Planning Board

TOWN OF SWANSBORO PLANNING BOARD SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 10, 2021 Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm. Board members in attendance were Michael Favata, Christina Ramsey, Scott Chadwick, Jeff Conaway, and Ed McHale. The board had 2 vacancies. Minutes On a motion by Mrs. Ramsey seconded by Mr. Conaway, the minutes for October 5, 2021, regular meeting were approved unanimously. Business Political Sign Ordinance Amendment Planner Jennifer Ansell reviewed that an amendment was proposed to clarify the allowances for political signs due to an inadequacy within the current ordinance which was recently discovered. The amendment sought to do the following: 1) Align the ordinance regulations with NC GS § 136-32, Regulation of signs; 2) Remove the requirement for a sign permit; 3) Clarify the penalties for placement of signs which do not meet these criteria; 4) Clarify the types of signage allowed under this section; and 5) Clarify the size limitations for signage under this section. In response to inquires from the Board, Mrs. Ansell clarified the following: • The proposed changes would have prevented the resent political sign issues where a candidate erected signs that were too large then split them to bring them into compliance. • The number of signs could not be limited on state roads. • Candidates that violated the ordinance would be given notice to comply before removal and/or disposal of signs not in compliance. Board members discussed limiting the number of signs to prevent so much congestion during the political season and considered language changes to be more specific with restrictions on size and composition. On a motion by Mr. Conaway, seconded by Mrs. Ramsey the item was tabled for further language consideration and for limiting the number of signs to be reviewed by the Town attorney. The motion was unanimous. Planning Board Program of Work Review Board agreed to focus on commercial nodes, RA zoning amendments, and the return of the political sign ordinance. Adjournment On a motion by Mr. Chadwick, seconded by Mr. McHale, the meeting adjourned at 6:04 pm. Page 1 of 1