Two major changes to the Watertown Zoning Ordinance will be discussed by the Town Council at a special meeting.
The public hearing on changes to the Pleasant Street Corridor District zoning and the lighting and signage ordinance will be held on Tuesday, April 7 at 6:30 p.m. in Town Hall, 149 Main Street, Watertown.
The changes were proposed by the Town Council, have been discussed by the Planning Board and now comes back to the Council. (See details about the changes here.)
Here is the notice on the Pleasant Street Corridor District Zoning:
The proposed amendments to Section 5.16 would incorporate sub-districts within the Pleasant Street Corridor District to define two new areas where a commercial component is required in new development and another where new development would not allow residential. The language would also modify the build-to-line, clarify the maximum façade length, and require further step-backs for buildings. The amendments would also update the Table of Uses and Notes to the Table of Uses to reflect the new zoning. The amendment also includes a zoning map with the new districts (PSCD-1, PSCD-2, & PSCD-3), and the boundary with adjoining T zone.
Signage and Lighting Changes
The Town Council will also consider changes for signs and illumination to create a new ordinance for hotel and motel signs. It limits wall signs to no more than 200 square feet total and no individual sign over 100 square feet, and wall signs may not be above the building wall or parapet.
Also, banner signs may be no more than 2 percent of the total wall area, and no lower than 9 feet above the ground, or closer than 2 feet from the curb line. It also limits the height to 50 percent of total building height and width to 15 percent of height.
The Amendment language is available for review in the office and website of the Department of Community Development and Planning in Town Hall.