TITLE
Initiating Business Sign Zoning Code Study.
BODY
WHEREAS, the Saint Paul Zoning Code, found in chapters 60 through 69 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code, is established to promote and to protect the public health, safety, morals, aesthetics, economic viability and general welfare of the community, to implement the policies of the comprehensive plan, and to fix reasonable standards to which buildings, structures and uses shall conform; and
WHEREAS, Section 61.801(b) of the Zoning Code authorizes the Saint Paul City Council to initiate amendments to the code; and
WHEREAS, Section 61.801(a) of the Zoning Code calls for periodic review of said codes to reflect current City policies, to address changes in state laws, and to bring the zoning code up to date; and
WHEREAS, the 2040 Comprehensive Plan calls for the use of zoning flexibility to respond to change (LU-7); and
WHEREAS, portions of the current sign code may be overly restrictive, difficult to interpret, or misaligned with contemporary commercial needs, and amendments to the sign code will make sign regulations more clear, flexible, and predictable to support small businesses, facilitate effective customer communication, and promote vibrant commercial corridors; and
WHEREAS, national best practices for sign regulation emphasize balancing aesthetic considerations with the need for businesses to maintain visibility, communicate branding, and adapt to changing market conditions; and
WHEREAS, improving the business friendliness of the City’s sign regulations aligns with broader economic development goals, including supporting neighborhood commercial districts, enhancing the vitality of small and locally owned businesses, and fostering a competitive retail environment.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, under provisions of Legislative Code §61.801, that the City Council hereby initiates a zoning study to consider possible amendments to the Zoning Code regarding signage regulations.