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41. Regular Meeting January 28, 2002 Page 6 CONSTRUCTION OF OFF-PREMISE SIGNS; INCLUDING PROCEDURAL PROVISIONS; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND PROVIDING FOR PENALTIES. Mr. Mayhew moved for adoption of the Ordinance on emergency and Ms. Tatum seconded the motion. Ms. Hughson asked if the definitions in this Ordinance were consistent with other Ordinances, and Mr. Taylor stated it was consistent with the Sign Ordinance, and he did not believe the definitions would appear in other Ordinances. Mr. Cox asked for background to be provided why we need this moratorium. Mr. Patterson stated this originated with the Planning and Zoning Commission. There were several zoning requests for strips along the Interstate in order to erect new signs, and the Commission wanted time out until the Development Ordinance could be completed, approximately 180 days or six months. Mayor Chiu stated the zoning has to be changed before those billboards could be erected. Ms. Tatum asked how many requests were made, and Mr. Patterson stated five requests for rezoning and ten could be done administratively by Staff, totaling fifteen requests in the last two to three months. Scenic Texas provides a model ordinance to address off-premise billboards, and Staff is looking at this model. Mr. Cox stated the Council of Neighborhood Associations is looking at cities that have banned the placement of new signs, which include Austin, Georgetown and Round Rock. Mr. Patterson stated with the extraterritorial jurisdiction expanded, it created new sites for billboards. Mr. Mihalkanin stated the use of the terminology "suspension" would be more desirable than "moratorium". Mr. Mayhew stated he had no problem with "moratorium". Mr. Taylor stated he would need to read through the Ordinance to change the language to suspension. Mr. Montoya asked how many more sign requests could be made, and Mr. Patterson stated there may only be a few spots left, but outside the City limits without zoning it would be difficult, as the potential would be much greater in the ETJ. Mr. Cox asked how many billboards would be allowed in the model ordinance, and Mr. Patterson stated that would still be a Council decision. Mr. Cox stated he wants to know what the model ordinance says and what other cities have done. Mr. Patterson stated Scenic Texas is interested in banning further billboards. He stated they can do some research and count the existing number of billboards, growth pattern, etc. Mayor Chiu stated he does not know how the commercial sector will be impacted as the City limits extends. Mr. Patterson stated the areas will mostly be along IH35, and Hwys. 80 and 123. The Texas Department of Transportation regulates outside the City limits and the City coordinates the ETJ. Mr. Patterson stated there has been a rush on permits allowed administratively. If the Ordinance is adopted on emergency, they will need to allow the permits already requested to be processed by law. Mr. Taylor read into the record all amendments necessary to change the wording from "moratorium" to "suspension". Mr. Mihalkanin moved to amend the Ordinance as read by Mr. Taylor and Ms. Hughson seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Mr. Cox asked if the time period was reduced to 120 days would impose any problems, and Mr. Patterson stated it would not be enough time for the required hearings by the Planning and Zoning Commission and three readings