Council to Consider Main Street Zoning Proposals

New sign and building requirements will be among the proposals reviewed by the City Council Monday as it considers zoning modifications along south Main Street.

Though the area between First and Warner streets is already near its capacity for businesses, city officials said, zoning modifications will ease the permit process for future enterprises.

Cindy Nelson, executive director of community development, said that because lots in the area are small, property owners have difficulty meeting requirements such as the 15-foot setback rule, which mandates a border between buildings and property lines.

Under the recommendations to be considered Monday, the setback requirement would be eliminated, Nelson said.

Also under consideration will be a proposal to allow more types of business signs. Companies are now required to use monument-type signs that are placed on the ground adjacent to the business.

The zoning changes would allow businesses to post signs on roofs or on the sides of buildings.

Nelson said the proposals would “eliminate extra layers of [of bureaucracy] for property owners and planning staff.”