HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After discussing it in a study session, the Hutchinson Planning Commission will take action on recommending changes to its sign policy to the City Council during Tuesday's meeting.
Currently, all signs must meet the building code, but the code does not provide a clear standard on when engineered drawings are required for a freestanding sign. Current practice is based on the building official’s discretion. The proposed changes would create a clear, reasonable requirement that removes unpredictability. The changes were drafted by Planning and Development, Inspections, and reviewed by the Building Trades Board. It is based on height and fall zone for new freestanding signs and existing freestanding support structures with a new sign larger than the previously permitted sign.
The matter surfaced during a recent council meeting when it became clear a proposed sign didn’t come close to meeting safety guidelines. The matter was met with some objection by Luminous Neon, who cited extra time and some expense associated with providing engineered drawings for freestanding signs. The city has met with Luminous Neon and all cities have some type of structural requirements for freestanding signs. The proposed ordinance would require engineered plans for signs greater than 17 feet in height. Signs 4 feet to 17 feet in height require a site plan showing a perpendicular fall zone equal to the vertical height of the sign. Signs that have a fall zone that encroaches into the public way shall require engineered plans. Signs under 4 feet in height will not require additional documentation.
A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday’s meeting and the City Council will review the amendments during its meeting Feb. 18. Tuesday’s Planning Commission meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Hutchinson city offices.