HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem VI
PLAN COMMISSION STAFF REPORT NOVEMBER 21, 2023
ITEM VI: PUBLIC HEARING: TEXT AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE
RELATED TO THE DEFINITION OF A COMMERCIAL MESSAGE WITHIN
THE SIGN ORDINANCE
GENERAL INFORMATION
Applicant: Department of Community Development
Actions Requested:
The City of Oshkosh Department of Community Development requests the review and
approval of an amendment to the Oshkosh Zoning Ordinance.
Applicable Ordinance Provisions:
Section 30-380 of the Zoning Ordinance establishes the ability of the Common Council, on its
own motion or on petition after first submitting the proposal to the City Plan Commission, to
amend, supplement or change Zoning District boundaries or regulations of the Zoning
Ordinance.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The City of Oshkosh adopted a new zoning ordinance which went into effect on January 1,
2017. Since the adoption of the ordinance, staff has noticed a number of code sections that
should be modified following further examination and discussion with the public and
developers. At the beginning of 2023 a Mural Ordinance Stakeholder Group was formed from
members of the prior Public Arts and Beautification Committee to review the current Mural
Ordinance and recommend changes. Throughout the year, the Stakeholder Group and City
Staff worked together to update and revise the Mural Ordinance. The outcome of those
recommended changes resulted in Planning Staff and City Attorneys Staff feeling that the
definition of Commercial Messaging also needed to be updated so the two ordinances did not
conflict with each other.
ANALYSIS
Staff proposes an amendment to the following Zoning Ordinance code section,
30-271(G)(5), to change the definition of a Commercial Message.
Current Definition:
Section 30-217(G)(5) Commercial Message. Any sign wording, logo, or other representation
that, directly or indirectly, names, advertises, or calls attention to a business product, service,
idea or commercial activity. Electronic changeable copy is regulated as an electronic message
board as defined in Section 30-280
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Item VI - Text Amendments-Zoning Ordinance
Revised Definition
Section 30-217(G)(5) Commercial Message. Any sign wording, logo, or trademark that names,
advertises, or calls attention to a specific business product, service, or commercial activity.
Electronic changeable copy is regulated as an electronic message board as defined in Section 30-
280
Staff feel this amendment is needed in order for the proposed Mural Ordinance and Sign
Ordinance to be consistent with each other.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Plan Commission recommend approval of the proposed amendment
to the Oshkosh Zoning Ordinance.
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