Multi -story building lineal
footage is limited to the ground floor lineal footage measurement
except as modified by subsection 6.08(A) (5) below.
2. In all commercial and industrial zoning districts, the total
aggregate sign area allocable to any ground floor business
having an external business entrance shall not exceed the
greater of fifty (50) square feet or two (2) square feet per lineal
Page 13 of 34 November 1, 2012
1752356.8
A
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
foot of building frontage, but in no case more than one hundred
(100) square feet.
3. In all commercial and industrial zoning districts, any licensed
business located above the ground floor in a multi -story building
having an external building wall facing a public street shall be
permitted exterior signage with a total aggregate sign area not
to exceed fifty (50) square feet. A business occupying more
than one floor is only allowed a sign on one floor.
4. Businesses within any commercial or industrial zoning district
having only an internal business entrance and no external wall
facing a public street or public access driveway shall be limited
to business identification signage on a common directory sign as
shown on a comprehensive sign plan, as set forth in subsection
6.08(BB) unless otherwise approved by the Zoning Administrator
or an authorized designee.
5. Ground floor businesses having building frontage greater than
one hundred (100) feet in length may increase their allowed sign
area by 0.5 square feet per one (1) lineal foot of building
frontage in excess of one hundred (100) feet. Such additional
sign area shall be for the exclusive use of said business and not
transferable or reallocable to other businesses on the site.
B. A -Frame Signs are allowed as follows:
172356.5
1. Only businesses that are physically located within Town
commercial or industrial zoning districts or churches in
residential zoning districts may display A -frame signs.
2. Businesses or churches permitted to display A -frame signs may
display a maximum of one such sign per street frontage. Such
signs shall be located in the manner required in
paragraph 6.08(B)(3) below, either on the same property as the
business or church, or on property immediately adjacent to the
business or church building as follows:
a. On property held in common by members of a property
owners' association.
b. On property owned by the business owner's landlord.
Page 14 of 34 November 1, 2012
I R_
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
C. Public street, subject to the limitations of 6.08(8)(3)
below.
3. Location of A -frame signs shall be restricted as follows:
1752356.8
a. Such signs shall not be located on the paved portion of any
public street, any sidewalk, or any median.
b. Such signs shall not be located within a designated parking
or loading area.
C. Signs shall not be located in a manner that poses a traffic
vision hazard. Signs may not be located within the sight
triangle as defined in the Town of Fountain Hills
Subdivision Ordinance Section III, Exhibit 16.
d. A -Frame signs must be placed at least one (1) foot behind
the curb. If no curb is present, signs shall be located at
least three (3) feet from the edge of the paved portion of
the public right-of-way. No A -Frame signs shall be placed
on sidewalks or within the center medians that divide
portions of paved or unpaved roadways.
4. No sign may be greater than twenty-four (24) inches wide and
thirty-six (36) inches tall.
5. Signs shall be constructed of wrought iron; sheet metal; 1/8 inch
thick plastic; or of wood that is at least 3/8 inch thick. No other
materials are acceptable.
6. Signs must be manufactured by a professional sign company.
7. Signs shall be in good repair.
8. Attachments to signs are limited to balloons flown no higher than
six (6) feet from the ground. If attachments are used, the A -
Frame sign must be set back from the curb a minimum of three
(3) feet; if no curb is present, the A -Frame sign shall be located
at least three (3) feet from the edge of the paved portion of the
public right-of-way.
9. Landscaping cannot be modified or damaged to accommodate an
A -frame sign.
Page 15 of 34 November 1, 2012
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
10. Signs shall only be displayed between the hours of 6:00 a.m.
and 12:00 a.m.
11. No A -frame sign is permitted anywhere within the Town of
Fountain Hills after December 31, 2014.
C. Awning/Canopy Signs are allowed as follows:
1. Must be included in the total aggregate sign area.
2. May not exceed 25% in area of the canopy on which such sign is
located.
3. Sign area shall be measured by the smallest rectangle that will
enclose the sign copy.
D. Event Banners, Balloons and Pennants are allowed as follows:
1. Time limitations:
a. On a one-time basis for a maximum of thirty (30)
consecutive days during the grand opening of a business, a
Chamber of Commerce sponsored ribbon cutting, a change
in ownership, change in management or change of
business name.
b. For a church for up to thirty (30) consecutive days for the
purpose of promoting a program or event.
2. Banners, balloons and pennants are permitted for events such as
special sales events with advance notification to the Town for not
more than two periods of seven (7) consecutive days per month.
The provisions of this paragraph 6.08(D)(2) shall expire on
December 31, 2014.
3. Not more than one banner shall be allowed per business.
4. Maximum banner sign area is thirty-two (32) square feet.
5. Banners, balloons or pennants shall be located on the business
storefront or within the area leased by the business. Balloons
otherwise located shall be not less than four (4) feet from the
face of the building and within twenty (20) feet of the main
(W building entrance.
Page 16 of 34 November 1, 2012
1752356.8
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
6. Banners, balloons or pennants shall not be designed to depict
any product or service that cannot legally be provided in the
Town.
7. Total sign area including permanent signs, pennants and banner
signs shall not exceed 200% of the permitted sign area.
8. Banners, balloons or pennants shall be professionally
manufactured.
9. Banners, balloons or pennants shall not be displayed in the
required perimeter street landscaping.
10. Banners, balloons or pennants shall not obscure building address
numbers.
11. Banners, balloons or pennants shall not encroach within onsite
fire lanes.
12. Banners, balloons or pennants shall not be attached or hung on
or from a tree or shrub.
13. No balloon may be larger than twenty-four (24) inches in
diameter.
14. Balloons shall not be flown higher than six (6) feet from the
ground.
15. Banners, balloons and pennants shall not be erected at the
intersection of any street or pedestrian walkway in such a
manner as to obstruct free and clear vision, nor at any location
where, by its position, shape or color, it may interfere with or
obstruct the view of or be confused with any authorized traffic
signal, sign or device.
Page 17 of 34 November 1, 2012
1752356.8
�1
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
TYPE OF EVENT
SIGN TYPE
Banners
Balloons &
Banners,
Pennants
Pennants &
Balloons
1. 12 Hrs during
30 -Days
one Day Event
Grand Opening
w/Permit
2. No Permit
Necessary
1. 12 Hrs during
Chamber Ribbon
30 -Days
one Day Event
Cutting
w/Permit
2. No Permit
Necessary
1.12 Hrs during
Change of Business
30 -Days
one Day Event
Name, Owner or
w/Permit
2. No Permit
Management
Necessary
Church Event
30 -days
1.Permit Required
w/permit
- Two periods of
seven (7)
consecutive
days per month
Any Type of Event
- No Permit
Necessary
-Town
Notification
Re wired *
*Town notification: Prior to the event, the event organizer must submit tor review the
following:
1. Event site plan showing location of outdoor activities, signage, etc.
2. Dates and times the event will be held.
3. Name, address, and phone number of responsible person.
E. Civic organizations, such as the Kiwanis, Rotary, Jaycees, etc., may be
identified on group display structures in accordance with the following
standards:
(W 1. Said structure must be on arterial streets.
Page 18 of 34 November 1, 2012
1752356.3
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
2. Structures shall not be over six feet in height or exceed an area
of sixty (60) square feet.
3. Sign may not be illuminated.
4. Each civic organization shall be limited to a maximum sign area
of two square feet.
F. Signs for a contractor may be placed on a construction site if signs
meet the following criteria:
1. One contractor sign or banner per lot.
2. Subcontractors may not place additional signs but may be listed
on a main contractor sign.
3. Maximum size of sign shall not exceed eight (8) square feet.
4. Maximum height of five (5) feet.
4W 5. Sign must be located on construction site.
6. Sign shall not be illuminated.
7. A contractor sign may be placed only during the period of time
when a building permit is valid and must be removed no later
than the date of final inspection.
G. A directory sign may be included as part of a comprehensive sign plan.
A directory sign is allowed with the following standards:
1. Maximum sign area of six (6) square feet.
2. Maximum height of six (6) feet.
3. Located behind the required front yard setbacks.
H. [Reserved]
I. Flags, as defined in this Zoning Ordinance, are allowed as follows:
1. Flags poles shall not exceed the maximum building height
allowed in each zoning district and shall be located and
Page 19 of 34 November 1, 2012
1752356.8
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
constructed that if it should collapse, its reclining length would
be contained on the property for which it was installed.
2. Any flag flown in conjunction with the United States or State of
Arizona flags shall be flown beneath them.
3. Unless specifically permitted in this Zoning Ordinance, no more
one (1) flag may be flown or hung on any one (1) site or
structure; provided, however, that one (1) State of Arizona, one
(1) foreign national flag, and one (1) Fountain Hills Unified
School District flag may be flown in addition to the one (1)
permitted flag.
4. The maximum size of any corporate flags shall not exceed fifteen
(15) square feet, with no single dimension to exceed six (6) feet.
5. A sign permit is required to display any corporate flag and must
be included as part of the total aggregate sign area.
6. Display of the United States flag must meet all requirements of
the United States Flag Code, including national and local lighting
(W standards.
7. A model home that has a special use permit may use flags in
addition to the United States flag and State of Arizona flag, in
the following manner:
a. There can be no more than two (2) flags on the lot of one
model home and one (1) flag on each additional lot with a
model home located upon it, not to exceed five (5) total
flags.
b. The maximum size of any model home flag shall not
exceed eight (8) square feet.
C. Model home flags shall not be illuminated.
d. Flagpole shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet in height.
8. No sign permits are required for flags unless otherwise noted.
9. The maximum size of a United States flag, State of Arizona flag
or foreign national flag shall be sixty (60) square feet. This limit
Page 20 of 34 November 1, 2012
1752356.8
Aj
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
does not apply to a United States flag or State of Arizona flag
flown on a national or state holiday.
J. Freestanding signs are allowed as follows:
1. Freestanding signs shall be counted as a portion of the total
aggregate sign area except as outlined in paragraph 6.08(J) (7)
below.
2. One freestanding sign is allowed for each street frontage.
3. Maximum area of fifty (50) square feet.
4. Maximum height of twelve (12) feet (including base).
1752356.8
5. All freestanding signs must be no closer than thirty (30) feet to
any residential district.
6. Minimum area of two (2) square feet of landscaping per one (1)
square foot of freestanding sign shall be provided at the base of
the freestanding sign.
7. Shared Monument Signs are permitted in sign districts as
follows:
a. Sign District Formation: A sign district may form to obtain
shared monument signs where at least 51% of business
owners within a business block, each possessing a valid
Town business license, have submitted a sign district
agreement to the Zoning Administrator and where the
Zoning Administrator has approved the formation of the
district.
1. Membership Change: If sign membership changes,
the sign district shall file a written notification of
membership change and an amended sign district
agreement with the Zoning Administrator. Where a
sign district member moves out of the sign district or
closes its business, the portion of the shared
monument sign advertising that business must be
removed within thirty (30) days. The portion of the
sign dedicated to the vacating sign district member
shall be maintained with a blank panel.
Page 21 of 34 November 1, 2012
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
2. District Dissolution: If a sign district is dissolved, the
property owner(s) of the business block who were
participants in the sign district shall be required to
remove the shared monument sign unless.
i. A new sign district is formed to assume
responsibility for the shared monument sign
within thirty (30) days from the date of
dissolution of the old sign district; or
ii. The property owner upon whose property the
shared monument sign is located assumes
complete control over the shared sign
monument.
b. Limitations on Shared Monument Signs:
1. Height Restrictions:
i. Where the sign district contains four or fewer
businesses, the maximum height of the
monument sign shall be six (6) feet.
ii. Where the sign district contains five or more
businesses, the maximum height of the
monument sign shall be eight (8) feet.
2. Width may not exceed four (4) feet.
3. The area of the sign shall not exceed twenty-four
(24) square feet.
4. Sign Placement:
i. Signs may not be placed within the public
right-of-way.
ii. Signs must be at least one hundred fifty (150)
feet away from any other type of monument
sign.
iii. Signs must not be placed in a manner that
obstructs the vehicular sight lines and road
"clear zones" established by the Town Engineer
Page 22 of 34 November 1, 2012
1752356.&
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinanc..c.,�
Chapter 6
in accordance with traffic engineering
standards.
5. The Zoning Administrator or authorized designee
may only approve the placement of a shared
monument sign in a manner other than as required
by this paragraph if a variance has been granted
pursuant to Section 2.07 of this Zoning Ordinance.
6. A minimum of two (2) square feet of landscaping per
one (1) square foot of the sign shall be provided at
the base of the shared monument sign.
C. In lieu of the formation of a sign district by business
owners, one or more owners of contiguous property that
contains more than one (1) business address may submit
an application for a shared monument sign.
8. Subdivision Identification Signs are allowed as follows:
a. Style, Height and Area. Subdivision identification signs
shall be monument signs with the following limitations:
1. Maximum height shall be six (6) feet.
2. Maximum area shall be twenty-four (24) square feet.
3. Maximum of one (1) sign located at each street
access to the identified subdivision.
4. Sign text shall be limited to the name of the
development or subdivision.
b. Sign Placement:
1. Sign shall not be located within the public right-of-
way without an encroachment permit.
2. Sign shall not be located so as to obstruct vehicle
sight lines and road "clear zones" established by the
Town Engineer in accordance with traffic engineering
standards.
Page 23 of 34 November 1, 2012
1752356.8
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning OrdinanCEy
Chapter 6
C. Landscaping:
1. Minimum of two (2) square feet of landscape area
per one (1) square foot of sign area shall be
provided at the base of the sign.
2. Landscaping may be occasionally changed, but shall
always be maintained in good condition by the
property owner.
d. Lighting:
1. The text area of the sign may be back -lit such that
the source of illumination is not visible; provided,
however, that back -lit non-opaque panels are not
permitted.
2. The text area of the sign may be illuminated by fully
shielded ground mounted directional lighting.
K. Fuel price signs are allowed as follows:
1. Fuel price signs shall be counted as a portion of the total
aggregate sign area.
2. One freestanding fuel price sign is allowed per street frontage.
3. Maximum area of twelve (12) square feet per sign.
4. Maximum height of five (5) feet.
5. Minimum area of four (4) square feet of landscaping per one
square foot of freestanding sign shall be provided at the base of
the freestanding sign.
L. Future Development Signs announcing the proposed development of
property prior to issuance of a building permit for the purpose of
displaying the name of the project, contractors, architect and any
additional information pertaining to the site on which the signs are
located are allowed in accordance with the following:
1. Maximum size shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.
2. Sign shall not be illuminated.
Page 24 of 34 November 1, 2012
1752356.3
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
(W
3. Sign may be double faced.
21
4. One (1) sign per each street on which the development has
frontage.
5. Maximum height shall not exceed six (6) feet for all signs.
6. Such signs may be maintained for a period not to exceed twelve
(12) months prior to obtaining building permits for a
development and must be removed upon issuance of the first
Certificate of Occupancy for a structure on the property.
7. A sign permit must be obtained prior to locating the sign on the
site.
M. Garage Sale Signs are allowed as follows:
1752356.8
1. Garage sales signs may only be used for garage sales, yard sales
and carport sales as outlined in Section 8-3-3 of the Town Code.
2. Garage sale signs must be placed at least one (1) foot behind
the curb. If no curb is present, signs shall be located at least
three (3) feet from the edge of the paved portion of the public
right-of-way. Garage sale signs shall not be placed on sidewalks
or within the center medians that divide portions of paved or
unpaved roadways.
3. No garage sale sign shall be permitted within the Shea
Boulevard public right-of-way.
4. No garage sale sign shall be located within three hundred (300)
feet along the same roadway, as measured along the public
right-of-way line(s), as another sign bearing the same or
substantially the same message.
5. There shall not be more than five (5) garage sale signs to any
destination.
6. Garage sale signs may only be displayed between sunrise and
sunset. Signs remaining in public rights-of-way after sunset, or
placed in rights-of-way prior to sunrise, shall be subject to
confiscation and destruction by the Town.
Page 25 of 34 November 1, 2012
V
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinanc(,
Chapter 6
7. Maximum size shall not exceed four and one-half (4.5) square
feet.
8. Maximum height shall not exceed three (3) feet.
9. Signs may only be constructed of wrought iron, sheet metal,
plastic or of wood that is at least 3/8 of an inch thick.
10. Garage Sale signs shall not be attached to any utility pole or
box, light pole, street sign, bus shelter or any structure within
the public right-of-way.
N. Menu Boards orientated to the drive-through lane for a business are
allowed as follows:
1. Menu board signs shall be counted as a portion of the total
aggregate sign area.
2. One freestanding or wall mounted menu board is allowed per
business.
3. Menu board signs must be located no less than forty-five (45)
feet from any street property line.
4. Maximum area of twenty (20) square feet.
1752356.8
5. Maximum height of five (5) feet.
6. Minimum area of four (4) square feet of landscaping per one
square foot of freestanding sign shall be provided at the base of
the freestanding sign.
7. Speaker boxes and LED boxes are allowed as follows:
a. May not exceed thirty-six (36) cubic feet and four (4) feet
in height.
b. May not contain advertising of any kind.
C. When installed separately from menu board, speaker box
and LED box sign area will be calculated in addition to total
aggregate sign area.
Page 26 of 34 November 1, 2012
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
8. Placement of menu boards, speaker boxes and LED boxes must
meet the following guidelines:
a. Cannot be visible from any public street or alley.
b. Must be at least one hundred fifty (150) feet from any
residential zoning district or be fully screened from
residential view by a masonry wall.
O. Multi -Tenant Building Identification Signs are allowed as follows:
1. Sign shall be a wall sign and shall identify only the building or
complex.
2. The maximum number of signs for each building shall be one
sign.
3. Sign shall be placed on the wall of the building with major street
frontage.
4. Maximum area of sign is six (6) inches per lineal foot of building
® wall with a minimum of twenty-four (24) square feet and a
maximum of forty (40) square feet. Lineal footage of building is
determined as defined in subsection 6.08(A).
A
P. Neon Signs are allowed only as follows:
1. Limited to interior window display only (may not be used on
exterior of building.
2. The total amount of neon signage for any one business shall be
six (6) square feet.
3. No more than two (2) neon signs shall be allowed for any
business.
Q. Open House Directional Signs are allowed only as follows:
1752356.8
1. Open house directional signs shall be used only to direct traffic
to a residence for sale, lease or rent.
2. Maximum number of directional signs for each residence for sale,
lease or rent shall be five (5).
Page 27 of 34 November 1, 2012
21
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
3. Maximum area for each sign shall be six (6) square feet.
4. No sign may be greater than twenty-four (24) inches wide and
thirty-six (36) inches tall.
5. Signs shall not be illuminated.
6. Sign must contain a directional arrow.
7. Signs shall be placed at least one (1) foot behind the curb. If no
curb is present, signs shall be located at least three (3) feet from
the edge of the paved portion of the public right-of-way. No sign
is allowed on sidewalks or within the center medians that divide
portions of paved or unpaved roadways.
8. No sign shall be placed within one hundred fifty (150) linear feet
of the Shea Boulevard public right-of-way.
9. Signs must be made by a professional sign company.
10. Signs shall not be located within one hundred (100) linear feet of
any sign advertising the same location.
11. Sign placement, other than as described above, may be
approved by the Zoning Administrator or authorized designee.
R. Except for those areas designated as "sign free zones" by the Town
Council in accordance with ARIZ. REV. STAT. § 16-1019(F), as amended,
political and ideological signs are permitted in commercial zoning
districts, subject to the size limitations of the applicable zoning district,
but shall not be counted against the total allowable sign area. In
residential zoning districts, political and ideological signs may be
located in such areas within the following parameters:
1752356.8
1. Maximum aggregate size, per individual candidate or ballot
issue, shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet on any
residential lot or parcel.
2. Maximum length shall not exceed six (6) feet.
3. Maximum height shall not exceed four and one-half (4.5) feet.
Page 28 of 34 November 1, 2012
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
4. Except as otherwise permitted by State Law, no such sign or
portion of the sign may be located in or project into a public
right-of-way.
Political signs shall be removed within fifteen (15) days after the
election or referendum for which the signs were posted. Candidates
successful in a primary election are permitted to leave their respective
political signs in place until ten (10) days after the general election, or
if necessary, until ten (10) days after a run-off election.
S. Projecting Signs are allowed only as follows:
1. Must be included in the total aggregate square footage.
2. Shall only be permitted if signs are affixed to a building.
3. Shall not exceed three and one-half (3.5) feet in width or more
than six (6) feet in height.
4. Shall be located so that the bottom of the sign is not less than
eight (8) feet from the ground.
(W 5. Shall require both a Town sign permit and, if encroaching over
an abutting Town right-of-way line, a revocable Town
encroachment permit or other Town Council -granted
authorizations in forms approved by the Town Engineer and the
Town Attorney.
T. Real Estate Signs are allowed as follows and are exempt from the total
aggregate signage:
1. Real estate signs may only advertise the sale, leasing or renting
of a building, dwelling, suite, property, or other forms of real
estate.
2. Real estate signs must be non -illuminated.
3. Maximum sign area of six (6) square feet.
4. Maximum height of five (5) feet.
5. Signs must be made by a professional sign company.
6. No A -Frame signs allowed.
Page 29 of 34 November 1, 2012
1752356.8
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
7. Signs may only be placed on property that is for sale, lease or
rent.
8. Maximum number of signs allowed is one (1) per street frontage.
9. Signs must be removed when the purpose for which the sign was
erected is complete.
10. Sign placement, other than as described above, may be
approved by the Zoning Administrator or authorized designee.
U. Special Event Signage is allowed as follows:
1. A sign placement plan detailing the size, location, and timing of
proposed signs to be used for a special event shall be presented
with the special event permit application.
2. These signs shall be placed only after a special event permit has
been issued by the Town and must be removed within twenty-
four (24) hours after the conclusion of the event.
3. The regulations in this chapter may be waived by the Town
Council for special event sign placement, size, and timing.
V. Under -Canopy Signs are allowed as a part of a comprehensive sign
plan and must meet the following requirements:
1. All under -canopy signs require written property owner and Town
approval prior to installation.
2. Each business may be allowed one double-faced non -illuminated
sign installed under an overhanging canopy or fascia
perpendicular to the front of the tenant's front wall space.
3. Maximum sign width shall not exceed twenty-four (24) inches.
4. Maximum sign height shall not exceed twelve (12) inches.
5. Minimum clearance shall be not less than eight (8) feet six (6)
inches from the bottom of the sign to the sidewalk or surface
beneath the sign.
Page 30 of 34 November 1, 2012
1752356.8
a
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
6. In no case shall any object, banner, sign or other material be
attached to, or hung from the sign.
7. No under -canopy sign shall be mounted in a manner that will
impede pedestrian or vehicular visibility or create any hazard.
8. The sign area for the first under -canopy sign shall be excluded
from the total aggregate area of a comprehensive sign plan.
Businesses with multiple public entrances may be allowed one
additional under -canopy sign, subject to property owner and
Town approval, but the sign area of the second under -canopy
sign will be counted as a part of the business's total aggregate
sign area.
9. Under -canopy signs on property under unified ownership and
control shall be consistent in appearance.
W. Wall Signs count as a part of the total aggregate signage and are
allowed as follows:
1. One square foot per each lineal foot of building frontage.
Frontage is determined by the measurement of the portion of
the building facing the street not to exceed aggregate square
footage allowed. Corner buildings may include two street
frontages if the frontages are joined at an angle between forty-
five (45) and ninety (90) degrees. However, the total sign area
that is oriented toward a particular street may not exceed 125%
of the portion of the lot's total sign area allocation that is derived
from the building frontage on that street. Building frontages
that contain angles of less than forty-five (45) degrees or
between ninety (90) and one hundred eighty (180) degrees shall
be considered to be one frontage.
1752356.8
2. Sign area must allow a minimum two (2) foot border from edge
of the building or suite frontage, or a minimum two (2) foot
separation between signs, whichever is less.
3. Each wall sign may project no more than twelve (12) inches
from the surface of the wall to which it is attached.
4. Reverse pan channel letter with halo illumination must not
exceed a one and three-quarter (1.75) inch separation from the
wall.
Page 31 of 34
November 1, 2012
IR
Town of f=ountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
5. In the C-2, C-3, and TCCD zoning districts, a secondary entrance
wall sign is allowed in addition to total aggregate sign area if the
following criteria are met:
a. Wall sign areas shall not exceed 25% of primary total
aggregate sign area.
b. Secondary entrance must not be visible from main public
entrance.
C. Secondary entrance must face a rear parking area,
common area or public use frontage.
X. Window Signs are allowed as follows:
1. Except for neon signs as permitted in paragraph 6.08(P) of this
Zoning Ordinance, window signs do not count as part of the total
aggregate sign area.
2. May not exceed 50% of window area.
3. Window signs shall be prepared by a professional sign company.
Y. Window decorations/painting with a holiday theme are allowed as
follows:
1. Holiday decorations may be displayed on a temporary basis for
civic, patriotic or religious holidays.
2. The combination of window decoration/painting coverage and
signage must not exceed 75% of window area.
3. Window decoration shall not contain any form of advertising
copy, including but not limited to, name of business, logo or sale
language.
4. Sign permit is not required.
Z. Comprehensive Sign Plans shall meet all sign criteria of the Town. The
following elements are required for approval:
1752356.8
1. Name, address and phone number of property owner or
designee.
Page 32 of 34 November 1, 2012
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
2. Written text clearly outlining the sign plan to include all suites,
offices or other leased/leasable space.
3. Name and address of property for which the comprehensive sign
plan is designated.
4. Design criteria allowed for signage (i.e. colors, installation
method, materials, type of signage, etc.). If it is the intention of
the property owner to allow Nationally Recognized Registered
Logos, this must be specified in the plan.
5. Site plan showing all lot dimensions, suites, offices or other
leased/leasable space and proposed/existing signage placement
(drawn to scale).
6. Elevations showing proposed sign envelopes.
7. Lineal footage of building(s) as outlined in subsection 6.08(A).
8. Allocation chart showing allowable square footage for each suite,
office or space number.
9. Comprehensive sign plan amendments must be made in writing
and submitted, reviewed and approved by the Zoning
Administrator or authorized designee.
10. Comprehensive sign plan approval/denial may be appealed to
the Town Council.
AA. Street Addresses:
1. Every building or group of buildings within any commercially or
industrially zoned area must be identified by a street number
that is clearly visible from the adjacent street. This sign shall
not be computed as part of the total sign area permitted for any
site or business.
2. The street number (or number range) of the businesses or
business complex identified on a monument sign shall be
displayed at the top of the text area of the monument sign and
shall not be computed as part of the aggregate sign area.
BB. Sign Walkers, in commercially zoned districts only, subject to the
following time, place and manner limitations:
Page 33 of 34 November 1, 2012
1752356.8
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
1. If located within the right-of-way, a sign walker shall be
positioned behind the curb or, if no curb is present, ten (10) feet
behind the edge of pavement.
2. Sign Walkers shall not erect or place tents, temporary
structures, umbrellas, chairs or stools anywhere within the public
right-of-way or adjacent property.
3. Sign shall not be positioned so as to obstruct vehicle sight lines
and road "clear zones" established by the Town Engineer in
accordance with traffic engineering standards.
4. Sign walkers shall not obstruct the free movement of pedestrians
on sidewalks.
5. Sign walkers are not allowed in the medians of public or private
streets.
6. The sign worn, held or balanced by a sign walker shall be a
maximum of five (5) square feet in size and may be double
sided.
CC. Electronic Message Center: Signs with intermittent, scrolling or
flashing illumination, including electronic message center signs, are
permitted in Commercial and Industrial zoning districts only; provided,
however, that churches and schools may display such signs in residential
districts. All electronic message center signs are subject to the following:
1. Signs must be on-site.
2. There shall be no moving or flashing green or red features that
could be mistaken as traffic control devices.
3. Intermittent Changes:
a. Any changes to the face or copy of the sign must have a
minimum of eight (8) second interval between changes.
b. Any changes to the face or copy of the sign must stop at
10:00 p.m., except for time and temperature.
C. After 10:00 p.m., the background must be darker than the
text.
Page 34 of 34 November 1, 2012
1752356.8
F FOUNTAIN HIL
SIGN REGULATIONS
® NOVEMBER 1, 2012
c.
1 ef45
1 7 Civ356. 1
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
SIGN REGULATIONS
Sections:
6.01
Purpose..
6.02
^ef*nwtmens.[Reserye dl
6.03
Sign Permits; Fees-.-
ees:6.04
6.04
Violations -
6.05
Penalty:
6.06
Enforcement and Remedies:
6.07
General Regulations:
6.08
Signs Allowed
IM
A
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Section 6.01 Purpose
Thegnyulat',}'�i w��The regulations set forth in this Chanter are intended to
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encourage attractive signage for businesses and services, optimizing the
availability of information, while promoting the general welfare by creating
more aesthetically appealing community.
Section 6.02 LReservedl
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1752356.1
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Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
09
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Page 8 of 46-j*n-e-',34 November 1.2012
17 2356.1
1752356 8
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menuffient sign will be eFeeted, eentaining the nange of eaeh business and its
(a) The -placement of the shaFed ngenHngent sign within the business
Meek;
�f
shaFed n9eniiment sign; and
(d) The individual business owneFS' -and PFOperty ewneFfs
Fespensi bi Ries in the event that the sign distFiet is disselved.
Page 8 of 46-j*n-e-',34 November 1.2012
17 2356.1
1752356 8
41-11
—on
In
- - - .-
- :
--
:--In oRMIL-A
-
: ::.
:- - - -armaft:-
on
Ko
q
MAN
on
09
menuffient sign will be eFeeted, eentaining the nange of eaeh business and its
(a) The -placement of the shaFed ngenHngent sign within the business
Meek;
�f
shaFed n9eniiment sign; and
(d) The individual business owneFS' -and PFOperty ewneFfs
Fespensi bi Ries in the event that the sign distFiet is disselved.
Page 8 of 46-j*n-e-',34 November 1.2012
17 2356.1
1752356 8
M
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
AWL V
MELWANENR -
.
VINWNEN
LWA
- :A.—ImmINNINN
--W I-
qLW
Section 6.03 Sign Permits; Fees
A. Except as provided herein, it shall be unlawful to erect, install and/or
modify any sign within the Town without first applying for and obtaining
a sign permit from the Development Services Department. "Modify," as
it is used herein, shall mean any change in or to an existing sign, its face,
electrical components, design and/or supporting structures. A permit
shall not be required for the following signs; provided, however, that
such signs shall be subject to any and all applicable provisions of this
ordinance, including Zoning Administrator approval when required:
®Page 9 of ^�- i••�� 34 November 1.2012
-�n�r
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
1. Nameplate signs, four (4) square feet or less in area, which shall
contain the name of the business and may contain any or all of the
following: street address, hours of operation and business logo.
2. Street addresses.
3. Any sign four (4) square feet or less in area not otherwise
prohibited by this ordinance.
4. Repainting without changing wording, composition or colors; or
minor nonstructural repairs.
5. Temporary noncommercial signs.
6. Signs not visible from off-site public or private property.
7. Holiday signs permitted by subsection 6.08(Z).
8. Garage sale signs permitted by subsection 6.08(M).
9. Political signs peFFnitted in Fesidential areas by subseetien 6.98(R).
10. Window signs on the inside of a window.
11. Signs of less than eight (8) square feet placed on any church
property or any sign relating to church operations wh+elitha_t is not
visible from an adjacent street or property.
12. Signs placed on any school property by the Fountain Hills Unified
School District.
14. Signs that relate to a special event, except as required by
subsection 6.08(U).
15. Banners, balloons and pennants, except as required by subsection
6.08(D).
16.E hanaes to a sian panel or copy on an existing
sign shall net . eFmit'.
0 Page 10 of 46_j*fle-7;34 November 1.2012
11 752356,1
1752MU
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
B. Failure to conform to the conditions of a sign permit, including any
conditions and/or stipulations attached thereto by the Town Council
and/or Board of Adjustment, shall render such permit void.
C. Fees for sign permits shall be required and payable in such sums as the
Town Council may from time to time establisha�art of the Town's
annual budget or by separate resolution.
D. A sign permit does not include electrical work; however, this exemption
shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in
violation of the provisions of the Fountain Hills Town Code or any other
laws or ordinances.
Section 6.04 Violations
Any of the following shall be a violation of this erdinanee and shall be
subject to the enforcement remedies and penalties provided by this seetien, by
the Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance, and by state law, as applicable:
A. To install, create, erect or maintain any sign in a way that is inconsistent
with any plan or permit governing such sign or the zone let ww' hin
which the sign is located.
B. To install, create, erect or maintain any sign requiring a permit without
such a permit.
C. To fail to remove any sign that is installed, created, erected or
maintained in violation of this ordinance, or for which the sign permit has
lapsed.
D. If any such violation is continued, then each day of a continued violation
shall be considered a separate violation when applying the penalty peFtiefls-ef
this eFdina^��provisions set forth in Section 6 05 below.
Section 6.05 Penalty
The e is+e sviolatLans set forth in Section 6.04 above are declared to be civil
in nature. It iS ffesunged thaThe responsible parties for enforcement
purposes are (i) the owner or operator of the business or residence identified
on the sign is the Fespensibie paFty feF eefnplianeeand (ii) the owner or
occupant of the business or residence to which the sign is directing pedestrian
or vehicular traffic. Enforcement of violations of this chapter shall be made
through the use of epi;-z+i-,tthe civil citation process set forth in
Page 11 of 46-dt>fte X34 November 1.2012
1752356 8
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Subsection 1-8-3 of the Town Code. Fines may be assessed according to the
following schedule:
A. First offense, fine not to exceed $25.00 and confiscation of sign(s).
B. Second offense within twelve (12) calendar months of first offense, fine
not to exceed $50.00 and confiscation of sign(s).
C. All subsequent violations within twelve (12) calendar months of the first
offense, fine not to exceed $100.00 and confiscation of sign(s).
Section 6.06 Enforcement and Remedies
Any violation or attempted violation of this ordinance or of any condition or
requirement adopted pursuant hereto may be restrained, corrected or abated,
as the case may be, by injunction or other appropriate proceedings pursuant to
state law. A violation of this eFdinaneechapter shall be considered a violation
of the Zoning Ordinance. The remedies of the Town shall include, but are not
limited to the following:
A. Issuing a stop -work order for any and all work on any signs on the same
lot;
B. Confiscation of sign(s);
C. Seeking an injunction or other order of restraint or abatement that
requires the removal of the sign(s) or the correction of the
nonconformity;
D. Imposing any penalties that can be imposed directly by the Town under
the Zoning Ordinance;
E. Seeking in court the imposition of any penalties that can be imposed by
such court under the Zoning Ordinance; and
F. In the case of a sign that poses an immediate danger to the public health
or safety, the Town may take such measures as are available under the
applicable provisions of the Zoning Ordinance and Building Code for such
circumstances.
The Town shall have such other remedies as are and as may from time to time
be provided for or allowed by state law for the violation of the Zoning
Ordinance.
Page 12 of ^ 6�ja_,34 November 1.2012
1 7523561
1752356 8
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
All such remedies provided herein shall be cumulative. To the extent that state
law may limit the availability of a particular remedy set forth herein for a
certain violation or a part thereof, such remedy shall remain available for other
violations or other parts of the same violation.
Section 6.07 General Regulations
A. Any sign hereafter erected or maintained shall maintain conformance to
the provisions of this ordinance and the provisions of the Town --of
-Feuntain 1l:lls Buil ipr Code.
B. No sign, other than an official traffic sign or similar sign, shall be erected
within the lines of any street or public right-of-way unless1lspecifically
authorized herein;--er: (2) authorized by other Town ordinances or
regulations;,or 131 permitted by special Town authorization.
C. No sign, including temporary S+9irS-,5L9=Q= or sign structure, shall be
erected or placed:: f 11 in a manner that would obscure vehicular
visibility; fr&Fgr W at any location where by its position, the shape or
color of the sign may interfere with; or obstruct the view of, or be
confused with, any authorized traffic sign, signal or device.
D. Every sign permitted by this ordinance must be kept in good condition
and repair. When any sign becomes in danger of falling, or is otherwise
deemed unsafe by the Town's Chief Building Official, or if any sign shall
be unlawfully installed, erected or maintained in violation of any of the
provisions of this ordinance, the owner thereof, or the person or firm
using the sign, shall, upon written notice by the Chief Building Official, or
immediately in the case of immediate danger, and in any case within not
more than ten=1101 days; after notice: 111 make such sign conform to
the provisions of this ordinance;- or s#al4f remove the sign. If, within
ten 1101 days, the order is not complied with, the Chief Building Official
may remove or cause such sign to be removed at the expense of the
owner and/or user of the sign.
E. Legal non -conforming signs.
1. Any sign legally existing at the time of the passage of this
this Chapter, no longer conforms in use, location, height or size
with the regulations of this e dinanee hapter. shall be considered
a pFeteetedLectal non -conforming use and may continue in use until
such time as it is removed or it is abandoned for a period of six
or more continuous months. Except as
Page 13 of ^ 6- _jjHte ;34 November 1.2012
11 902356.11
1752350
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
otherwise set forth in subseetiensparagraphs 6.07(�E)M? and (@;j)
below, any change in the sign, including a 50% or more change of
sign copy, shall be considered an abandonment and the
pFeteetedl " non -conforming status of the sign shall become
void.
2. Whenever the name of a business or otber.sign text changes, any
to -
bring them into conformange with this Chapter,• •
change is a change of •1 copy Qnly. Thisparagraph shall 1•
apply to directQry signs designed with interchangeable letters or
panels or • the text area -of• •
n.
3 Legal non conforming freestanding signs sign structures poles
and other related equipment that have been abandoned or not in
use for more than six months shall be removed and the buil ina.
land or site restored to its original state
F. Emeept wheffUnIgas otherwiseallewed, all secs ifically permitted
pursuant to this Chapter, each sign must be located on eF in Fent of the
lot; for which it advertises, informs or otherwise attracts attention.
r G. Sign aFeasarea is the sum of the areas of all permitted signs. except
directional signs street addresses or safety signs lea stop engine no
smoking) Sian area shall be measured as follows:
1. sjgrtFor Sian copy mounted or painted on a background panel or
area distinctively painted, textured or constructed -Sign area
is the area within the outside dimensions of the background panel
or surface.
Example Sign Copy Area
I- X
EME
UvF,RS
. I : :
2. s+gffFor sign copy consisting of individual letters and/or graphics
affixed to a wall or portion of a building, whie= that has not been
painted, textured, or otherwise altered to provide a distinctive
Page 14 of 4b-d�t�re x;34 November 1.2012
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
background for the sign copy.Sig+g, the sign area is the area within
the smallest rectangle that will enclose the sign copy.
Example Sign Area
3. For Sign copy mounted or painted on an internally =illuminated
sign or internally =illuminated element of a building -.T4 -re, � entire
internally -illuminated surface or architectural element, whieh hat
contains sign copy; will be counted as sign area.
Example Illuminated Sign Area
4. Number of sign faces:
One - Area of the single face only.
Two - If the interior angle between the two sign faces is forty-five
(45) degrees or less, the sign area is the area of one face only; if
the angle between the sign faces exceeds forty-five (45) degrees,
the sign area is the sum of the areas of the two faces.
Three or more - For any sign containing three or more faces, the
sign area shall be measured as the sum of areas of the all the sign
faces.
Example Sign Face Area
0 Page 15 of 4_6-34 November 1.2012
1752356.1
1752350
H.
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Greater °
o
than 45 Up to 45
VO
RiN
�dhc4 Or
k
2 faces 1 face
Three dimensional, sculptural or other non -planar signs - Sign
area will be the sum of the areas of the vertical faces of the
smallest polyhedron that will encompass the sign structure.
Example Dimensional Sign Area
5.
diFeetienal sigigs, street addFesses EW safety signs (e.g., step
. For signs having more than one
component (e.g., a service station identification/price sign
combination mounted on a common base), the sign area is the
area of the rectangle enclosing all components of the sign.
Example Fuel Price Sign Area
U11pTH J
llJ�9 HEIGHT
.. II 1:11-L
Sign height is defined as follows:
0 Page 16 of ^ ����34 November 1.2012
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
1. Freestanding Sign: Sign height is the distance from the top of the
sign structure, to the top of curb of the public road nearest the
sign, or to the crown of public road nearest the sign if no curb
exists.
Example Freestanding Sign Height
s-E*47
I .fufm
2. Wall or Fascia Mounted Signs: Sign height is the distance
measured from a point perpendicular to the top of the midpoint of
the sign structure, to the top of the finished floor of the ground
floor level directly below the midpoint of the sign.
Example Midpoint of Sign
Midpoint of 9gn
µE IG
IT]
I
rinished41 1—nea1,.,,
I. Signs not specifically authorized herein are prohibited, including, but not
limited to the following:
1. Neon signs, except as permitted in subsection 6.08(P).
2. Roof signs, or signs that project above the highest point of the
roofline, parapet, or fascia of the building.
3. Any sign emitting sound.
4. Any animated or moving sign, including televisions or signs with
streaming video,
5. Portable or mobile signs, except for sign walkers; or as otherwise
snecifica_liv permitted.
6. Billboard signs.
40 7. Non -electrically illuminated signs.
Page 17 of ^ X34 November 1.2012
11 752356.1
1752356 8
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
8. Any non-public signs in public right-of-way or on public property,
except as otherwise
specifically permitted.
9. All off -premise signs, except as otherwise allowed.
10. All banners, pennants, streamers, balloons, flags, searchlights,
strobe lights, beacons, inflatable signs, except as
h;specifically provided for in paragraph 6.08(D) below.
11. Any sign imitating an official traffic control sign; and any sign or
device obscuring such traffic control signs or devices.
12. Ne teFnpeF emporary or portable 5ign shall be peFFnitte-65Lqu
within the Shea Boulevard right-of-way.
13. t -frame si gnexcept as provided in subsections 6.08(B),
6.08(M) and 6.08(Q), A fraffie signs shall —, be peeffiffi,itted wit
the Tewn f C ntamn Hulls
Ne_ _ _ • _ :.
six menths shall 0' remeved and building,.': er site resteFed t6
its
eFiginal state -.L --The source of a sign's illumination shall not be visible
from any adjacent residential streets or neighborhoods.
MK. No sign shall be erected or placed within any center median or any public
sidewalk or bicycle path; unless etheF^fitted. The Town
employees may remove any sign located in these areas. Directional
signs owned by the Town shall be exempt from th-esethe regulations. set
forth in this Chanter.
the windews thFebigh whieh they are vis; L. [Reserved].
Page 18 of 46-iune7,34 November 1.2012
1752356 8
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
GM. Signs mounted, attached or painted on trailers, boats or vehicles shall be
subject to the following:
1. Business or commercial vehicles displaying signage or advertising
as a normal part of business activity may be parked in an off-street
parking space adjacent to the business to which the vehicle
relates; provided, however, such off street parking space shall not
be located immediately adjacent to a street frontage, except as
bseetiem 2 below. Vehicles
permitted in �,�naraaranh 6.07(GM)( )
that are visible from the public right-of-way shall not remain in the
same parking space for more than forty-eight (48) consecutive
hours.
2. One business or commercial vehicle of less than three and one half
Q_5A tons gross vehicle weight and displaying up to twelve (12)
square feet of signage may be parked in an off-street parking
space near the business to which the vehicle relates and
immediately adjacent to a street frontage. Portable signs shall not
be displayed on or in the vehicle. Said vehicle shall not remain in
the same parking space for more than forty-eight (48) consecutive
hours.
3. Trailers, boats or trucks larger than three and one half (3.5) tons,
displaying signage or advertising may not be parked within any
commercially zoned area within the Town that is visible from any
public street except while making deliveries or providing services
to a business within such commercially zoned area.
4. One business or commercial vehicle smaller than three and one
half (3.5) tons displaying signage or advertising as a normal part
of business activity may be parked in an off-street parking space
within a residential zone at the residence of the owner or lessee of
such vehicle unless otherwise prohibited by subsections 7.02(G) &
(H) and 5.14(F) of this Zoning Ordinance.
5. Unless specifically permitted in subsections 6.07(GM)(1)-(4)
above, signs mounted, attached or painted on trailers, boats,
motor vehicles or any moveable object placed on premises to
serve as additional advertising signage are prohibited.
-PN. Total aggregate sign area may be increased up to 25%, provided the
additional area is used to display a Town -provided logo or symbol.
•Page 19 of ^�-T••••^' 34 November 1.2012
T;
1942356 1
U= 6 8
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
�w The afea ef text ef a legal neneenfeFffiing Faen R9-111 net,
Section 6.98 Signs Allowed or Required
Legend: Letters A--GG__-BR indicate the following subsection with
additional requirements or clarification asof the sigh listed—hi-the
table below. N/A means not allowed.
Zonin District
Z
Commercial
Residential/
Open Space Recreation
INDUSTRIAL
Lodging
Plain
Contractor Signs
F
F
Total Aggregate Sign Area A A
N/A
A
A
A -Frame Sign B 13 {;
N/A
B
B
Awning/Canopy Sign C G
C
C
C
Banners
g
_0T
C('
1}
-B
Civic Organization
identification
E?
I)
F
Flag
E
Z
N/A
7._
L
Plain
Contractor Signs
F
F
l
F
F
Directory Signs
G
O
G
G
G
G
Electronic MessageCC
SS* ent r
C('
C -'N/A
Event Banners.
Balloons and
Pennants
D
I)
D
Flag
I
+
I
I
I
Freestanding
J
J
N/A
I
J
Fuel Price Signs
K
.K
N/A
N/A
N/A
Future Development Signs
L
L
L
L
Garage Sale Signs
M
M
M
M
M
Menu Board
N
N
N/A
N/A
N/A
Multi -Tenant Building
Identification S�
O
9
N/A
O
O
Neon Signs
P
N/A
P
P
7 en House Directional
Q
Q
Q
N/A
Page 20 of ^ 6-x;34 November 1.2012
1 752356. 1
1752356.8
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Zonin District
Commercial
Residential/
Open Space Recreation
INDUSTRIAL
Lodging
Signs
Political and Ideological
Signs
R
tZ
R
R
R
Projecting Signs
S
s,
N/A
S
S
Real Estate Signs
T
T
Shared Monument
J
N/A
J
J
Sign Walkers
BB
%,1
N/A
N/A
Special Event
sigf i na g
U
JJ
U
U
Street Addresses
AA
A
A
AA
AA
AA
AA
Subdivision Identification
Signs
J
}
J
J
J
r
Under -Canopy Signs
V
V
N/A
V
v
Wall Signs
W
11_
N/A
W
W
Window SignsX
�._
N/A
X
X
Window
Decorations/Painting
(Holiday Themel
Y
, •_
Y
Y
Y
Shared Monuinefft-Sigits,
J
J
3
N�A
J
* Specific Regulations Apply
A. "Total Aggregate Sign Area" is the sum of the total allowable sign area
for an entire site with the following restrictions. As used herein, "Site,"
within commercially or industrially zoned area shall mean the building
area leased or owned by or on behalf of any business together with its
adjacent privately owned walkway or parking area.
1. Frontage is determined by the measurement of the portion of the
building facing the street. Corner buildings may include two street
Page 21 of 46-dtt*e-7-,34 November 1 2012
1752356.1
1752356_8
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
frontages if the frontages are joined at an angle between forty-five
(45) and ninety (90) degrees.
the building fFentag en that Building frontages that
contain angles of less than forty-five (45) degrees or between
ninety (90) and one hundred eighty (180) degrees shall be
considered to be one frontage. Multi -story building lineal footage
is limited to the ground floor lineal footage measurement except as
modified by subsection 6.08(A) (5) below.
2. In all commercial and industrial zoning districts, the total
aggregate sign area allocable to any ground floor business having
an external business entrance shall not exceed the greater of fifty
(50) square feet or two (2) square feet per lineal foot of building
frontage, but in no case more than one hundred (100) square feet.
3. In all commercial and industrial zoning districts, any licensed
business located above the ground floor in a multi -story building
having an external building wall facing a public street shall be
permitted exterior signage with a total aggregate sign area not to
exceed fifty (50) square feet. A business occupying more than one
floor is only allowed a sign on one floor.
4. Businesses within any commercial or industrial zoning district
having only an internal business entrance and no external wall
facing a public street or public access driveway shall be limited to
business identification signage on a common directory sign as
shown on a comprehensive sign plan, as set forth in subsection
6.08(BB) unless otherwise approved by the Zoning Administrator
or an authorized designee.
5. Ground floor businesses having building frontage greater than one
hundred (100) feet in length may increase their allowed sign area
by 0.5 square feet per one (1) lineal foot of building frontage in
excess of one hundred (100) feet. Such additional sign area shall
be for the exclusive use of said business and not transferable or
reallocable to other businesses on the site.
B. A -Frame Signs are allowed as follows:
1. Only businesses that are physically located within Town
commercial or industrial zoning districts or churches in residential
zoning districts may display A -frame signs.
Page 22 of 46 -de x;34 November 1.2012
1752356.1
11
175235fLE
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
2. Businesses or churches permitted to display A -frame signs may
display a maximum of one such sign per street frontage.— Such
sig-Ri U shall be located in the manner required in paraaranh
6.08(6)(3) below, either on the same property as the business or
church, or on property immediately adjacent to the business or
church building as follows:
a. A tli .1 in C ti 3ham,-- low.
i3_a. On property held in common by members of a property
owners' association.
eb. On property owned by the business owner's landlord.
C. Public street subject to the limitations of 6,08(13)( be ow
3. Location of A -frame signs shall be restricted as follows:
a. Such sig -R i n shall not be located on the paved portion of
n�public street, a ) sidewalk, or median.
b. Such s+gRi n shall not be located within a designated
parking or loading area.
C. Signs shall not be located in a manner that poses a traffic
vision hazard. Signs may not be located within the sight
triangle as defined in the Town of Fountain Hills Subdivision
Ordinance Section III, Exhibit 16.
d. A -Frame signs must be placed at least one (1) foot behind
the curb. If no curb is present, signs shall be located at least
three (3) feet from the edge of the paved portion of the
public right-of-way. No A -Frame signs shall be placed on
sidewalks or within the center medians that divide portions
of paved or unpaved roadways.
4. No sign may be greater than twenty-four (24) inches wide and
thirty-six (36) inches tall.
5. Signs shall be constructed of wrought iron; sheet metal; 1/8 inch
thick plastic; or of wood that is at least 3/8 inch thick. No other
materials are acceptable.
0 Page 23 of 46-d 34 November 1.2012
19C�T
1752350
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
6. Signs must be manufactured by a professional sign company.
7. Signs shall be in good repair.
8. Attachments to signs are limited to balloons flown no higher than
six (6) feet from the ground. If attachments are used, the A -Frame
sign must be set back from the curb a minimum of three (3) feet
if no curb is present the A Frame sign shall be located at least
three (3) feet from the edge of the paved portion of the public
right-of-way.
9. Landscaping cannot be modified or damaged to accommodate an
A -frame sign.
10. Signs shall p-olly—be displayed enly duj=0ffgUgLwp,
13USiFiess is -- -. 00 a.m. and 12AQ a.m.
11. No A -frame sign is permitted anywhere within the Town of
Fountain Hills after December 31, 2013 -.MIA
C. Awning/Canopy Signs are allowed as follows:
1. Must be included in the total aggregate sign area.
2. May not exceed 25% in area of the canopy on which such sign is
located.
3. Sign area shall be measured by the smallest rectangle that will
enclose the sign copy.
D. Event Banners, Balloons and Pennants are allowed as follows:
1. Time limitations:
a Shall be .,'�.,.•.,,,� ��. On a one-time basis for a maximum of
thirty (30) consecutive days during the grand opening of a
business, a Chamber of Commerce sponsored ribbon
cutting, a change in ownership, change in management or
change of business name.
b. A banner- ll alse be ail, wed efb.For a church for up to
thirty (30) consecutive days for the purpose of promoting a
program or event.
Page 24 of e-7;34 November 1.2012
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
2. Banners, balloons and pennants are permitted for events such as
special sales events with advance notification to the Town for not
more than thFee-(Rwo periods of seven (7) consecutive days per
weekmonth. The provisions of thissu bseetien paragraph 6.08(D)
(32) shall expire on December 31, 2013-.2D-14-
3. Not more than one banner shall be allowed per business.
4. Maximum banner sign area is thirty-two (32) square feet.
5. Banners, balloons or pennants shall be located on the business
storefront or within the area leased by the business. Balloons
otherwise located shall be not less than four (4) feet from the face
of the building and within twenty (20) feet of the main building
entrance.
6. Banners, balloons or pennants shall not be designed to depict any
product eetor service that cannot legally availableto all residents
e€be provided in the Town.
7. Total sign area including permanent signs, pennants and banner
signs shall not exceed 200% of the permitted sign area.
8. Banners, balloons or pennants shall be professionally
manufactured.
9. Banners, balloons or pennants shall not be displayed in the
required perimeter street landscaping.
10. Banners, balloons or pennants shall not obscure building address
numbers.
11. Banners, balloons or pennants shall not encroach within onsite fire
lanes.
12. Banners, balloons or pennants shall not be attached or hung on or
from a tree or shrub.
13. No balloon may be larger than twenty-four (24) inches in
diameter.
14. Balloons shall not be flown higher than six (6) feet from the
ground.
Page 25 of 46 -Jae -7_,34 November 1.2012
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
15. Banners, balloons and pennants shall not be erected at the
intersection of any street or pedestrian walkway in such a manner
as to obstruct free and clear vision, nor at any location where, by
its position, shape or color, it may interfere with or obstruct the
view of or be confused with any authorized traffic signal, sign or
device.
0
Page 26 of ^^ 6 34 November 1 2012
]752356.8
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Chapter 6
TYPE OF EVENT
SIGN TYPE
Banners
Balloons &
Banners,
Pennants
Pennants &
Balloons
1.12 Hrs during
30 -Days
one Day Event
Grand Opening
w/Permit
2. No Permit
Necessary
1.12 Hrs during
Chamber Ribbon
30 -Days
one Day Event
Cutting
w/Permit
2. No Permit
Necessary
1. 12 Hrs during
Change of Business
30 -Days
one Day Event
Name, Owner or
w/Permit
2. No Permit
Management
Necessary
Church Event
30 -days
1.Permit Required
w/permit
- -wee- f 3I=
periods of seven
LZ) consecutive
as s ays ner
mn h
Any Type of Event
- No Permit
Necessary
- Town
Notification
Re uired
*Town notification: Prior to the event, the evens U[yCJ11ILCI IIIU,L JUUlllll. ivi icv ova
following:
1. Event site plan showing location of outdoor activities, signage, etc.
2. Dates and times the event will be held.
3. Name, address, and phone number of responsible person.
E. Civic organizations, such as the Kiwanis, Rotary, Jaycees, etc., may be
identified on group display structures in accordance with the following
standards:
Page 27 of ^e��, 4 November 1.2012
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
1. Said structure must be on arterial streets.
2. Structures shall not be over six feet in height or exceed an area of
sixty (60) square feet.
3. Sign may not be illuminated.
4. Each civic organization shall be limited to a maximum sign area of
two square feet.
F. Signs for a contractor may be placed on a construction site if signs meet
the following criteria:
1. One contractor sign or banner per lot.
2. Subcontractors may not place additional signs but may be listed on
a main contractor sign.
3. Maximum size of sign shall not exceed eight (8) square feet.
4. Maximum height of five (5) feet.
5. Sign must be located on construction site.
6. Sign shall not be illuminated.
7. A contractor sign may be placed only during the period of time
when a building permit is valid and must be removed no later than
the date of final inspection.
G. A directory sign may be included as part of a comprehensive sign plan. A
directory sign is allowed with the following standards:
1. Maximum sign area of six (6) square feet.
2. Maximum height of six (6) feet.
3. Located behind the required front yard setbacks.
H. fLReserved�j
1. FlagEl4, as defined in SLSare allowed
as follows:
•
Page 28 of ^ -jug , 4 November 1.2012
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Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
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1. Flags poles shall not exceed the maximum building height allowed
in each zoning district and shall be located and constructed that if
it should collapse, its reclining length would be contained on the
property for which it was installed.
2. Any flag flown in conjunction with the United States or State of
Arizona flags shall be flown beneath them.
structure; provided however, that one (1) State of Arizona, one
11foreign national flag, -"n one (1) Fountain Hills Unified School
District flag me be flown iia
addition to the one (1) site E)"ueWF permitted flag.
4. The maximum size of any corporate flags shall not exceed fifteen
(15) square feet, with no en-e§jn_qhe dimension to exceed six (6)
feet ' .
5. A sign permit is required to display any corporate flag and must be
included as part of the total aggregate sign area.
6. Display of the United States flag must meet all requirements of the
United States Flag Code, including national and local lighting
standards.
7. A model home that has a special use permit may use flags in
addition to the United States flag and State of Arizona flag, in the
following manner:
a. There can be no more than two (2) flags on the lot of one
model home and one (1) flag on each additional lot with a
model home located upon it, trngt to aexceed five (51 total
b. The maximum size of any model home flag shall not exceed
eight (8) square feet.
C. Model home flags shall not be illuminated.
d. Flagpole shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet in height.
8. No sign permits are required for flags unless otherwise noted.
Page 29 of ^6-,�-ju*e-7-,34 November L 2012
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
9. The maximum size of a United States flag, State of Arizona flag or
foreign national flag shall be sixty (60) square feet. This limit does
not apply to a United States flag or State of Arizona flag flown on a
national or state holiday.
J. Freestanding signs are allowed as follows:
1. Freestanding signs shall be counted as a portion of the total
aggregate sign area except as outlined in subseetmenparagraph
6.08(J) (7) below.
2. One freestanding sign is allowed for each street frontage.
3. Maximum area of fifty (50) square feet.
4. Maximum height of twelve (12) feet (including base).
5. All freestanding signs must be no closer than thirty (30) feet to any
residential district.
6. Minimum area of two (2) square feet of landscaping per one (1)
square foot of freestanding sign shall be provided at the base of
the freestanding sign.
7. Shared Monument Signs are permitted in sign districts as follows:
a. Sign District Formation: A sign district may form to obtain
shared monument signs where at least 51% of business
owners within a business block, each possessing Avalid
Town business lieen�esLjcen5e, have submitted a sign
district agreement to the Zoning Administrator and where
the Zoning Administrator has approved the formation of the
district.
1. Membership Change: If sign membership changes,
the sign district shall file a written notification of
membership change and an amended sign district
agreement with the Zoning Administrator. Where a
sign district member moves out of the sign district or
closes its business, the portion of the shared
monument sign advertising that business must be
removed within thirty (30) days. The portion of the
40 Page 30 of1752356.1
^ ��-�'r34 November 1 2012
1752356 8
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
sign dedicated to the vacating sign district member
shall be maintained with a blank panel.
2. District Dissolution: If a sign district is dissolved, the
property owner(s) of the business block who were
participants in the sign district shall be required to
remove the shared monument sign unless.
a-}-i_A new sign district is formed to assume
responsibility for the shared monument sign
within thirty (30) days from the date of
dissolution of the old sign district; or
The property owner upon whose property the
shared monument sign is located assumes
complete control over the shared sign
monument.
b. Limitations on Shared Monument Signs:
1. Height Restrictions:
• i. a.—Where the sign district contains three to four
or fewer businesses, the maximum height of the
monument sign shall be six (6) feet.
li b—Where the sign district contains five or more
businesses, the maximum height of the
monument sign shall be eight (8) feet.
2. Width may not exceed four (4) feet.
3. The area of the sign shall not exceed
twenty-four (24) square
feet.
4. Sign Placement:
L a --Signs may not be placed within the b1i
right -of- way,_
bii. Signs must be at least one- hundred- fifty (150)
feet away from any other type of monument
sign;;-_
0 Page 31 of 46-j*ffe4;34 November 1.2012
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Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
e. Signs must not be placed in a manner
whielithaf obstructs the vehicular sight lines and
road "clear zones" established by the Town
Engineer in accordance with traffic engineering
standards.
5. The Zoning Administrator or authorized designee may
only -approve the placement of a shared monument
• in a manner other than as required by
-- Fequest has beeig
.: -alteFigative placement, :
-- AElffi;1nis1,FateF eF auitheFizeddesignee -.
the
a
special eiFeuimstanee eF eenditien is net self
i e1e�naragraph if a variance bas been
granted pursuant to Section 2.07 of this
Zoning Ordinance.
6. A minimum of two (2) square feet of landscaping per
one (1) square foot of the sign shall be provided at the
base of the shared monument sign.
C. In lieu of the formation of a sign district by business owners,
one or more owners of contiguous property that contains
more than one (1) business address may submit an
application for a shared monument sign.
8. Subdivision Identification Signs are allowed as follows:
a. Style, Height and Area. Subdivision identification signs shall
be a monument sigR5LqU with the following limitations:
1. -1- Maximum height shall be six (6) feet.
Page 32 of X34 November 1.2012
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Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
2.3-- Maximum area shall be twenty-four (24) square feet.
Maximum of one (1) sign located at each street access
to the identified subdivision.
4.} Sign text shall be limited to the name of the
development or subdivision.
b. Sign Placement:
Sign shall not be located within the fright -of -way
without an encroachment permit.
2.3 Sign shall not be located so as to obstruct vehicle sight
lines and road "clear zones" established by the Town
Engineer in accordance with traffic engineering
standards.
C. Landscaping:
1. Minimum of two (2) square feet of landscape area
per one (1) square foot of sign area shall be
provided at the base of the sign.
2. 2 -)--Landscaping may be occasionally changed, but
shall always be maintained in good condition by the
property owner.
d. Lighting:
-I—)—. The text area of the sign may be back -lit such that
the source of illumination is not visible;
provided, however, that back -lit non-opaque panels
are not permitted.
—2-j-2. The text area of the sign may be illuminated by fully
shielded ground mounted directional lighting.
K. Fuel price signs are allowed as follows:
1. Fuel price signs shall be counted as a portion of the total aggregate
sign area.
Page 33 of 46-.ltr*e-7_,34 November 1.2012
175 356.1
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Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
2. One freestanding fuel price sign is allowed per street frontage.
3. Maximum area of twelve (12) square feet per sign.
4. Maximum height of five (5) feet.
5. Minimum area of four (4) square feet of landscaping per one
square foot of freestanding sign shall be provided at the base of
the freestanding sign.
L. Future Development Signs announcing the proposed development of
property prior to issuance of a building permit for the purpose of
displaying the name of the project, contractors, architect and any
additional information pertaining to the site on which the signs are
located are allowed in accordance with the following:
1. Maximum size shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.
2. Sign shall not be illuminated.
3. Sign may be double faced.
4. One (1) sign per each street on which the development has
frontage.
5. Maximum height shall not exceed €+vesix (-5.6=) feet for all signs.
6. Such signs may be maintained for a period not to exceed twelve
(12) months prior to obtaining building permits for a development
and must be removed upon issuance of e h fir Certificate of
Occupancy for a structure on the property.
7. A sign permit must be obtained prior to locating the sign on the
site.
M. Garage Sale Signs are allowed as follows:
1. Garage sales signs may only be used for garage sales, yard sales
and carport sales as outlined in Section 8-3-3 of the Town Code.
2. Garage sale signs must be placed at least one (1) foot behind the
curb. If no curb is present, signs shall be located at least three (3)
feet from the edge of the paved portion of the public right-of-way.
Page 34 of ^ X34 November 1.2012
1752356 8
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Ne-gaFager sale smi-gff5&rLs shall not be placed on sidewalks
or within the center medians that divide portions of paved or
unpaved roadways.
3. No garage sale sign shall be permitted within the Shea Boulevard
public right-of-way.
4. No garage sale sign shall be located within three hundred (300)
feet along the same roadway, as measured along the public
right-ef&-way line(s), as another sign bearing the same or
substantially the same message.
5. There shall not be more than five (5) garage sale signs to any
destination.
6. Garage sale signs may only be displayed between sunrise and
sunset. Signs remaining in public rights-of-way after sunset, or
placed in rights-of-way prior to sunrise, shall be subject to
confiscation and destruction by the Town.
7. Maximum size shall not exceed four and one-half (4.5) square
feet.
8. Maximum height shall not exceed three (3) feet.
9. Signs may only be constructed of wrought iron, sheet metal,
plastic or of wood that is at least 3/8 of an inch thick.
10. Garage Sale signs shall not be attached to any utility pole or box,
light pole, e -street sign bus shelter or any structure within the
public right-of-way.
N. Menu Boards orientated to the drive-thi=idhr lane for a business are
allowed as follows:
1. Menu board signs shall be counted as a portion of the total
aggregate sign area.
2. One freestanding or wall mounted menu board is allowed per
business.
3. Menu board signs must be located no less than forty-five (45) feet
from any street property line.
0 Page 35 of 46-ju*e-7;34 November 1.2012
175-22s 56.1
1752350
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
4. Maximum area of twenty (20) square feet.
5. Maximum height of five (5) feet.
6. Minimum area of four (4) square feet of landscaping per one
square foot of freestanding sign shall be provided at the base of
the freestanding sign.
7. Speaker boxes and LED boxes are allowed as follows:
a. May not exceed thirty-six (36) cubic feet and four (4) feet in
height.
b. May not contain advertising of any kind.
C. When installed separately from menu board, square
feetageapgA er box and LED box sian area will be calculated
in addition to total aggregate sign area.
8. Placement of menu boards, speaker boxes and LED boxes must
meet the following guidelines:
a. Cannot be visible from any public street or alley.
b. Must be at least one hundred fifty (150) feet from any
residential zoning district or be fslll_ screened from
residential view by a masonry wall.
O. Multi -Tenant Building Identification Signs are allowed as follows:
1. Sign shall be a wall sign and shall identify only the building or
complex.
2. The maximum number of signs for each building shall be one sign.
3. Sign shall be placed on the wall of the building with major street
frontage.
4. Maximum area of sign is six (6) inches per lineal foot of building
wall with a minimum of twenty-four (24) square feet and a
maximum of forty (40) square feet. Lineal footage of building is
determined as defined in subsection 6.08(A).
P. Neon Signs are allowed only as follows:
Page 36 of ^6-�j*fl_e_�,34 November 1.2012
1752356.1
1752356 8
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
1.
. Limited to interior window
display only (may not be used on exterior of building.
2_ The total amount of neon signage for any one business shall be six
(6) square feet.
-4-:3_,_ No more than two (2) neon signs shall be allowed for any business.
Q. Open House Directional Signs are allowed only as follows:
1. Open house directional signs shall be used Qnly to direct traffic to
a residence for sale, lease or rent.
2. Maximum number of directional signs for each residence for sale,
lease or rent shall be fivej5 .
3. Maximum area for each sign shall be six (6) square feet.
4. No sign may be greater than twenty-four (24) inches wide and
thirty-six (36) inches tall.
5. Signs shall not be illuminated.
6. Sign must contain a directional arrow.
7. Signs shall be placed at least one (1) foot behind the curb. If no
curb is present, signs shall be located at least three (3) feet from
the edge of the paved portion of the public right-of-way. No sign is
allowed on sidewalks or within the center medians that divide
portions of paved or unpaved roadways.
8. No sign shall be placed within one hundred fifty (150) linear feet of
the Shea Boulevard public right-of-way.
9. Signs must be made by a professional sign company.
10. Signs shall not be located within one hundred (100) linear feet of
any sign advertising the same location.
11. Sign placement, other than as described above, may be approved
by the Zoning Administrator or authorized designee.
Page 37 of ^ _jff„ ,34 November 1.2012
1��«T
1752350
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
:: •t fQr LhAae
-areas designated ar, "sign free zones" by the Town Council in accordance
with ARIZ, REV. STAIT. � 16-1019(F), as amended, political and ideological
signs shall net exeeed the square feetage-14n4tatiens ef the Fespeet
!FeaEly peffl9itted in -are permit ed in commercial zoning districts, subject
•• the size limitationsof •_• • - • • • but 1• •-
. counted against the total allowable sign area, In residential zoning
districts, political and ideological signs may be located in such areas
within the following parameters:
1. Maximum aggregate size, per individual candidate or ballot issue,
shall not exceed --peon sixteen (16) square feet on any
residential lot or parcel eF thirty twe (3,2) square feet en af�y
2. Maximum length shall not exceed six (6) feet.
3. Maximum height shall not exceed four and one-half (4.5) feet.
4. Except as otherwise; permitted by State Law, no such sign or
portion of the sign may be located in or project into a public
right-of-way.
Political signs
ballet and shall be removed within fifteen (15) days after sa+dt_h_e
election or referendum for which the signs were posted. Candidates
successful in a primary election are permitted to leave their respective
political signs in place until ten (10) days after the general election, or if
necessary, until ten (10) days after a run-off election.
S. Projecting Signs are allowed only as follows:
1. Must be included in the total aggregate square footage.
2. Shall only be permitted if signs are affixed to a building.
3. Shall not exceed three and one-half (3.5) feet in width or more
than six (6) feet in height.
Page 38 of ^ c34 November 1 2012
1,521 56. .1
1752356 8
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
4. Shall be located so that the bottom of the sign is not less than eight
(8) feet from the ground.
5. Shall require both a Town sign permit and, if encroaching over an
abutting Town right-of-way line, a revocable Town encroachment
permit or other Town Council -granted authorizations in forms
apnroved by the Town Engineer and the Town Attorney.
T. Real Estate Signs are allowed as follows and are exempt from the total
aggregate signage:
1. Real estate signs may only advertise the sale, leasing or renting of
a building, dwelling, suite, property, or other forms of real estate.
2. Real estate signs must be non -illuminated.
3. Maximum sign area of six (6) square feet.
4. Maximum height of five (5) feet.
5. Signs must be made by a professional sign company.
6. No A -Frame signs allowed.
7. Signs may only be placed on property that is for sale, lease or rent.
8. Maximum number of signs allowed is one (1) per street frontage.
9. Signs must be removed when the purpose for which the sign was
erected is complete.
10. Sign placement, other than as described above, may be approved
by the Zoning Administrator or authorized designee.
U. Special Event Signage is allowed as follows:
1. A sign placement plan detailing the size, location, and timing of
proposed signs to be used for a special event shall be presented
with the special event permit application.
2. These signs shall be placed only after a special event permit has
been issued by the Town and must be removed within twenty-four
(24) hours after the conclusion of the event.
Page 39 of 46 -die -7-,34 November 12012
1752356 8
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
3. The regulations in this chapter may be waived by the Town Council
for special event sign placement, size, and timing.
V. Under -Canopy Signs are allowed as a part of a comprehensive sign plan
and must meet the following requirements:
1. All under -canopy signs require written property owner and Town
approval prior to installation.
2. Each business may be allowed one double-faced non -illuminated
sign installed under an overhanging canopy or fascia perpendicular
to the front of the tenant's front wall space.
3. Maximum sign width shall not exceed twenty-four (24) inches.
4. Maximum sign height shall not exceed twelve (12) inches.
5. Minimum clearance shall be not less than eight (8) feet six (6)
inches from the bottom of the sign to the sidewalk or surface
beneath the sign.
6. In no case shall any object, banner, sign or other material be
attached to, or hung from the sign.
7. No under -canopy sign shall be mounted in a manner that will
impede pedestrian or vehicular visibility or create any hazard.
8. The sign area for the first under -canopy sign shall be excluded
from the total aggregate area of a comprehensive sign plan.
Businesses with multiple public entrances may be allowed one
additional under -canopy sign, subject to property owner and Town
approval, but the sign area of the second under -canopy sign will be
counted as a part of the business's total aggregate sign area.
9. Under -canopy signs on property under unified ownership and
control shall be consistent in appearance.
W. Wall Signs count as a part of the total aggregate signage and are allowed
as follows:
Page 40 of ^ `�-iune-7;34 November 1.2012
1 901
1752356.8
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
1. One square foot per each lineal foot of building frontage. Frontage
is determined by the measurement of the portion of the building
facing the street not to exceed aggregate square footage allowed.
Corner buildings may include two street frontages if the frontages
are joined at an angle between forty-five (45) and ninety (90)
degrees. However, the total sign area that is oriented toward a
particular street may not exceed 125% of the portion of the lot's
total sign area allocation that is derived from the building frontage
on that street. Building frontages that contain angles of less than
forty-five (45) degrees or between ninety (90) and one hundred
eighty (180) degrees shall be considered to be one frontage.
2. Sign area must allow a minimum two (2) foot border from edge of
the building or suite frontage, or a minimum two (2) foot
separation between signs, whichever is less.
3. Each wall sign may project no more than twelve (12) inches from
the surface of the wall to which it is attached.
4. Reverse pan channel letter with halo illumination must not exceed
a one and three-quarter (1.75) inch separation from the wall.
5. In the C-2, C-3, and TCCD zoning districts, a secondary entrance
wall sign is allowed in addition to total aggregate sign area if the
following criteria are met:
a. Wall sign areas shall not exceed 25% of primary total
aggregate sign area.
b. Secondary entrance must not be visible from main public
entrance.
C. Secondary entrance must face a rear parking area, common
area or public use frontage.
X. Window Signs are allowed as follows:
1. Wind
this Zoning Ordinance__�M signs do not count as part of the
total aggregate sign area.
2. May not exceed 50% of window area.
3. Window signs shall be prepared by a professional sign company.
is Page 41 of ^ 6-juile 7-,l November 1.2012
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Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Y. Window decorations/painting with a holiday theme are allowed as
follows:
1. Holiday decorations may be displayed on a temporary basis for
civic, patriotic or religious holidays.
2. The combination of window decoration/painting coverage and
signage must not exceed 75% of window area.
3. Window decoration shall not contain any form of advertising�o
including but not limited to, name of business, logo;[ sale
language
6.02-
4.
.02_
4. Sign permit is not required.
Z. Comprehensive Sign Plans shall meet all sign criteria of the Town. The
following elements are required for approval:
1. Name, address and phone number of property owner or designee.
2. Written text clearly outlining the sign plan to include all suites,
offices or other leased/leasable space.
3. Name and address of property for which the comprehensive sign
plan is designated.
4. Design criteria allowed for signage (i.e. colors, installation
method, materials, type of signage, etc.). If it is the intention of
the property owner to allow Nationally Recognized Registered
Logos, this must be specified in the plan.
5. Site plan showing all lot dimensions, suites, offices or other
leased/leasable space and proposed/existing signage placement
(drawn to scale).
6. Elevations showing proposed sign envelopes.
7. Lineal footage of building(s) as outlined in subsection 6.08(A).
S. Allocation chart showing allowable square footage for each suite,
office or space number.
Page 42 of ^ 6�-ju*e-7-,34 November 1.2012
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Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
9. Comprehensive sign plan amendments must be made in writing
and submitted, reviewed and approved by the Zoning
Administrator or authorized designee.
10. Comprehensive sign plan approval/denial may be appealed to the
Town Council.
AA _Street Addresses:
1. Every building or group of buildings within any commercially or
industrially zoned area must be identified by a street number
vvhiehtthat is clearly visible from the adjacent street. This sign shall
not be computed as part of the total sign area permitted for any
site or business.
2. The street number (or number range) of the businesses or
business complex identified on a monument sign shall be
displayed at the top of the text area of the monument sign and
shall not be computed as part of the aggregate sign area.
BB =Sign Walkers, in commercially zoned distr-iet i ri only, subject to the
following time, place and manner limitations:
1. If located within the right-of-way, a sign walker shall be positioned
behind the curb or, if no curb is present, ten (10) feet behind the
edge of pavement.
2. Sign Walkers shall notor place tents, temporary
umbrellas, chairs Q[ stools anywhere within the public right-Qf-way
or adjaCent property—
Sign
•p'
Sign shall not be positioned so as to obstruct vehicle sight lines
and road "clear zones" established by the Town Engineer in
accordance with traffic engineering standards.
3-.4 Sign walkers shall not obstruct the free movement of pedestrians
on sidewalks.
4� Sign walkers are not allowed in the medians of public or private
streets.
The sign worn, held or balanced by a sign walker shall be a
maximum of five (5) square feet in size and may be double sided.
® Page 43 of ^^ X34 November 1.2012
19.E 2356. 1G.1
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Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
LLZCCC. Electronic Message Center: Signs: Any sigR with intermittent,
scrolling or flashing illumination, including electronic message center signs.
Sueh t are permitted in Commercial and Industrial zoning districts only;
e; provided, however. tha churches e�� schools may display such sians in
residential districts;. All electronic message center sians are subject to the
following:
1. 1. Signs must be on-site.
—2—There shall be no moving or flashing green or red features
wh+ehthat could be mistaken as traffic s+gna+scontrol devices.
-3—.-3—Intermittent Changes:
aaAny changes to the face or copy of the sign must have a
minimum of eight (8) second interval between changes.
b�—b. Any changes to the face or copy of the sign must stop at
10:00 p.m., except for time and temperature.
C. After 10:00 p.m., the background must be darker than the
text.
is Page 44 of 46-dufle 7;34 November 1. 2012
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#1752356v1 <Phoenix> - CODE - ZO CH 6 Sign
Regulations v1 (BRodgers 6.7.12)
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#1752356v8<Phoenix> - CODE - ZO CH 6 Sign
Regulations v8 (AJM 10/1/12)
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L
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
JULY 12, 2012
Chairman Lloyd Pew opened the session of the Planning and Zoning Commission at 6:31 p.m. The
following Commissioners were present: Chairman Lloyd Pew, Vice -Chairman Angela Strohan,
Commissioners Stan Connick, Richard Turner, Mike Archambault and Gene Slechta, [and one open
Commissioner's seat]. Also in attendance were Paul Mood, Director of Development Services, Robert
Rodgers Senior Planner, and Janice Baxter Executive Assistant and Recorder of the Minutes.
Emails were forwarded to the Planning and Zoning Commissioners for their consideration. Please refer
to Exhibits "A" and "B" attached.
Chairman Lloyd Pew requested participation in the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silent reflection.
ROLL CALL:
Chairman Lloyd Pew
Commissioner Stan Connick
Commissioner Mike Archambault
Commissioner Angela Strohan
Commissioner Richard Turner
Commissioner Gene Slechta
One Open Seat
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
No one wished to speak.
present
present
present
present
present
present
REGULAR AGENDA
AGENDA ITEM #1 — CONSIDERATION of APPROVING the Regular Session meeting minutes of the
Planning and Zoning Commission from Thursday, JUNE 28, 2012.
Commissioner Gene Slechta MOVED to APPROVE the regular session meeting minutes for the Planning
and Zoning Commission dated June 28, 2012. Commissioner Stan Connick SECONDED. A roll call
was taken and the MOTION CARRIED 5 ayes and 1 abstained), by those present.
Commissioner Richard Tumer
Chairman Lloyd Pew
Commissioner Stan Connick
Commissioner Angela Strohan
Commissioner Gene Slechta
Commissioner Mike Archambault
Page l of 13
aye
aye
aye
aye
aye
abstained
AGENDA ITEM #2 — PUBLIC HEARING to receive comments on a text amendment to Chapter 6 Signs
of the Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Fountain Hills. If adopted, the amendment revises large portions
of the Town's regulations regarding commercial signage. Case Number Z2012-01; Ordinance Number
2012-01 and Resolution Number 2012-20.
Robert Rodgers Senior Planner gave the presentation and included a PowerPoint Presentation. [See
Exhibit "D]
In instances where the committee has recommended a proposed amendment that staff disagrees with, it
has been noted and will be explained further under the Staff Recommendations section of this report.
The sections being amended are as follows:
Section 6.03 - Department name change to Development Services.
- Add that a sliding plexi-glass face change doesn't need a permit.
- Take out Section B that is a hold-over from the distant past. The town does not issue
stickers for signs any more, except for A-Frames.
Section 6.04 - Delete Section C because it is a redundancy. The two previous sections say the same
thing.
Section 6.05 - Town Council recently adopted a revised penalty section into the Town Code which
allows for criminal penalties in some cases of multiple and repeated code violations. This
change just makes this section consistent with that.
Section 6.07.E - This is to make it consistent with the proposed changes to the A-Frame section.
Section 6.07.1.4 - This change is being made to make this section consistent with a new section being
proposed regarding Electronic Message Signs. (See Staff recommendations below)
Section 6.07.1.5 - This change makes this section consistent with the definitions of these types of signs as
well as some later sections of the ordinance.
Section 6.07.1.9 - Deleted because it is now covered by section 5.
Section 6.07.J - Clarification that ALL signs don't necessarily have to be re-done. Only the signs that
don't meet the regulations.
Section 6.07. M - This amendment is to keep this section consistent with some later sections.
Mr. Rodgers focused on the following sections since the previous revisions are mostly
administrative changes.
Section 6.08 - Index Table amended to reflect the changes within the ordinance. The changes include
re-numbering, including new sections as well as a few previously missing sections, and
re-organizing the index.
Section 6.08.6 A-Frame Signs
Proposed changes to the A-Frame regulations are:
Allow businesses which front on more than one street to have more than one A-Frame. (1 per
street front) Rather than only 1 sign each as it is now.
Allow A-Frame signs to be placed within the public right-of-way directly in front of the business
within 1' of the curb.
Delete the section that says A-Frame signs can't be used for directional purposes. (The "no
arrow" clause)
Remove the text area limitation since the sign's size already limits what can be on it.
Page 2 of 13
Require A -Frame signs with attachments like balloons to be 3' back from the curb.
Change the sunset clause date to reflect the Town Council's last extension.
Section 6.08.D Event Banners
Proposed changes to the Banner regulations are:
- Allowing Grand Opening banners to be up for 30 days rather than 14.
- Delete Section 2 to reflect actual practice. The displays generally stay up for the duration of the
event and are rarely taken in at the end of each day and brought out again the following morning.
- A clarification that the measurement of a balloon's height is from the ground, not from the top of
the sign.
- Allow event displays for 3 days per week rather than the current allowance of 3 days (60 hours)
per month.
(See Staff recommendations below)
- Section 6.08.D Banners
Staff does not support allowing banners to be erected for three days per week
every week Staff feels that such a regulation change will lead to excessive sign
clutter. Staff also believes that the three-day/week limit would become virtually
unenforceable. Staff recommends that the recommendation to allow banners to be
displayed three -days per week be denied.
Section 6.08.F Contractor Signs
This change would allow contractors to put up a banner instead of a hard sign when they are
working on site.
(See Staff recommendations below)
- Section 6.08.F Contractor Sians
Staff does not support allowing contractors to put up banners instead of a hard
signs when they are working on site Staff has had no requests from contractors
for this amendment and we believe that such a change will lead to visual clutter,
especially in residential neighborhoods Staff recommends that this amendment be
denied.
Section 6.08.J Freestanding Signs
The changes make this section consistent with the rest of the ordinance which was changed in
2009.
New Sub -Sections 7 and 8 are being added. These are sections that were previously stand-alone
sections CC and EE but the review committee feels that they are variations of freestanding signs
and so should be moved to this Section J to make things simpler for new businesses looking for
information. The contents of these sections are not changing.
Section 6.08.M Garage Sale Signs
The amendments to this section are designed to make them consistent with the A -Frame
regulations being proposed. The committee felt that a maximum size is sufficient and that a
Minimum size was not necessary. The section adds corrugated plastic as an alternative material
as well.
Section 6.08.P Neon Signs
Allow neon signs to be used for any signage rather than just OPEN signs or company logos in
storefront windows.
(See Staff recommendations below)
Page 3 of 13
Section 6.08.P Neon Signs
The current ordinance allows neon signs to be used as OPEN signs or company logos in
storefront windows only Staff does not support the amendment to allow for increased
neon signage for any type of sign Staff feels that such signage is not in keeping with the
southwestern style of commercial development that is encouraged through Concept Plan
Review and Architectural Design Review. Staff recommends that this amendment be
denied.
Section 6 08 Q Open House Directional Signs
The changes will make this section consistent with the Real Estate Sign, the A -Frame Sign, and
Garage Sale Sign sections of the ordinance. The committee also thought that limiting the size of
the sign is sufficient and that limiting the text area was not necessary. The committee is
proposing removing the spacing requirement from street corners when signs don't present
a safety hazard. However the signs may not be clumped all together.
Section 6 08 R Political & Ideological Signs
These changes are being made to bring the
Political Signs are going to be bigger and
ways.
Town's ordinance into conformance with State law.
must now be permitted to be in the public right -of -
Section 6.08.S Projecting Signs
The current ordinance effectively blocks most uses of these sign types. The proposed changes
relax the rules and will allow for these signs to be used more often when appropriate.
Section 6.08.T Real Estate Signs
Real estate signs by their nature are "portable". This section is proposed to be modified to clarify
that they may not be A -Frames Signs.
Section 6.08,V Temporary Signs (Section Deleted)
The committee feels that this section is redundant since the rules for the various types of
"temporary" signs are already outlined in other sections.
Section 6 08.AA Lodging District Signs (Section Deleted)
This section is deleted because the committee feels that Lodging districts require signage just like
other commercial developments. Restricting these areas to only one freestanding sign was felt to
be too prohibitive.
Section 6 08 BB Comprehensive Sign Plans (Section moved to 6.082)
The change is simply a re -numbering of the section.
Section 6 08.CC Shared Monument Signs (Section moved to 6.08.J)
As noted earlier, this section is proposed to be moved to 6.08.J.7 but not changed.
Section 6.08.DD Street Addresses (Section moved to become new 6.08.AA)
The change is simply a re -numbering of the section.
Section 6 08 EE Subdivision Identification Signs (Section moved to 6.08.J)
As noted earlier, this section is proposed to be moved to 6.08.J.8 but not changed.
Section 6.08.FF Sign Walkers (Section moved to become new 6.08.1313)
The committee proposal is to allow sign walkers any day of the week rather than only on Fridays
and Saturdays.
(See Staff recommendations below)
Page 4 of 13
Oq
14,
Section 6.08.FF Sign Walkers
Staff does not support the proposal to allow Sign Walkers to be out any day of the
week. The current ordinance allows Sign Walkers to be out only on Fridays and
SaturdaVs. Staff recommends modifying this proposal to allow Sign Walkers to be
out only on Fridays Saturdays and Sundays, thereby allowing them the full
weekend.
Section 6.08.CC Electronic Message Signs (New Section)
Currently these types of signs are not allowed except for use by Churches and Schools.
The committee is recommending that Electronic Message Signs be allowed for commercial and
industrial uses as well under these listed conditions:
o Electronic Message Signs must be on-site.
o Electronic Message Signs may not resemble traffic signals.
o Flashing or changing text or graphics must stop at 10:00 PM
o To reduce night-time glare, after 10:00 PM the background colors must be darker than
the text.
(See Staff recommendations below)
Section 6.07.1.4 and Section 6.08. CC Electronic Message Signs
Currently only Schools and Churches are permitted to use these types of signs.
Staff does not support the proposal to allow Electronic Message Signs for
commercial and industrial uses. Staff's objections to this type of signage are
similar to our objections to Neon Signs and relate to the cumulative effects on the
visual character of the town. Staff recommends that this amendment be denied.
Staff wishes it to be clear to the business community as well as the general public that upon a decision by
the Town Council regarding this proposal, staff will strictly enforce the ordinance in whatever form it is
ultimately adopted or remains.
Public Hearing Opened at 6:46 p.m.
Ronnie Sells owner of Spike's Treats; Plaza Fountainside Merchants Association and member of the
Town Council Sign Ordinance Review Committee spoke in favor of the subcommittee's proposed
amended sign ordinance.
Doug Warn new property owner in Fountain Hills spoke in favor of limiting signage and lighting and
encouraged the town to maintain its integrity.
Frank Farrera CEO Town of Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce spoke in favor of the subcommittee's
proposed amended sign ordinance. Mr. Farrera thanked the subcommittee and staff for all their work on
this ordinance.
James Carpentier on behalf of the Arizona International Sign Association & Arizona Sign Industry
submitted suggestions to the proposed sign ordinance. [See Exhibit "E]
Sherry Sledge, owner of Body Works for Health Center of Fountain Hills for 14 years, and had served on
two "Sign Subcommittees" spoke in favor of A -frame signs and in support of building up the business
community.
PJ Britt, owner of "Just Bead It" shop in town, spoke in favor of A -frame signs.
Sal Ripoli previous sign committee member and owner of Fontana Hair in Fountain Hills spoke in favor of
the sign ordinance as recommended by the Sign Review Committee.
Page 5 of 13
Audrie Ovellette, owner of "Little Caesars Pizza" on Palisades Boulevard, supported the sign ordinance
as proposed and supported allowing sign walkers during the week.
Public Hearing Closed at 7:00 p.m.
AGENDA ITEM #3 — CONSIDERATION of a TEXT AMENDMENT to Chapter 6. Signs of the Zoning
Ordinance of the Town of Fountain Hills. If adopted, the amendment revises large portions of the Town's
regulations regarding commercial signage. Case Number Z2012-01; Ordinance Number 2012-01 and
Resolution Number 2012-20.
Chairman Lloyd Pew proposed to make a motion and if seconded, each item will be opened separately
for comments and discussion.
Chairman Lloyd Pew made a MOTION to forward a recommendation to the Town Council to APPROVE
the text amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 6, "Signs" as presented with the amendments
recommended by staff. Vice -Chairman Angela Strohan SECONDED.
Chairman Lloyd Pew requested any comments and open discussions on this item from the
Commissioners.
Section 6.03 - Department name change to Development Services.
- Add that a sliding plexi -glass face change doesn't need a permit.
- Take out Section B that is a hold -over from the distant past. The town does not issue
stickers for signs any more, except for A -Frames. — NO COMMENTS/NO QUESTIONS
Section 6.04 - Delete Section C because it is a redundancy. The two previous sections say the same
thing. NO COMMENTS/NO QUESTIONS
Section 6.05 - Town Council recently adopted a revised penalty section into the Town Code which
allows for criminal penalties in some cases of multiple and repeated code violations. This
change just makes this section consistent with that.
Commissioner Gene Slechta stated he proposed an increase in the penalty amounts because
businesses continue to be a "signage" enforcement issue due to and their lack of compliance. An
increase in the cost of violations would hopefully give businesses an incentive to comply with the
Town's Zoning Ordinance. Commissioner Slechta pointed out the our town has one of the most
lenient rules compared to most of the valley municipalities, so Commissioner Slechta was
proposing stiffer penalties.
Vice -Chairman Angela Strohan asked Mr. Rodgers how the Town Council wished to proceed with
this issue. Mr. Rodgers answered that as of this date, the Town Council understood that staff was
not enforcing the sign ordinance unless the violation became a safety hazard. Mr. Rodgers added
that when this issue comes to the Town Council at public hearing, staff will recommend that all
citizens and businesses understand that the Zoning Ordinance would be enforced.
Commissioner Richard Turner asked if staff would be proactive in its enforcement. Mr. Rodgers
answered that not at first. Safety issues would be handled first and then staff would proactively
enforce the ordinance as time and resources permits.
Commissioner Richard Turner asked what the penalties were currently. Mr. Rodgers answered
that there was a three step process that began at $25.00, then $50.00 and the last step in this
penalty phase was $100.00.
Page 6 of 13
Commissioner Gene Slechta pointed out that approximately 4 -years ago the Town created a sign
committee made up of mostly business owners. Commissioner Slechta continued that several
changes were made to the ordinance and still there was only 10% compliance with the business
owners. Commissioner Slechta noted that Town Council has made a plea to the business owners
to come into compliance so the sunset clause could possibly be eliminated. The Town Council's
request still was not heard with 85% of businesses in Town out of compliance. Commissioner
Slechta pressed that more teeth needed to be placed in the penalty phase of this ordinance.
Commissioner Gene Slechta made a MOTION to amend section 6.05 and increase the penalties to
10 times the current amounts; confiscate repeat violator's signs; charge business owners for
Town staff time and if there are more than three violations in one year consider cancelling or
suspending the violator's businesses license.
Chairman Lloyd Pew asked if any Commissioner were going to Second. No second was made so
the MOTION died for lack of a second.
Commissioner Mike Archambault made a MOTION to increase the penalties as follows:
Current first offense $25.00 increased to $100.00
Current 2"d offense $50.00 increased to $500.00
Current 3`d offense $100.00 increased to $700.00
Commissioner Gene Slechta SECONDED the MOTION. The MOTION passed 5-1, with Chairman
Lloyd Pew voting nay.
Vice -Chairman Angela Strohan aye
Commissioner Gene Slechta aye
Commissioner Richard Turner aye
Commissioner Mike Archambault aye
Commissioner Stan Connick aye
Chairman Lloyd Pew nay
Section 6.07.F - This is to make it consistent with the proposed changes to the A -Frame section. NO
COMMENTS/NO QUESTIONS
Section 6.07.1.4 - This change is being made to make this section consistent with a new section being
proposed regarding Electronic Message Signs. (See Staff recommendations below)
Commissioner Gene Slechta stated that he believed there was a role for electronic signage and
would like to remove this item and take more time to address the use of these signs at a later date.
Chairman Pew stated that staff has already given their recommendations and if followed, nothing
more needed to be done at this time.
Chairman Pew pointed out there was a motion on the table.
Vice -Chairman Strohan asked about the electronic message sign at the athletic club on Saguaro
Boulevard and if there had been any fines imposed. Robert Rodgers answered that staff has not
been enforcing the sign ordinance. Vice -Chairman Strohan asked if that sign would be
grandfathered and Mr. Rodgers stated no because it was not built according to its permit. Mr.
Rodgers added that staff was waiting for the outcome of this ordinance.
Commissioner Gene Slechta stated that the difference between his stance and staff's was that he
felt there was a place in our town for these signs and staff did not. Commissioner Slechta agreed
the staff recommendation should stand but wished to have this issue discussed at a later date.
Page 7 of B
Section 6.07.1.5 - This change makes this section consistent with the definitions of these types of signs as
well as some later sections of the ordinance. Mr. Rodgers stated that this item would be
eliminated if 6.07.1. 4 passed because 6.07.1.4 and 6.07.1.5 are integrated.
Section 6.07.1.9 - Deleted because it is now covered by section 5. NO COMMENTS/NO QUESTIONS
Section 6.07.J - Clarification that ALL signs don't necessarily have to be re -done. Only the signs that
don't meet the regulations. NO COMMENTS/NO QUESTIONS
Section 6.07.M - This amendment is to keep this section consistent with some later sections. NO
COMMENTS/NO QUESTIONS
Section 6.08 - Index Table amended to reflect the changes within the ordinance. The changes include
re -numbering, including new sections as well as a few previously missing sections, and
re -organizing the index. NO COMMENTS/NO QUESTIONS
Section 6.08.13 A -Frame Signs
Proposed changes to the A -Frame regulations are:
Allow businesses which front on more than one street to have more than one A -Frame. (1 per
street front) rather than only 1 sign each as it is now.
Allow A -Frame signs to be placed within the public right-of-way directly in front of the business
within 1' of the curb.
Delete the section that says A -Frame signs can't be used for directional purposes. (The "no
arrow" clause)
Remove the text area limitation since the sign's size already limits what can be on it.
Require A -Frame signs with attachments like balloons to be 3' back from the curb.
Section 6.08.D Banners
Staff does not support allowing banners to be erected for three days per week, every
week. Staff feels that such a regulation change will lead to excessive sign clutter. Staff
also believes that the three-dayAveek limit would become virtually unenforceable. Staff
recommends that the recommendation to allow banners to be displayed three -days per
week be denied.
Commissioner Mike Archambault made a MOTION to add the following language to Section 6,08.D
Banners as follows: Attachments to signs will be limited to balloons no higher than 6' from the
ground and if attachments are used the A -Frame must be set -back so as not to impede pedestrian
or motor traffic for a minimum of 3'. Commissioner Gene Slechta SECONDED. The MOTION
FAILED with a vote of 3-3. Roll call vote was taken as follows:
Vice -Chairman Angela Strohan
nay
Commissioner Stan Connick
aye
Commissioner Gene Slechta
aye
Commissioner Richard Turner
nay
Chairman Lloyd Pew
nay
Commissioner Mike Archambault
aye
Change the sunset clause date to reflect the Town Council's last extension
Commissioner Gene Slechta commented on A -Frame signs being placed within the public right-
of-way directly in front of the business within i' of the curb. Commissioner Slechta believed that
A -Frames should only be allowed in the downtown area as defined in the Area Specific Plan
approved by Town Council and located in the part of the community that was walkable and where
A -Frame signs are most effective. Commissioner Slechta added that by restricting A -Frames to
Page 8 of 13
the downtown area it would reduce possible drivers' distraction on the road. Commissioner
Slechta stated that by only allowing A -Frames in the downtown area it would remove the tacky
signs from our Town's gateway, which is Saguaro Boulevard because first impressions from our
visitors are very important. Commissioner Slechta expressed that A -Frames were very valuable to
the business community but should be restricted to the downtown area.
Chairman Lloyd Pew replied that he believes A -Frame signs are very valuable to drivers' and are
seen as they drive by.
Commissioner Gene Slechta made a MOTION to amend section 6.08.8 to restrict A -Frame signs to
the downtown area as defined in the Area Specific Plan. Commissioner Mike Archambault
SECONDED and the MOTION FAILED 2-4, as follows:
Chairman Lloyd Pew nay
Vice -Chairman Angela Strohan nay
Commissioner Mike Archambault aye
Commissioner Richard Turner nay
Commissioner Gene Slechta aye
Commission Stan Connick nay
Commissioner Gene Slechta stated he opposed the signage at 3' from curb where balloons could
blow into the road and be a distraction and a safety issue. It would also be almost impossible to
enforce by staff.
Commissioner Slechta made a MOTION that 6.088.5 A -Frames with balloons attached could not
be in the public right-of-way. No Commissioners SECONDED and the MOTION DIED for lack of
second.
Commissioner Richard Turner asked Mr. Rodgers if the Town Attorney had reviewed this
document. Mr. Rodgers answered that the Town Attorney was in the process of reviewing and the
document would be returned by Mr. McGuire before the Town Council hearing. Commissioner
Turner asked if the Town Attorney had issues with the right-of-way placement of A -Frames and
Mr. Rodgers answered that the Attorney had noted in the past that he did have issues with the
liability of signage in the right-of-way.
Commissioner Mike Archambault stated that he had completed much research on A -Frame
including documents located within Town Hall and his research found that A -Frames were not
designed for vehicle traffic but for walking traffic. Commissioner Archambault stated that the
temporary signage definition of A -Frames does not meet the criteria for names of businesses and
phone numbers. Commissioner Archambault referenced documents he found that talked about
the Town responsibility to move traffic through town and the impression and responsibility the
town had on making a good first impression. It was then that the business' responsibility was to
promote their business within the town.
Commissioner Mike Archambault pointed out the definition listed for A -Frame signs in the current
Zoning Ordinance. 6.08.4 as stated (A -frame signs shall be for promotional purposes only, which
means that the sign shall serve to stir interest in a business product or special event at the
business but shall not serve to provide directions to the businessl. Commissioner Archambault
stated he could not support A -Frames in the right-of-way.
Chairman Lloyd Pew referenced a hair salon located back away from the road and how an A -
Frame would benefit that business. Commissioner Mike Archambault could support A -Frames
located in the downtown right-of-way area only to help those businesses in such areas.
Commissioner Slechta discussed the hours that A -Frames are proposed to be displayed. Current
ordinance allows display between the hours of 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. The Sign Committee has
Page 9 of 13
proposed to allow these sign to be displayed during their business hours. Commissioner Slechta
noted possible complications with this proposal and especially, for the enforcement of this
amendment. Commissioner Archambault pointed out the self-service car wash which is open 24 -
hours, but is not manned. He continued to state that with this proposed amendment, this car
wash would be in compliance with an A -Frame in the right-of-way 24/7.
Section 6.08.D Event Banners
Proposed changes to the Banner regulations are:
Allowing Grand Opening banners to be up for 30 days rather than 14.
Delete Section 2 to reflect actual practice. The displays generally stay up for the duration of the
event and are rarely taken in at the end of each day and brought out again the following morning.
A clarification that the measurement of a balloon's height is from the ground, not from the top of
the sign.
Allow event displays for 3 days per week rather than the current allowance of 3 days (60 hours)
per month.
Vice -Chairman Strohan asked why the Grand Opening banners are proposed to be allowed
for 30 -days. Mr. Rodgers explained that the businesses would like to place their banners
two -weeks before and two -weeks after a grand opening. Also, it brings this section in line
with churches which are allowed to have banners up for 30 -days.
Commissioner Turner asked Mr. Rodgers if under this new ordinance if tear -drop banners
would be allowed. Mr. Rodgers answered that only during some special events.
Section 6.08.F Contractor Signs
This change would allow contractors to put up a banner instead of a hard sign when they are
working on site.
(See Staff recommendations below)
Staff does not support allowing contractors to put up banners instead of a hard signs
when they are working on site. Staff has had no requests from contractors for this
amendment and we believe that such a change will lead to visual clutter, especially in
residential neighborhoods. Staff recommends that this amendment be denied.
Commissioner Archambault asks why banner was added to the contractor allowed signs.
Mr. Rodgers answered that banners were cheaper to have made and faster to put up.
Commissioner Turner pointed out that during his review of sign ordinances in other towns
they do allow banners to be used by contractors.
Vice -Chairman Strohan expressed her concern for the appearances of these banners such
as ripping and weather damage. Vice -Chairman asked who would be tracking these signs
and Vice -Chairman Strohan pointed out that wooden signs are less likely to deteriorate.
Commissioner Connick stated that banners were appropriate when incorporated on fences
and he supported this amendment.
Chairman Lloyd Pew requested verification that any contractor could place signage
including a day or week or longer contractor working at a residence in town. Mr. Rodgers
stated that that was correct.
Commissioner Stan Connick made a MOTION to allow contractors to place their banners
on property under construction. Commissioner Richard Turner SECONDED the MOTION
and passed 4-2, with Vice -Chairman Strohan and Commissioner Archambault casting the
nay votes.
Page 10 of 13
•
Section 6.08.J Freestanding Signs
The changes make this section consistent with the rest of the ordinance which was changed in
2009. NO COMMENTSMO QUESTIONS
New Sub -Sections 7 and 8 are being added. These are sections that were previously stand-alone
sections CC and EE but the review committee feels that they are variations of freestanding signs
and so should be moved to this Section J to make things simpler for new businesses looking for
information. The contents of these sections are not changing.
Section 6.08.M Garage Sale Signs
The amendments to this section are designed to make them consistent with the A -Frame
regulations being proposed. The committee felt that a maximum size is sufficient and that a
Minimum size was not necessary. The section adds corrugated plastic as an alternative material as well.
NO COMMENTSINO QUESTIONS
Section 6.08.P Neon Signs
Allow neon signs to be used for any signage rather than just OPEN signs or company logos in
storefront windows.
(See Staff recommendations below)
Section 6.08.P Neon Signs
The current ordinance allows neon signs to be used as OPEN signs or company logos in
storefront windows only. Staff does not support the amendment to allow for increased
neon signage, for any type of sign. Staff feels that such signage is not in keeping with the
southwestern style of commercial development that is encouraged through Concept Plan
Review and Architectural Design Review. Staff recommends that this amendment be
denied.
Staff would leave P-1 in place as currently exists. NO COMMENTS/NO QUESTIONS
Section 6 08 0 Open House Directional Signs
The changes will make this section consistent with the Real Estate Sign, the A -Frame Sign, and
Garage Sale Sign sections of the ordinance. The committee also thought that limiting the size of
the sign is sufficient and that limiting the text area was not necessary. The committee is
proposing removing the spacing requirement from street corners when signs don't present
a safety hazard. However the signs may not be clumped all together. NO COMMENTSINO
QUESTIONS
Section 6 08 R Political & Ideological Signs
These changes are being made to bring the Town's ordinance into conformance with State law.
Political Signs are going to be bigger and must now be permitted to be in the public right-of-
ways. NO COMMENTSINO QUESTIONS
Section 6.08.S Projectin Sq igns
The current ordinance effectively blocks most uses of these sign types. The proposed changes
relax the rules and will allow for these signs to be used more often when appropriate. NO
COMMENTSINO QUESTIONS
Section 6.083 Real Estate Signs
Real estate signs by their nature are '-portable". This section is proposed to be modified to clarify
that they may not be A -Frames Signs. NO COMMENTSINO QUESTIONS
Section 6 08 V Temporary Signs (Section Deleted)
The committee feels that this section is redundant since the rules for the various types of
"temporary" signs are already outlined in other sections. NO COMMENTSINO QUESTIONS
Page I I of 13
Section 6 08.AA Lodging District Signs (Section Deleted)
This section is deleted because the committee feels that Lodging districts require signage just like
other commercial developments. Restricting these areas to only one freestanding sign was felt to
be too prohibitive. NO COMMENTS/NO QUESTIONS
Section 6 08 BB Comprehensive Sign Plans (Section moved to 6.08.2)
The change is simply a re -numbering of the section. NO COMMENTS/NO QUESTIONS
Section 6 08.CC Shared Monument Signs (Section moved to 6.08.J)
As noted earlier, this section is proposed to be moved to 6.08.J.7 but not changed. NO
COMMENTS/NO QUESTIONS
Section 6.08.DD Street Addresses (Section moved to become new 6.08.AA)
The change is simply a re -numbering of the section. NO COMMENTSINO QUESTIONS
Section 6 08 EE Subdivision Identification Signs (Section moved to 6.08.J)
As noted earlier, this section is proposed to be moved to 6.08.J.8 but not changed. NO
COMMENTS/NO QUESTIONS
Section 6.08.FF Sign Walkers (Section moved to become new 6.08.136)
The committee proposal is to allow sign walkers any day of the week rather than only on Fridays
and Saturdays.
(See Staff recommendations below)
Section 6.08.FF Sign Walkers
e Staff does not support the proposal to allow Sign Walkers to be out any day of the week.
The current ordinance allows Sign Walkers to be out only on Fridays and Saturdays. Staff
recommends modifying this proposal to allow Sign Walkers to be out only on Fridays,
Saturdays, and Sundays, thereby allowing them the full weekend.
NO COMMENTSINO QUESTIONS
Section 6.08 CC Electronic Message Signs (New Section)
Currently these types of signs are not allowed except for use by Churches and Schools.
The committee is recommending that Electronic Message Signs be allowed for commercial and
industrial uses as well under these listed conditions:
o Electronic Message Signs must be on-site.
o Electronic Message Signs may not resemble traffic signals.
o Flashing or changing text or graphics must stop at 10:00 PM
o To reduce night-time glare, after 10:00 PM the background colors must be darker than
the text.
Commissioner Gene Slechta would like this item to be discussed since staff has
recommended continuing to not allow these signs because he believed there is a place for
these signs within the community. Chairman Lloyd Pew answered that this ordinance as
discussed should be addressed before a new committee was formed to discuss this issue.
Chairman stated that this issue could be added to the list of future items to be discussed.
Chairman Lloyd Pew restated the MOTION to forward a recommendation to the Town Council to
APPROVE the text amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 6, Signs as presented with the
amendments recommended by staff, subject to the following changes:
1. Increased penalty amounts for the fines.
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A
2. To allow Contractor's banners.
The MOTION passed 5-1, with Commissioner Gene Slechta casting the nay vote.
AGENDA ITEM #4 — COMMISSION DISC USSIONIREQUEST FOR RESEARCH to staff. Items listed
below are related only to the propriety of (i) placing such items on a future agenda for action or (ii)
directing staff to conduct further research and report back to the commission.
NONE
AGENDA ITEM #5- SUMMARY OF COMMISSION REQUEST from Senior Planner.
NONE
AGENDA ITEM #6 — REPORT from Senior Planner, Planning and Zoning Division of
Development Services.
Mr. Rodgers reminded the Commissioners whose terms expire on September 30, 2012, to submit
their reappointment applications or let Janice Baxter know if they chose not to submit for
reappointment by August 20, 2012.
AGENDA ITEM #11 - ADJOURNMENT.
Commissioner Richard Turner MOVED to adjourn and Vice -Chairman Angela Strohan SECONDED and
the MOTION CARRIED (6-0), by those present.
Chairman Lloyd Pew
Vice -Chairman Angela Strohan
Commissioner Stan Connick
Commissioner Richard Turner
Commissioner Gene Slechta
Commissioner Mike Archambault
The regular meeting ADJOURNED at 7:55 P.M.
FOUNTAIN HILLS PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
BY:
1
Chairman Lloyd E. Pew
CERTIFICATION
aye
aye
aye
aye
aye
aye
ATTEST:
Janice axter, ecorder
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the meeting of the
Fountain Hills Planning and Zoning Commission held on the 12`h day of July 2012, in the Town Council
Chambers. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and that a quorum was present.
Dated this 12'hday of July 2012.
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Janice Bax er, Recorder