BRENHAM PLANNING AND ZONING PASSES BLINN PERMIT, HEARS SIGN ORDINANCE UPDATE

Josh Blaschke March 26, 2019

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Brenham’s Planning and Zoning Commission granted a permit Monday to Blinn College, for expansions to its agriculture program.

The commission approved a specific use permit request for the development of an agricultural complex, to be developed on the roughly 44 acres of Blinn-owned property south of Old Mill Creek Road.

The complex would include a 6,000 square-foot building, housing a livestock demonstration room, farrowing house, tack room, livestock pens, preparation room, and a covered pavilion. Blinn Project Director Mark Feldhake said this complex will supplement the usage of the College’s two existing Ag buildings. Assistant Development Services Director Stephanie Doland said nearby property owners have been notified.

Commissioners also heard a sign ordinance update from Doland. She gave a presentation on pilot program signs, in relation to the need for signs in street corners to direct pedestrian traffic downtown.

According to Doland, the pilot program signs would be offered at three street corners on Alamo Street, and would allow businesses to place an advertisement on a street corner via the city sign. The signs would direct citizens to the business location.

Doland added this concept is very early in discussion, but it looks to find the middle ground between business owners seeking advertisement and pedestrians wanting to avoid multiple signs on sidewalks. She is looking to get more feedback on the program before a timeline is given, and it is presented to the Main Street Board for formal recommendation. Commissioner Deanna Alfred praised the concept, calling it a good compromise.

For other signage, Doland explained the city has noted feedback received on open and closed signs and real estate signs, and is still reviewing larger sign allotment for electronic signs. She said language on window signs have been updated for clarity, and sandwich board signs have been identified separately from sidewalk signs. In addition, for signs on property adjacent to Highway 36 and 290, the height and area allowance was increased.