12-11-2003 Workshop Meeting•
MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE
PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD
WORKSHOP MEETING
DECEMBER 11, 2003
The workshop meeting was called to order by Chairman Fernandez at 6:45
P. M.. A roll call showed the following persons present:
ROLL CALL:
Richard Fernandez, Chairman
W. Robert Abramitis
Timothy Crutchfield - Absent
Caesar Sastre
Donald Shockey — joined meeting at 7:20 P. M.
STAFF PRESENT: Al Berg, Planning and Zoning Director
• The Board decided to look at the sign ordinance and asked Mr. Berg to
advise them as to what was working well with the sign ordinance and what
wasn't.
Mr. Berg gave a brief introduction of the types of signs allowed and the
different zoning classifications in the Village. Specifics of the B-1 and the
B-2 Districts were noted. Mr. Berg indicated that these two districts were
extremely generous as far as the square footage requirements were
concerned. There was no provision to limit window signs even though we
have been including them as wall signs.
Chairman Fernandez raised reservations about the "harmony" part of the
ordinance and that he was uncomfortable with subjectivity associated with
such a broad phrase. He indicated that there should be some ratio of sign to
wall space. We need to be sensitive to national logos, but consistent in
direction. Lighting and neon also should be defined. The code should
distinguish between signs and advertising. A unified plan for each business
and building should be submitted. There should be sufficient law to provide
guidelines but there should also be enough room to allow discretion by the
• Board.
• Mr. Sastre stated that he agrees with the uniformity concept, but you must
look at the style of building when deciding what will go with it, realizing,
that some designs are not going to work. Exterior lighting should also be a
factor to consider whenever approving signs.
Mr. Abramitis expressed concern for company logos and that if we allow
one type of logo, we must consider them all. Lack of uniformity was the
biggest issues for signs. In the B-1 District, we should only be concerned
with neighborhood advertising. It would be better if a property owner
submitted an overall plan for his building with a scheme the size, location,
and color of all signs. The Planning Board could approve the scheme and
then the applicant wouldn't have to ask for their approval each time a tenant
changed, as long as the sign matched what was approved before by the
Board. Each building would have its' own look and sign scheme. With
regard to real estate signs, he was satisfied with the current size.
Mr. Shockey felt that consistency is important. He felt that simplicity of the
code was very important. Size and dimension of the sign should also be
considered. He felt that logos were okay as long as they were limited in size.
Security issues should also be considered when window signs are discussed.
A limited amount of coverage is necessary.
There being no further business before the Bo'`e= et g djourned at
8:00 P. M..
•
airman, anni � : and Zoning Board