TO: Planning Commission
THRU: Craig Harmon, CZO – Senior Planner
FROM: Scott Walters, CZO – Senior Planner
Heather Eckhardt, CZO – Planner II
DATE: September 16, 2025
RE:Title
TA25-04: Revisions to UDO Section 30-5.L Signage and 30-9.D. Definitions
Title
end
end
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
All
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
Goal II: Responsible City Government Supporting a Diverse and Viable Economy
Executive Summary:
The Planning Commission is asked to make a recommendation and forward the item to the City Council.
The City of Fayetteville previously contracted with Benchmark Planning to draft an updated sign ordinance. The new sign ordinance was adopted earlier this year.
Following the adoption of the new sign ordinance, staff has identified areas for clarification and improvement of the ordinance.
Background:
The previous sign ordinance had minimal updates since the adoption of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The primary goal of the recent update to the sign code was to improve the structure of the ordinance to create a more user-friendly document.
Before any proposed amendment reaches the City Council for a vote, it undergoes a thorough review process by the City’s Planning Commission. This commission plays a vital role in ensuring responsible development in Fayetteville.
North Carolina General Statutes Section 160D-301 authorizes local governments to establish planning boards. These boards, including Fayetteville’s Planning Commission, can be tasked with various duties, including:
• Reviewing and recommending changes to development regulations, like the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).
• Developing policies and procedures that promote efficient and coordinated urban planning.
This review process by the Planning Commission ensures that proposed amendments are carefully considered and aligned with the City’s overall development goals.
Issues/Analysis:
Following the adoption of the new sign ordinance, staff has identified several areas for improvement. Most proposed changes are minor, such as correcting typographical errors. Others aim to expand the types of signs allowed without permits, permit additional signage for non-residential uses in residential districts, and clarify the number of signs allowed per site.
The Consistency Statement demonstrates how the proposed UDO Text Amendments support the City of Fayetteville’s Comprehensive Plan. This plan outlines the city’s vision for responsible urban development.
Budget Impact:
None at this time
Options:
1. Move to recommend approval of the proposed text amendments (recommended);
2. Remand the proposed text amendments back to staff for further consideration and specific changes;
3. Move to recommend denial of the proposed text amendments
Recommended Action::Recommended Action
The Professional Planning Staff recommends that the Planning Commission move for Option (1) and recommend approval of the proposed text amendment to the City Council.
end
Attachments:
Table of Proposed Changes
Consistency Statement