Hope Planning & Zoning Commission

The Hope Planning and Zoning Commission met in the City Hall Boardroom Monday (9-16) at noon. There were two topics on the agenda. A local resident, Deborah Stewart, contested a ruling that didn’t allow for two dwellings on her property.  She had turned a gazebo, which is classified into an accessory structure, into a residence. Living within an accessory structure is not allowed.  There is also an issue that she is approaching the maximum coverage of 40 percent of her land with structure. Stewart also converted installed parking garages on her property without applying for permits.  The other issue concerns Heather Doucet State Farm wanting to move a sign for the business back a couple of blocks as they move the business.  The sign would be moved from a C2 commercial zone to a C4.  In zone C1 signs are allowed to be 50 square feet or one fifth the height and one third the width of the building, whichever is greater. The sign cannot extend higher than the front of the building. In zone C2 the rules are the same except for a sign on a pole is also allowed but it can’t be greater than 50 square feet.  This is only a partial list of the code regulations as the number and size of banners, the use of temporary signs, and portable signs are all regulated. Some of the other regulations include, in Zone C1, portable signs are not allowed while in C2 and C3 they are but must be removed within 90 days from the initial commencement of business. Banners cannot be larger 40 square feet in area and cannot be displayed more than 30 days within any 60-day period in zone C1 and C2, 14 days in zone C3, and 7 days in zone C4. Where signs and banners are placed is also regulated with C1 only allowing two banners on each visual side and in zones C3 and C4 as well as residential zones C2-5 detached signs cannot be within 10 feet of the right of way. An unattached sign shall not exceed 5 feet from the ground.  In zone C3 the maximum is 20 square feet and zone C4 it is12 square feet. The sign in question is 60 square feet and cost the owner a significant amount. The purpose of these codes is to make sure the signs don’t block building visibility. The variance was granted.

Carl Conley also said he is happy to explain to people what the building codes are. One of the other ones he mentioned was the requirement of a room in which people sleep must have an outside door or window to get out in case of fire.  It must be big enough for the person to escape in an emergency situation.  Since fire can’t always be smelled it can sneak up on people and take them by surprise.

For information on what zone a specific property is in and any further regulations, consult with members of the Planning and Zoning Commission. While the Planning and Zoning Commission only meets when the need arises, Carl Conley and Dilesha Bradley are happy to answer questions. Later this year Dorsey Askew will be taking Conley’s place.