Public Forum: Missoula County Fairgrounds Heritage Signs
UPDATE: The public forum took place on June 27th. The case is now closed for comment.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Community Planning, Development, and Innovation has received notice from A&E Designs on behalf of Missoula County Fairgrounds of their intent to replace an existing sign with heritage signs at the Missoula County Fairgrounds. The subject property is located at 1075 South Avenue W. The proposed project includes the removal of the existing overhead entrance sign at Fair Way Drive and South Ave and the addition of two internally illuminated ground signs arching over the Fair Way Drive vehicle and pedestrian fairgrounds entrances. The new design will reflect the heritage of the Missoula County Fairgrounds using distinctive design and lighting, and a historically accurate arch and text font.
The large arched sign to be placed overhead of the vehicle entrance will be 46 square feet in area and 25 feet in height. The small arched sign to be placed overhead the pedestrian entrance is 11 square feet in area and 17 feet in height.
The proposed signs meet the definition of a heritage sign (Title 20, Chapter 20.100.010). A heritage sign is one that employs distinctive graphics, symbols and lighting that is a unique design to the community and are historically-accurate, reflecting the heritage of Missoula. Heritage signs maybe in the form of nonconforming signs or new signs that do not fit within the typical definition and measurements of wall, ground, or other sign.
Both signs were reviewed by the Historic Preservation Officer on March 14, 2022, and were found to comply with the Title 20 Heritage sign definition 20.100.010.
City Council is authorized by state law to hold a public hearing, known as a public forum, when a public agency proposes to use public land contrary to the local zoning regulations. The public agency in this case is Missoula County Fairgrounds. Title 20, Section 20.75.100.B.4 requires heritage signs to be approved by Design Review Board (DRB). However, Missoula County is an agency which allows them to vary from the requirement to establish heritage signs through DRB by holding a public forum at City Council. City Council does not have the power to deny or condition the approval of the project. The proposed use is permitted regardless of the outcome of the hearing. However, public comment is greatly appreciated.
PROJECT APPLICATION LINKS:
The application packet can be viewed here: https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/DocumentCenter/View/60790/Application_Missoula-County-Fairgrounds-Compiled-Public-Forum-Intake-2022_04-28_reduced
PROJECT TIMELINE:
The hearing date is scheduled for June 27th, 2022 at 6:00 PM. The item will also go to Land Use and Planning Committee on June 22nd, 2022 as an informational item. Information on how to attend the meetings virtually and whether a hybrid or in-person option is available is posted here: https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/1149/AgendasWebcastsMinutes
PROJECT COMMENT DEADLINE:
Public comment will be taken by City Council until the public hearing is closed. Comments can be submitted through Engage Missoula, via email to the planner noted below, by mailing in a letter to the City of Missoula office at 435 Ryman Street, Missoula, MT 59802, or during the public meeting. Provide your comment by June 14th, 2022 to be included in the staff report provided to City Council. Your comments may be considered by Missoula County Fairgrounds when moving forward with their proposal.
PROJECT PLANNER:
The project planner is Zoe Walters and can be reached at 406-552-6399, or waltersz@ci.missoula.mt.us.
