2012-01-09 Community Planning and Development Commission Minutes

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Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 -2683 Phone: 781- 942 -6612 Fax: 781- 942 -9071 Email: jdelios @ci.reading.ma.us Community Planning and Development Commission CPDC MINUTES Meeting Dated: January 9, 2012 Location: Selectmen's Meeting Room Time: 7:30 PM Members Present: John Weston, Chair; David Tuttle; and Charlie Adams Members Absent: Nicholas Safina Also Present: Jean Delios, Town Planner; Jessie Wilson, Staff Planner and Recording Secretary Others Present: None There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM. Sign Enforcement Ms. Delios provided the Board with an update on sign enforcement. She indicated that the Staff Planner dedicates time every week to sign enforcement activities. She said a good way to correct violations is when businesses come for permit approval. The idea is to identify any issues that may arise during the permit process or through Site Plan Review; however there will always be instances where a sign is installed incorrectly. She mentioned that the planning staff will be working on the sign permit application. She believes it does require enough detail, and that the disconnect may occur when the applicant is ready to install the sign. Another issue is ensuring that the applicant clearly understands the definitions of the various types of lighting as defined in our Sign By -Law. The Sign -By -Law is also confusing and should be re- visited for changes. Adding examples of sign types and lighting options would also help alleviate some confusion. Ms. Delios stated that the planning staff will be working on updating the sign permit application and look into some potential changes to the Sign By -Law that will make it easier for applicants. Mr. Weston mentioned that he and Ms. Delios considered expanding the Certificate of Appropriateness for sign applications to other districts. He believed that this could end up being too cumbersome due to the number of businesses in the other districts. Mr. Tuttle responded that a certificate of compliance may be something to consider which would require applicants to demonstrate compliance, rather than wait for an approval or permit. The Board continued to discuss other alternatives for sign enforcement. Mr. Weston concluded the conversation stating that the sign permit application should be re- visited and to continue working on improving the whole sign permit application process. Page 1 of 3