Loading...
03-02-2010 The City of Aventura Local Phmninlf Agencv Susan Gottlieb, Mayor City Manager Eric M. Soroka, lCMA-CM Zev Auerbach Bob Diamond Ted Hobberg Billy Jod Michael Stern Luz Urbaez Weinherg City Clerk Teresa M. Soroka, MMC City Att0171ev Weiss Serota Hellfman Pastoriza Cole & Boniske LOCAL PLANNING AGENCY AGENDA MARCH 2, 2010 - 6 PM Aventura Government Center 19200 West Country Club Drive Aventura, Florida 33180 1. CALL TO ORDER\ROLL CALL 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: September 1, 2009 4. PUBLIC HEARING: MOTION RECOMMENDING ADOPTION OF THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF A VENTURA, FLORIDA, REPEALING DIVISION 2 "TEMPORARY POLITICAL SIGNS" OF ARTICLE III, SIGN CODE, OF CHAPTER 34 "PLANNING AND ZONING" OF THE CITY CODE AND AMENDING ARTICLE IX OF CHAPTER 31 "SIGN REGULATIONS" OF THE CITY'S LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, CHAPTER 31 OF THE CITY CODE TO CLARIFY AND AMEND EXISTING REGULATIONS OF SIGNS WITHIN THE CITY SO AS TO ENHANCE COMPLIANCE WITH RECENT CASE LAW AND TO REPEAL EXISTING REGULATIONS OF TEMPORARY POLITICAL SIGNS AND PROVIDE FOR THEIR REGULATION ELSEWHERE IN THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE; PROVIDING FOR PENALTY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 5. ADJOURNMENT This meeting is open to the public. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, all persons who are disabled and who need special accommodations to participate in this meeting because of that disability should contact the Office of the City Clerk, 305-466-8901, not later than two days prior to such proceeding. Anyone wishing to appeal any decision made by the City of Aventura Local Planning Agency with respect to any matter considered at such meeting or hearing will need a record of the proceedings and, for such purpose, may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. Agenda items may be viewed at the Office of the City Clerk, City of Aventura Government Center, 19200 West Country Club Drive, Aventura, Florida, 33180. Anyone wishing to obtain a copy of any agenda item should contact the City Clerk at 305-466-8901. One or more members of the City of Aventura Advisory Boards may also be in attendance. A~ e. '......<i..";.fI' MINUTES LOCAL PLANNING AGENCY MEETING SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 6 PM Government Center 19200 W. Country Club Drive Aventura, Florida 33180 1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL: The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Susan Gottlieb. Present were Commissioners lev Auerbach, Bob Diamond, Billy Joel, Michael Stern, Luz Urbaez Weinberg (arrived at 6:12 p.m.), Vice Mayor Teri Holzberg, Mayor Gottlieb, City Manager Eric M. Soroka, City Clerk Teresa M. Soroka, and City Attorney David M. Wolpin. As a quorum was determined to be present, the meeting commenced. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Stanley Price. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion to approve the minutes of the July 7, 2009 LPA Hearing was offered by Commissioner Auerbach, seconded by Vice Mayor Holzberg, and unanimously passed. 4. PUBLIC HEARING: MOTION RECOMMENDING ADOPTION OF THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE: Mr. Wolpin read the following ordinance by title: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 31 "LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS" OF THE CITY CODE TO IMPLEMENT GREEN BUILDING INCENTIVES PROPOSED BY ARTICLE VI. "GREEN BUILDING PROGRAM" OF CHAPTER 14, "BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS" OF THE CITY CODE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Community Development Director Joanne Carr addressed the Commission and entered the staff report into the record. Mayor Gottlieb opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, the public hearing was closed. A motion to recommend approval was offered by Commissioner Joel, and seconded by Commissioner Weinberg. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. 5. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Local Planning Agency, the meeting adjourned at 6:37 p.m. Teresa M. Soroka, MMC, City Clerk Approved by the LP A on CITY OF AVENTURA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: City Commission Eric M. Soroka, ~~M_. / ~~:n~:::r:,r~0:k . / 7'~ "'~ Community Development Direct~ BY: DATE: February 23, 2010 SUBJECT: Revision to City Code repealing Division 2 of Article III of Chapter 34, Temporary Political Signs and amending Article IX of Chapter 31, Sign Code, to enhance compliance with recent case law (02-LDR-09) March 2, 2010 March 2, 2010 April 6, 2010 Local Planning Agency Item ~ City Commission Meeting Agenda Item .!L City Commission Meeting Agenda Item _ RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission approve: 1. The deletion of Division 2, Temporary Political Signs, of Article III, Sign Code, of Chapter 34, Planning and loning, of the City Code and addition of the provisions of this division, with amendments and sign specification table, in Article IX, Sign Regulations, of Chapter 31, Land Development Regulations of the City Code; and 2. The addition of applicability, substitution and severability clauses to Article IX, Sign Regulations, of Chapter 31, Land Development Regulations of the City Code; and 3. The addition of definition for business identification or business identification signs and definition of political sign to Article IX, Sign Regulations, of Chapter 31, Land Development Regulations of the City Code; and 4. The deletion of prohibited sign and addition of new prohibited sign in Article IX, Sign Regulations, of Chapter 31, Land Development Regulations of the City Code; and 5. The addition of political signs as a sign that does not require a City issued building permit to Article IX, Sign Regulations, of Chapter 31, Land Development Regulations of the City Code; and 6. The deletion of all references to "City Manager" and addition of "Sign Permit Required" in sign specification tables in Article IX, Sign Regulations, of Chapter 31, Land Development Regulations of the City Code; and 7. The addition of a description of purpose to parking structure wall signs. THE REQUEST City staff is requesting the revisions to Chapter 31 and Chapter 34 of the City Code to enhance compliance of our City's Sign Regulations with recent case law as recommended by the City Attorney's Office. THE AMENDMENT The major amendment deals with temporary political signs. At present, these signs are regulated by Sections 34-61 to 34-65 inclusive of the City Code. Staff proposes to delete these sections and incorporate them into Section 31-191 with the rest of our temporary sign code regulations. The City Attorney advises that recent case law requires our Code treat temporary political signs the same as all other temporary signs such as construction signs, garage sale signs and open house signs. The restrictions and requirements for temporary political signs currently in Chapter 34 of the Code are proposed to be transposed to Chapter 31, with revision to the size, number and related restrictions. The restrictions for placement on public right of way or public property and the requirements for bond and exemption from bond, time of posting and removal, setback from street and responsibility for hazards and removal that currently apply to temporary political signs are now proposed to apply to all temporary signs, as applicable. Other amendments to Section 31-191 are proposed on recommendation by the City Attorney's Office, including addition of special applicability, substitution and severability clauses to our sign code, amendment and addition of definitions, and the deletion of all references to staff discretion in the permit issuance process. Staff is also requesting the addition of a definition of "business identification or business identification sign" to clarify the regulation to be applied to non-residential monument signs, wall signs, canopy signs and awning signs. ANAL YSIS Standards for reviewing proposed amendments to the text of the LDR pursuant to Section 31-77(g) of the City Code: 1. The proposed amendments are legally required. The proposed amendments are legally required to provide enhanced compliance of the City Code with recent case law on sign regulations. 2. The proposed amendments are consistent with the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. The proposed amendments are consistent with the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. The goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan guide development and redevelopment of the City. 3. The proposed amendments are consistent with the authority and purpose of the LDRs. The proposed amendments are consistent with the authority and purpose of the Land Development Regulations. The purpose of the LDRs is to foster and preserve public health, safety, comfort and welfare and to aid in the harmonious, orderly, and progressive development and redevelopment of the City. 4. The proposed amendments furlher the orderly development of the City. The proposed amendments further the orderly development of the City. 5. The proposed amendments improve the administration or execution of the development process. The proposed amendments improve the administration or execution of the development process in that it provides for sign regulations which are enhanced to comply with recent case law. ORDINANCE NO. 2010- AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA, REPEALING DIVISION 2 "TEMPORARY POLITICAL SIGNS" OF ARTICLE III, SIGN CODE, OF CHAPTER 34 "PLANNING AND ZONING" OF THE CITY CODE AND AMENDING ARTICLE IX OF CHAPTER 31 "SIGN REGULATIONS" OF THE CITY'S LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, CHAPTER 31 OF THE CITY CODE TO CLARIFY AND AMEND EXISTING REGULATIONS OF SIGNS WITHIN THE CITY SO AS TO ENHANCE COMPLIANCE WITH RECENT CASE LAW AND TO REPEAL EXISTING REGULATIONS OF TEMPORARY POLITICAL SIGNS AND PROVIDE FOR THEIR REGULATION ELSEWHERE IN THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE; PROVIDING FOR PENALTY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the City of Aventura is desirous of amending the City's Land Development Regulations to amend existing regulations of signs within the City so as to enhance compliance with recent case law; and to repeal existing regulations of temporary political signs and to provide for their regulation elsewhere in the Land Development Regulations; and WHEREAS, the City is required to adopt sign regulations as part of its Land Development Regulations pursuant to the Growth Management Act, Part II of Chapter 163, Florida Statutes; and WHEREAS, the City's legislative intent in adopting these sign regulations is not to censor speech, but rather to provide for the public welfare by regulating the size, type, location and appearance of signage in the City in a manner that enhances the aesthetics of the community, reduces visual pollution, provides clear information regarding the location and identity of businesses, residences, and other uses in the community, and minimizes distractions to drivers in the interests of traffic safety; and WHEREAS, the City Commission has been designated as the Local Planning Agency for the City pursuant to Section 163.3174, Florida Statutes; and WHEREAS, the Local Planning Agency has reviewed the proposed amendments pursuant to a required public hearing and has recommended approval to the City Commission; and WHEREAS, the City Commission has held the required public hearings, duly noticed in accordance with law; and Ordinance No. 2010 - Page 2 WHEREAS, the City Commission has reviewed the action set forth in this Ordinance and has determined that such action is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and in the best interest of the City. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA, THAT: Section 1. Recitals. The foregoing "Whereas" clauses are ratified and confirmed as being true, correct and reflective of the legislative intent underlying this Ordinance and are hereby made a specific part of this Ordinance. Section 2. Amendment. Division 2. "Temporary Political Signs" of Article III, "Sign Code" of Chapter 34 "Planning and loning" of the City Code, is hereby repealed in its entirety as follows 1: -. "ARTICLE III. SIGN CODE DIVISION 2. TEMPORARY POLITICAL SIGNS* Sec. 31 61. Purpose of article. This article shall govern the installation, maintenance and display of temporary political signs in the City. Sec. 31 62. Definitions. The follm.'/ing words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates 3 different meaning: Temporary potftical sign means any sign which advocates or suggests to the re3der that he vote for or against, endorse or not endorse, contribute or not contribute to, or other.\.'ise support or refrain from supporting in any way ~my proposition to be voted upon by the public or ::my Individual seeking election or appointment to a particular position or office. The term shall also include any sign which declares or affirms support or endorsement for any proposition to be voted on by the public or ::my individual seeking election or appointment to a particular position or office. Sec. 31 63. Location and installation; size and number; time period; bond requirements. (3) P!:Jcomont on ....ight of ~'.'ay or other public p....oporty. No temporary political sign shall be placed on public rights of way or on property owned or used by the City. (b) P!:Jcement on 'Iacant lot; placement on utHity poles, tr:J#ic signs, ote. No temporary political sign shall be placed upon any unimpro'.'ed lot without the 'Nritten consent of the property owner filed 'I.'ith the City Clerk prior to posting of the sign, or upon any public utility pole 1 Underlined provisions constitute proposed additions to existing text; stricken through provisions indicate proposed deletions from existing text. ord\nance No. 20~O -- page 3 -"-~._._--~---~-,..,." ._- . Ordinance No. 2010- Page 4 (n) Copy of article to be furnished to candidates. The City M:::m::lger or his designee sh::lll furnish 0 copy of this article to all quolifying candidates, who sholl sign ond date an 3ckno'IJledgment of receiving the document. Sec. 34 6-1. Removal of improper signs. (3) Generally. Any temporary political sign not posted in accordance with the provis.ions of this article, ::lnd any such sign which exists in viol::ltion of this article, sh::lll be deemed to be public nuisonce ::lnd shall be subject to removal by the candidate, the property owner or the City. If the City removes the sign as a last resort, the City Manager or his designee shall deduct the cost and expense of removal from the posted cash bond. (b) Emorgoncy removal. Notwithst:mding subsection (a) of this section, the City M::mager may cause the immedi:::lte remo'/al of ony sign that constitutes a nuisance or poses ::In immediate d::mger to the heolth, safoty or 'lIelf:::1re of the community. City personnel may enter onto premises, 'lJith or without the property owner's consent, for emergency removal. Sec. 34 65. Enforcement; penalty. Any person who violates any provisions of this-article shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine not to exceed $500.00, or imprisonment in the County jail not to excoed 60 days, or both such fine and imprisonment. Each day that a violation continues shall be deemed a separate violation. This article shall be subject to enforcement under the Local Government Code Enforcement Act, F.S. ch. 162. Enforcement may also be by suit for declaratory, injunctive or other appropriate relief in a court of competent jurisdiction. Section 3. Amendment. Article IX. "Sign Regulations" of Chapter 31, Land Development Regulations is hereby amended to read as follows2: ARTICLE IX. SIGN REGULATIONS Sec. 31-191. Sign regulations generally. (a) Intent and purpose. The purpose of this section is to promote and protect the public health, safety and general welfare by regulating existing and proposed signs and other street graphics within the City. In particular, this section is intended to preserve the unique aesthetic character of the City and ensure that signs are Gompatible with their surroundings. It is further intended to protect property values, create a better business climate, enhance the physical appearance of the community, preserve the natural beauty of the City and improve vehicular and pedestrian safety and reduce visual pollution. It is the pelief of this City Commission that the nature of signs is to provide an index to needed goods and services. It is the intention of this section to control those signs and to authorize the use of signs that are: (1) Compatible with their surroundings. (2) Expressive of the identity of individual proprietors or of the community as a whole. (3) Legible under the circumstances in which they are seen. 2 Underlined provisions constitute proposed additions to existing text; stricken through provisions indicate proposed deletions from existing text Ordinance No. 2010 - Page 5 (4) Effective in indexing the environment. (5) Conducive to promoting traffic safety by preventing visual distraction. (b) Applicability. No siqn shall be erected or maintained in the City, except in accordance with the provisions of this article. (c) Substitution. It is not the purpose of this article to requlate or control the cOpy, content or viewpoint of si!:ms. Nor is it the intent of this article to afford qreater protection to commercial speech than to noncommercial speech. Any siqn, display or device allowed under this article may contain, in lieu of any other copy, any otherwise lawful noncommercial messaqe that complies with all other requirements of this article. The noncommercial messaqe may occupy the entire siqn area or any portion thereof, and may substitute for or be combined with the commercial message. The siqn messaqe may be chanqed from commercial to noncommercial, or from one noncommercial messaqe to another, as frequently as desired by the siqn's owner, provided that the siqn is not prohibited and the siqn continues to comply with all requirements of this article. (d) Severabilitv. (1) GenerallY. If any part, section, subsection, paraqraph, subparaqraph, sentence, phrase, clause, term, or word of this article is declared unconstitutional by the final and valid judqment or decree of any court of competent iurisdiction, this declaration of unconstitutionality or invalidity shall not affect any other part, section, subsection, paraqraph, subparaqraph. sentence, phrase, clause, term, or word of this article. (2) Severability where less speech results. This subsection shall not be interpreted to limit the effect of subsection (1) above, or any other applicable severability provisions in the Code or any adoptinq ordinance. The city commission specifically intends that severability shall be applied to these siqn requlations even if the result would be to allow less speech in the city, whether by subiectinq currently exempt siqns to permittinq or by some other means. (3) Severability of provisions pertaining to prohibited sions. This subsection shall not be interpreted to limit the effect of subsection (1) above, or any other applicable severability provisions in the Code or any adoptinq ordinance. The city commission specifically intends that severability shall be applied to Section 31-191 (f) "Prohibited siqns," so that each of the prohibited siqn types listed in that section shall continue to be prohibited irrespective of whether another siqn prohibition is declared unconstitutional or invalid. (4) Severability of prohibition on off-premises sions and commercial advertisino sions. This subsection shall not be interpreted to limit the effect of subsection (1) above, or any other applicable severability provisions in the Code or any adoptinq ordinance. If any or all of Article IX. "Siqn ReQulations" or any other provision of the City's Code is declared unconstitutional or invalid by the final and valid iudqment of any court of competent iurisdiction, the city commission specifically intends that that declaration shall not affect the prohibition on billboards in Section 31-191(f)(12) or the prohibition on commercial advertisinq siQns in Section 31-193(c). Ordinance No. 2010- Page 6 ,.. .."'!'''. f91 @l Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Animated sign: A sign that uses motion of any part by any means, or that displays flashing, oscillating, sequential or intermittent lights other than time and temperature signs, stock market price quotations and changeable copy signs. Includes diqital video displavs. Business Identification or business identification sian. Identification of the specific business, institutional or other use located in the buildinq or proiect to which it relates. The purpose of a business identification siqn is to quicklV, leqiblv and clearlv identifv the unique, specific business located on the site, so that members of the travelinq public can safelv and accuratelv find their intended destinations. As such, business identification siqns are not advertisinq, and shall not list more than two products or services, or cateqories of products or services, beinq provided on site. For example, a restaurant mav be identified as "John's Restaurant" or even "John's Seafood Restaurant" or "the Crab Shack" or "Sam's Soup and Salad "but shall not be identified as "John's Entrees, Salads, Soups, Alcoholic Beveraqes, Side Dishes and Dessert." Thev shall identifv the specific business ("Dr. Smith Pediatrics" or "Sam's Diner") and not solelv the qeneric nature of the use ("Doctor" or "Diner"). Political sian: a siqn identifvinq or urqinq support for or in opposition to a particular issue, political partv, or candidate for political office. tGj ill Prohibited signs. The following are prohibited: (3) All signs which displ3Y services or products 3S opposed to the business name. Anv siqn not permitted bv this section. ~ l.9l Required signs. The following signs shall be placed where relevant by a property owner and do not require a permit: te1 ibl Other signs/no permit required. The following signs may be placed without the filing of an application for the issuance of a permit or the payment of a fee, but shall, unless otherwise exempted, be subject to all other regulations set forth in this section. The foregoing exemption from filing shall not be construed to waive the other provisions of this section or the structural requirements outlined by this section and/or the SootA Florida Building Code, as may be amended from time to time. (11) Political siqns. ff1 ill Residential permanent signs. The following signs are authorized in all Residential Zoning Districts and Residential-Office Zoning Districts: Ordinance No. 2010 - Page 7 (1) Development identification sign. Permitted only for (i) multifamily buildings with more than five units; (ii) single-family developments with more than five units; (iii) religious institutions, schools and public uses. Where multifamily dwellings are part of a larger development, there shall be only one development identification sign on each public street frontage of the development. Approvals City M:ln~ger Siqn Permit Required necessary: Number One monument sign (or sign mounted on perimeter wall) per street (maximum): frontage indicating the name and address of the complex, except two are permitted where attached to wall of symmetrical entrance feature. Sign copy area 32 square feet (aggregate if two signs). (maximum): Sign height Eight feet. (maximum): Setback Six feet from right-of-way, 15 feet from side property line. (minimum): Illumination: Externally illuminated signs only. Changeable copy Schools, religious and public institutions only may be permitted one changeable copy sign in lieu of the permitted monument sign. Said sign sign: shall not exceed 32 square feet in sign area. (2) Directional. Approvals City M~n~ger Siqn Permit Required necessary: Number: . To be approved as part of site plan. If not approved as part of site plan, separate permits required. Sign area Four square feet each. (maximum): Sign height Three feet. (maximum): Other restrictions: No advertising copy. Logos may cover no more than 25 percent of the sign area. ffi1 ill Nonresidential district signs. The owner(s), or their authorized representative, may at their option, choose to use the following standards or alternatively, apply for approval as a multi-tenant center, pursuant to subsection (i)(1) hereof (provided that the subject center complies with the definition provided in this section). The following signs are authorized in all nonresidential districts in the City: Ordinance No. 2010- Page 8 (1) Detached, freestanding or monument signs for business identification where otherwise permitted, shall not be closer than 200 feet to any other previously permitted detached, freestanding or monument sign. Approvals necessary: City M~m:3ger Siqn Permit Required One per parcel; parcel must have frontage of at least 100 feet on a public street, except for gasoline station parcels where a 48 square foot sign shall be permitted notwithstanding the street frontage or distance Number (maximum): separation of the parcel occupied by the gasoline station. (Subdivision of an existing building or planned building group shall not entitle the new parcels to additional monument signs). Sign area (maximum): 48 square feet. Sign height (maximum): Eight feet. Setback (minimum) From right-of-way line: Six feet. From side property line: 20 feet. Illumination: Externally illuminated signs or internally illuminated letters or logos only. Supplemental provisions: Option on number of signs if parcel has 300 or more feet of Two signs, aggregate area not to exceed 72 square parcel frontage and two two-way feet access points on different public streets. Logos may cover no more than 25 percent of the sign area. Time and temperature sign authorized within total permitted sign area. Landscaping and visibility sight See applicable provisions contained in this section. triangle on corner lot. Ordinance No. 2010 - Page 9 Changeable copy sign: Schools, religious and public institutions only may be permitted one changeable copy sign in lieu of the permitted monument sign. Said sign shall not exceed 48 square feet in sign area. (2) a. Wall sign for business identification. (Permitted only on buildings where the majority of the floor area is in retail use. In the case of a multi-tenant center, wall signs are permitted on walls that face an access drive or internal courtyard.) Approvals City M3nager Siqn Permit Required necessary: Type: Reverse or channel letter sign only. One per ground or second floor establishment which has its own frontage and entrance facing a public street. (If the parcel frontage Number requirement for a monument sign precludes an office building from (maximum): having a monument sign, one building identification wall sign that otherwise meet the wall sign standards is authorized). Corner or through store locations may have an additional wall sign. Such second sign shall be limited to 50 percent of the square footage of the primary sign. One square foot for each one lineal foot of tenant frontage for each sign Sign area located within 300 feet of a street on which the building fronts. (maximum): 1.5 square feet for each one lineal foot of tenant frontage for each sign located more than 300 feet of a street on which the building fronts. Illumination: See definition of reverse or channel letter sign. Supplemental See gas station provisions contained in this section. provisions: b. Wall sign for business identification. (Permitted only on office and hotel buildings with signs located one to five stories high.) Approvals City Man3ger Siqn Permit Required necessary: Type: Reverse or channel letter sign only. Number One wall sign per building. (maximum): Corner or through store locations may have an additional wall sign. Such second sign shall be limited to 50 percent of the square footage of the primary sign. Such second sign shall not be placed on the same building elevation as the primary sign. Ordinance No. 2010- Page 1 0 Sign area One square foot for each one lineal foot of building frontage. (maximum): No wall sign shall be installed on a building elevation that faces an Location: adjacent residentially zoned property located within 300 feet o,f the elevation. Illumination: See defin~tion of reverse or channel letter sign. c. Wall sign for business identification. (Permitted only on office and hotel buildings with signs located six to ten stories high.) Approvals City M:ln:Jger Siqn Permit Required necessary: Type: Reverse or channel letter sign only. Number Two wall signs per building, with one wall sign only per building (maximum): elevation. Sign area One and one-half square foot for each one lineal foot of building (maximum): frontage. No wall sign shall be installed on a building elevation that faces an Location: adjacent residentially zoned property located within 300 feet of the elevation. Illumination: See definition of reverse or channel letter sign. d. Wall sign for business identification. (Permitted only on office and hotel buildings with signs located 11 to 15 stories high.) Approvals City M:Jn3ger Siqn Permit Required necessary: Type: Reverse or channel letter sign only. Number Two wall signs per building, with one wall sign only per building (maximum): elevation. Sign area One and three-quarters square feet for each one lineal footof building (maximum): frontage. No wall sign shall be installed on a building elevation that faces an Location: adjacent residentially zoned property located within 300 feet of the elevation. Illumination: See definition of reverse or channel letter sign. Ordinance No. 2010- Page 11 e. Wall sign for business identification. (Permitted only on office and hotel buildings with signs located 16 to 20 stories high.) Approvals City M::mager Siqn Permit Required necessary: Type: Reverse or channel letter sign only. Number Two wall signs per building, with one wall sign only per building (maximum): elevation. Sign area Two (2) square feet for each one (1) lineal foot of building frontage. (maximum): No wall sign shall be installed on a building elevation that faces an Location: adjacent residentially zoned property located within 300 feet of the elevation. Illumination: See definition of reverse or channel letter sign. - (3) Canopy sign for business identification. Approvals necessary City Manager Siqn Permit Required Number (maximum): One per establishment. Sign area (maximum): Four square feet. Minimum clearance above ground: Eight feet. Must be rigidly attached. (4) Awning sign for business identification. Approvals necessary: City Manager Siqn Permit Required Number (maximum): One per establishment. Lettering: One line; letters not to exceed nine inches in height. Logo: .. Maximum of six square feet. (5) Directory sign. Approvals necessary: City Manager Siqn Permit Required Ordinance No. 2010 - Page 12 Number One per multi-tenant center, in addition to other permitted signs. (maximum): Sign area 32 square feet. Complex name and lor address shall not exceed 50 (maximum): percent of base height. Location: On building wall (or freestanding within internal courtyard). Illumination: Externally or internally illuminated signs. (6) Window sign (permanent). Approvals necessary: City M::mager Siqn Permit Required Number (maximum): One per establishment. Sign area (maximum): Four square feet. Illumination: Prohibited. (7) Directional sign. Approvals City Manager Siqn Permit Required necessary: Number: To be approved as part of site plan; if not approved as part of site plan, permit required. Sign area Four square feet. (maximum): Height (maximum): Three feet. Other restrictions: No advertising copy. Logos may cover no more than 25 percent of the sign area. (8) Regional malt signs. The following signs are authorized in all regional malls located within the City consisting of an enclosed mall with a minimum of three major tenants (minimum 100,000 square feet), located on not less than 70 acres and consisting of not less than a total of 1,000,000 square feet of building area. a. Detached, freestanding or monument signs for business identification may be located at each entry drive onto the regional mall property from any abutting public right-of-way. Approval necessary: City Manager. Siqn Permit Required Ordinance No. 2010- Page 13 Number One per access drive. (maximum): One per each establishment which is located adjacent to the public right-of-way or internal roadway. Sign area (maximum): 195 square feet maximum; the square footage shall be calculated Mall property entry based only on the side/area having copy and not include any side signs: without copy on architectural features or shaped sign such as cubes, squares or other geometric shapes. Freestanding See non-residential sign requirements. establishment: Sign height (maximum): Mall property 1 5 feet. entry: Freestanding See non-residential sign requirements. establishment: Setback (maximum): Mall property Six feet. sign: Freestanding Six feet. establishment: Illumination: External or internal illumination of letters and logos only. b. Wall signs for business identification are only permitted on the three exterior walls of the major tenants of not less than 100,000 square feet that face the exterior regional mall property. Other tenants that provide direct pedestrian access from the mall property such as major restaurants or theaters may also have wall signs. Approval necessary: City M~m3ger. Siqn Permit Required One for each exterior wall for a tenant of at least 100,000 Number (maximum): square feet, facing the exterior mall premises. Such sign may only be located on the exterior wall of the specific tenant space identified. Ordinance No. 2010- Page 14 One per tenant for other tenants that provide direct access from the mall exterior. Sign area (maximum): Major tenants (minimum 500 square feet; lettering not over 12 inches located on a wall, overhang or canopy which designates specific uses of a 100,000 square feet of 100,000 square feet tenant shall not constitute a sign for floor area): purposes of this section. Exterior access tenants: 75 square feet. Illumination: Reverse or channel letters or external illumination. c. Canopy sign for business identification. Approvals necessary: City Man3ger. Siqn Permit Required Number (maximum): One per establishment. Sign area (maximum): Four square feet. Minimum clearance above ground: Eig ht feet. Must be rigidly attached. d. Awning sign for business identification. Approvals necessary: City M3n:Jger. Siqn Permit Required Number (maximum): One per establishment. Lettering: One line; letters not to exceed nine inches in height. Logo: Maximum of six square feet. e. Window Sign. Approvals necessary: - City M:Jn:Jger. Siqn Permit Required Number (maximum): One per establishment. Sign area (maximum): Four square feet. Illumination: Internal or external illumination. f. Directional signs. Ordinance No. 2010- Page 15 Approvals City M:ln::lger. Siqn Permit Required necessary: Approval as part of a site plan; if not approved as part of a site plan, Number: permit required. Such signs may be located as part of the internal road system as needed to insure traffic flow and circulation. Sign area: 75 square feet. Height: Nine feet. Other Only 1 OO,OOO-square feet tenant identification, name and/or logos restrictions: allowed. Logos may cover no more than 25 percent of the sign area. (9) Hospital. a. Detached, free-standing or monument signs for business identification. Approval necessary: City M::ln::lger. Siqn Permit Required Number (maximum): By approval. Sign area (maximum): Area shall not exceed 65 square feet. Sign height (maximum): Primary sign: 15 feet. Secondary sign: 13 feet. Setback (minimum): Right-of-way: Six feet. Side property line: 20 feet. Shall not be closer than 50 feet to another detached, monument sign. Illumination: External, or internal illumination of letters and logos only. b. Wall signs for business identification. Approval necessary: City M::ln::lger. Siqn Permit Required Number (maximum): One per elevation. Sign area (maximum): One square feet for each one lineal feet of elevation frontage. Ordinance No. 2010 - Page 16 Illumination: Reverse or channel letters or external illumination. (10) Parking structure wall signs. Approval City M::m3ger. Siqn Permit Required necessary: Type: Reverse or channel letter sign only. Number (maximum): One per entrance and exit drive. Location: Sign to be located immediately above or adjacent to entrance or exit drive, indicatinq where drivers must enter and exit the qaraqe. Sign area (maximum): . Where the face of the structure elevation is setback Eight square feet. trom the right-ot-way less than 100 teet: Where the face of the structure elevation is setback 12 square feet. trom the right-ot-way more than 100 feet: Reverse or channel letters or external illumination, provided external Illumination: illumination does not cast a glare on an adjacent residentially zoned property. W ill Temporary signs. The follo\ving temporary signs 3re 3uthorized in the City: Temporary siems shall comply with the followinq restrictions, conditions, and limitations: (1) No placement on riqht-af-wav or other public fJ(OfJertv. No temporary siqn shall be placed on any public riqht-of-way or on property owned or used by the City. (2) Placement of temporarv siqns: no placement on vacant lot, utilitv poles, official siqns, etc. No temporary siqn shall be placed upon any vacant parcel without the written consent of the property owner filed with the City Clerk prior to postinq of the siqn. No temporary siqn shall be placed upon any public utility pole or equipment, tree, traffic control device or structure, bridqe. Ordinance No. 2010- Page 17 quardrail, or official siqn, or held or displaved in a manner which creates an obstruction of a public riqht-of-way or sidewalk or creates a traffic hazard. (3) Bond. Prior to the installation and/or construction of a temporary siqn in accordance with this subsection (k), the applicant shall post or cause to be posted with the City Clerk a refundable cash bond in the minimum amount of five hundred dollars ($500.00). (4) Exemption from bond requirement. Any applicant placinq less than four (4) temporary siqns not exceedinq a size of ten (10) square feet per siqn shall be exempt from the requirement of a cash bond. Any candidate for elected office who has satisfied his or her Qualifyinq fee requirement pursuant to the alternate means authorized by F.S. ~ 99.095 or ~ 99.0955, (the petition method of Qualifvinq) shall be exempt from the requirement of postinq the cash bond. (5) Permitted districts; time of postinQ and removal. Temporary siqns shall be permitted in all zoninq districts, as provided in this section. Unless otherwise specified below. no temporary siqn shall be posted more than ninety (90) days prior to the time of the event to which it relates, or permitted to remain lonqer than seven (7) days after the event to which it relates. If a person placinq a temporary siqn fails to remove all temporary siqns within the stated timeframe, he or she shall forfeit the refundable cash bond and the City shall remove the siqn. The siqn removal requirements of this subparaqraph do not apply to bumper stickers on vehicles or campaiqn buttons on people. (6) Location near easement or street. No temporary siqn shall be placed within five (5) feet of any easement of the property upon which the siqn is located. No temporary siqn shall be located within ten (10) feet of the edqe of the riqht-of-way. Temporary siqns shall be located solely on the property side of the sidewalk if there is a sidewalk unless held by an individual occupyinq the sidewalk or riqht of way. (7) Traffic Hazards. No temporary siqn shall be located on property in such a manner as to interfere with or present a hazard to the flow of traffic alonq the streets adiacent to the property upon which the temporary siqn is located. (8) Responsibilitv for hazards; responsibilitv for removal of siQns. All property owners shall be responsible for any hazard to the qeneral public which is caused by, or created bv reason of, the installation and/or maintenance of the temporary siqns on his, her or its property. The property owner shall also be responsible for the timely removal of such siqns in accordance with the requirements of subsection (5) of this section. In the event of an announcement by the National Weather Service that the city is under a hurricane watch, the person placinq a siqn shall remove the siqn within twenty-four (24) hours of the announcement of the hurricane watch. Failure to remove the siqn within twenty-four (24) hours of the announcement shall cause the City to remove the siqn in accordance with the provisions of subsection (5) of this section. (9) Enforcement. Any temporary siqn not posted or removed in accordance with the provisions of this subsection, and any such siqn which exists in violation of this section, shall be Ordinance No. 2010- Page 18 deemed to be a public nuisance and shall be subiect to removal and confiscation bv the City. If the City removes the siQn, the City ManaQer or his desiQnee shall deduct the cost and expense of removal from the posted cash bond. The city shall not be responsible for the damaQe or destruction of any siQn which is removed in accordance with this provision. (10) Illumination. Temporarv siQns shall not be illuminated. (11).. Temporarv siQns must be posted in accordance with the followinQ tables. (1) Grand opening banner: Residential District Nonresidential District Approvals City Man3ger. SiQn permit City Manager. SiQn Permit required necessary: req u ired Number One per project. One per establishment per calendar (maximum): year in a multi-tenant center. Sig n area 30 square feet. 30 square feet. (maximum): Sign height Four feet. Four feet. (maximum): Length of 14 consecutive days after issuance 14 consecutive days after issuance display: of initial local business tax receipt. of initial local business tax receipt. Frequency: One per year. One per year. ,. Sign copy shall only include Sign copy shall only include "Grand Other "Grand Opening" and the name of Opening" and the name of the restrictions: the project. Signs shall indicate project. Signs shall indicate expiration date on lower right hand expiration date on lower right hand corner. corner. (2) Real estate signs (no permit required): Residential District Nonresidential District Number One per lot, except corner lots may (maximum): One per lot. have two. Sign area 40 square inches aggregate for (maximum): each. Four square feet aggregate. Ordinance No. 2010- Page 19 Sign height (maximum): Four feet. Four feet. Setback Six feet. Six feet. (minimum): Shall be removed within ten days Length of Shall be removed within ten days after the closing, or in the case of display: after the closing. property for lease, within five days after all space is leased. Sign copy shall be limited to: (i) Sign copy shall be limited to: (i) situation (i.e. sale, rent, lease, situation (i.e. sale, rent, lease, zoning, zoning, size of property); (ii) name size of property); (ii) name of owner; Other of owner; broker or agent; (iii) broker or agent; (iii) phone number; restrictions: phone number; (iv) designs or (iv) designs or trademarks not trademarks not comprising more comprising more than 20 percent of than 20 percent of sign area; (v) sign area; (v) colors limited to black colors limited to black and white. and white. (3) Construction sign: Residential District Nonresidential District Approvals City Man3ger. Sic:m Permit required City M3nager. Siqn Permit necessary: required Number One per lot. One per lot. (maximum): Sign area 32 square feet. 32 square feet. (maximum): Sign height Four feet. Four feet. .. . (maximum): Setback Six feet from property line, not in Six feet from property line, not in (minimum): right-of-way or sight visibility right-of-way or sight visibility triangle. triangle. Permitted for a 12-month period Permitted for a 12-month period Length of from date of building permit from date of building permit display: issuance or until construction issuance or until construction completed. completed. Ordinance No. 2010- Page 20 Sign copy may include only: (i) Sign copy may include only: (i) project name; (ii) nature of project name; (ii) nature of Other development; (iii) general development; (iii) general restrictions: contractor; (iv) architect; (v) lending contractor; (iv) architect; (v) lending institution; (vi) owner or agent; and institution; (vi) owner or agent; and (vii) phone number. (vii) phone number. (4) Model sign (no permit required): Residential District Nonresidential District Number One per model unit lot and one per office lot. (Not (maximum): applicable). Sign area Four square feet. (maximum): Sign height Four feet. (maximum): Model arrow Three per development not to exceed two square feet sIgns: each. Shall not be located in right-of-way or sight visibility triangle. Flags: Not permitted, except as specifically allowed in this section. Time limit: Until certificate of completion/occupancy is issued for last house in development. Other Sign copy may include only: (i) "Model"; (ii) builder; restrictions: (iii) architect; (iv) agent; (v) number of bedrooms and baths; (vi) telephone number. (5) Window sign, temporary: Residential Nonresidential District District Approvals Not permitted. City M~m3ger. Siqn Permit Required necessary: Sign area Ten percent of window area up to a maximum of ten (maximum): square feet. Time limit: 14 days. Ordinance No. 2010- Page 21 Frequency: Business or use shall be limited to five such advertising sign permits per calendar year. (6) Garage/estate sale sign: Residential District Nonresidential District Approvals City M:::m::lger. Siqn Permit Required Not permitted. necessary: Number One per lot on-site. (maximum): Sign area Six square feet. (maximum): Height (maximum): Four feet. Length of display: Maximum of one weekend during any six- month period. Setback: Not on right-of-way. (7) Real estate open house sign. Such sign is located on-premises, on private property (upon permission of the private property owner), but which shall not act as an obstruction to vehicular or pedestrian traffic. (In conformance with design specifications as provided by the City Manager): (No permit required). Residential District Nonresidential District I Number One per property (two per One per property (two per property (maximum): property when more than one unit when more than one unit is for lease is for lease or sale on property). or sale on property). Sign area Six square feet. Six square feet. (maximum): Sign height Six feet. Six feet. (maximum): Permitted Saturdays and Sundays Permitted Saturdays and Sundays Time limit: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Must be 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Must be removed same day. removed same day. (8) Community service signs/special event signs: The number, size and location of signs to be determined by the City M::lnager City's Special Event Permit application process. Ordinance No. 2010 - Page 22 (9) School and places of worship signs. Not in freestanding structures In freestanding structure Approvals City M::m3ger. Siqn Permit City M3n3ger. Siqn Permit necessary: required required Number: One. One. Sign area 12 square feet. 32 square feet. (maximum): Sign height Five feet. Six feet. (maximum): Setback: Shall not be placed in any right-of- Shall not be placed in any right-of- way or sight visibility triangle. way or sight visibility triangle. Length of Shall be displayed only during Shall be displayed only during worship services and related worship services and related display: functions. functions. (10) Political Siqns (no permit required) Residential District Non-Residential District Number One per candidate or issue per lot One per candidate or issue per lot (maximum): Siqn area 4-1/2 square feet per siqn 8 square feet per lot (maximum): Siqn Heiqht Three feet Six feet (maximum): Setback Within five of any easement: ten feet Within five of any easement: ten feet (minimum): of edqe-of-pavement if there is no of edqe-of-pavement if there is no sidewalk. sidewalk. Lenqth of No more than 90 days prior to date of No more than 90 days prior to date of display: election or prior to a primary election election or prior to a primary election scheduled prior to such election, scheduled prior to such election, whichever is earlier. whichever is earlier. Other Shall be removed seven days after Shall be removed seven days after restrictions: election. election. t+t.ill. Supplemental regulations. (1) Multi-tenant center sign graphics criteria. The owner of a multi-tenant [center], or their authorized representative, may choose to comply with the standards for nonresidential district signs or alternatively, apply for approval as a multi-tenant center as described below. Ordinance No. 2010- Page 23 ijt .li!J.l Permit requirements. (1) Permit required. It shall be unlawful for any person to install, relocate, alter or cause to be installed, relocated or altered within the municipal limits of the City, any sign without first having obtained a required permit from the City Manager. Said permits shall be issued only after a determination has been made of full compliance with all conditions of this section. No person shall install, relocate, alter or cause to be installed, relocated or altered, any sign, other than temporary signs, unless the person is properly licensed to install, relocate, or alter signs in Miami-Dade County. It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly construct or cause to be constructed a sign contrary to the regulations of this section. W lnl Non-conforming signs. All future changes to any signs will require conformity to this section. (1) Amortization of sign code non-conformities. The following non-conforming signs that existed at the time the Sign Code Ordinance became effective may be continued, although it does not conform to all the provisions hereof, provided that no text or structural alterations are made thereto and that all such non-conforming signs shall be completely removed from the premises or made to conform by June 3, 2000: a. Any non-conforming sign; b. Those signs that display services or products as opposed to the business name; c. Nonresidential monument signs. fl1 {Ql Sign maintenance. (1) Maintenance. All signs shall be maintained in a safe, presentable and good structural condition, which shall include the replacement of defective parts, repainting, cleaning and other acts required for the maintenance of the sign. The area around the base of the sign shall be kept free of weeds and debris. If a sign does not comply with the above standards, the City Manager may require its removal in accordance with this section. -tm1 {Q} Removal of improper signs. (1) Removal. The City Manager shall cause the removal of any sign in violation of this section in accordance with the procedures set forth in the City of Aventura Code Enforcement Section or as otherwise outlined by law. Sec. 31-192. Temporary political signs. Regul3tions reg3rding tempor3ry politic31 signs 3re outlined in section 31 61 let seq.] of the City of Aventura Code. Ordinance No. 2010 - Page 24 Section 4. Severability. The provisions of this Ordinance are declared to be severable and if any section, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance shall for any reason be held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining sections, sentences, clauses, and phrases of this Ordinance but they shall remain in effect, it being the legislative intent that this Ordinance shall stand notwithstanding the invalidity of any part. Section 5. Inclusion in the Code. It is the intention of the City Commission, and it is hereby ordained that the provisions of this Ordinance shall become and be made a part of the Code of the City of Aventura; that the sections of this Ordinance may be renumbered or relettered to accomplish such intentions; and that the word "Ordinance" shall be changed to "Section" or other appropriate word. Section 6. Penalty. Any person who violates any provisions of this Ordinance shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine not to exceed $500.00 or imprisonment in the County jail not to exceed sixty (60) days or both such fine and imprisonment. Each day that a violation continues shall be deemed a separate violation. This Ordinance shall be subject to enforcement under the Local Government Code Enforcement Act, Chapter 162, F.S., as amended and Article V of Chapter 2 of the City Code, as amended. Enforcement may also be by suit for declaratory, injunctive or other appropriate relief in a court of competent jurisdiction. Section 7. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be effective immediately upon adoption on second reading. The foregoing Ordinance was offered by Commissioner who moved its adoption on first reading. This motion was seconded by Commissioner and upon being put to a vote, the vote was as follows: Commissioner Zev Auerbach Commissioner Bob Diamond Commissioner Billy Joel Commissioner Teri Holzberg Commissioner Michael Stern Vice Mayor Luz Urbaez Weinberg Mayor Susan Gottlieb The foregoing Ordinance was offered by Commissioner second reading. This motion was seconded by Commissioner vote was as follows: who moved its adoption on and upon being put to a vote, the Commissioner Zev Auerbach Commissioner Bob Diamond Commissioner Billy Joel Commissioner Teri Holzberg Commissioner Michael Stern Vice Mayor Luz Urbaez Weinberg Mayor Susan Gottlieb Ordinance No. 2010 - Page 25 PASSED on first reading this 2nd day of March, 2010. PASSED AND ADOPTED on second reading this 6th day of April, 2010. Susan Gottlieb, MAYOR ATTEST: TERESA M. SOROKA, MMC CITY CLERK APPROVED AS TO LEGAL SUFFICIENCY: CITY ATTORNEY This Ordinance was filed in the Office of the City Clerk this _day of April, 2010. CITY CLERK ~ ~ :I: I- Z ~ -- W I'- ~ <C <( L&. C 0 0 ~ .. u CI) 0 II) Q) c 0 N Q) Q) Cl E ;.: CO C 0 CO Q) a.. li z III -- '€ c C .Q "5 Q) tl .5!1 > III "0 Q) Q) (3 <C C/) 0 .... .... 0 0 co co I'- I'- C! N N ~ ~ 0 ~ (Q (Q .... ~ ~ >< co co N m ;.: Q) ..c E ;.: ::l Q) Z Q) ..c c. E c >. 0 I- ::l '€ .... z Q) Q) 0 "0 III .!::l (5 <C .E C/) () e ~ ...... e ~ ~ . .".. ~ j! <w .:::: lC) c S I: o " >- I: ., .. 1/1 o Q. 5 Q. e! :s - '0 Q. >< .. >- ., ~ >- I: ., ,!: :s 1/1' "'" :s ~ .. .~ n; > ';: .. ." .. n; e! " "0 I: >- ., E ::J o >- -0 .. n; " '5 .!: .. Cl ., Q. ." I: ., S ., ." .. ;; c o ." E .. J: 'E ., :i .. .r:. l- .!: ." o~ .. "t""" Q. Oli ('\I-g -.. ('\I;; _. n; "... ;; -.. ('\I g O~ .;;: .. .. Q) .~ .....~ cal: C~ ., c:~ 0';;: ._ 0 .....a. ca .!!l CJ~ .. -.. .o~ :;j';: c..~ THE MIAMI HERALD I MlclmlHNald.com BRAZIL THE AMERICAS Naval authorities defend search efforts in shipwreck . Brazilian officials said the delay in responding to a distress call from a ship of students was standard procedure. BY TALES AlZONI ,,'\sSQc'lIte-d P'€-~o SAD PAULO - The Brazilian navy on Sunday defended its response to a shipwreck that left dozens of teenage students from around the world adrift on the ocean for two nights. The navy deployed a search aircraft about 19 hours after it received a distress signal (rom the SV Concordi:i on Wednesday, which ofJicials say is in line with standard proce- dure. All 48 students and 16 crew member" were safely rescued Friday, nearly 40 hours after the sailing ship capsized in the Atlantic several hundred miles off tbe Brazilian coa.<;t. The students, who were taking part in the Canadi- an-based Class AIloal pro- gram, were expected to begin 11ying home later Sunday as soon as their emergency documents and plane tickets were arranged. Nigel McCarthy, presi- dent and CEO of West Island College Interna- tional ofLunenburg, Nova Scotia, which operates Class Afloat, expressed concern that the students were left adrift on life rafts for so long before being: rescued. "We're certainly trying to gain a 'l:>etter undN- standing of why docs it seem like such a long time," McCarthy told The Associated Press on Sun- day. .'We really don't know. These are the same people, of course, that we're thanking for bring- ing home our kids so we SURVIVORS: Capt. William Curry. second left, embraces a student flom Canada's West Island College C3fter arriving in Rio de JaneIro on Saturday have to bl." attentive." Navy spokeswoman Maria Padilha said that naval responders received a distress signal about 10 p.m. local time Wednesday and immediately tried to make radio contact with the vesFiel. They also com- municated with nearby ships and aircraft to see if they could spot anything wrong in the area, Padilha said. The aim was to assess what type of emergency had occurred, Fihe said, given that it could have been anything from a minor engine problem to a grave illness or a sinking ship. that the London-based Bar~ bados Maritime Ship Reg- istry, which works on behalf of the government of Barbados, will conduct an investigation. When their efforts to communicate with the SV Concordia failed, Brazilian naval authorities reached out to school ofticials in Canada - but not until about 10 a.m. Thursday. The ofticials also had no luck getting the ship's cap- tain and crew on the radio or through e-mails, prompting the navy to ask for an air force search operation in the general area of the distress signal. An aircraft left about 5 p.m. local time and about three hours later spotted the students and crew on rafts 300 miles off the coast. Navy Lt. Edward Stans- lield, public affairs oitker for the Canadian Maritime Forces Atlantic, said the policy of the Joint Rescue LOOKING INTO IT The ship's captain. Wil- liam Curry, has said that the vessel capsized Wednesday afternoon. It was not dear why the navy did not receive the distress signal until bours later. McCarthy said Saturday UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI LJ Co-ordination Centre in Halifax is to send planes immediately .'liter receiv~ ing a distre~s signal from any ships offshore. NO DELAV If the agency had received a distress signal from a Brazilian ship "in our waters here, that's exactly what would have happem.'<i:' Stansfield said. Curry said the three~ ma~ted Concordia appar- ently experienced a weather phenomenon known as a "microburst" - a sudden, violent down- draft of wind - that instantly crippled the ves- seL School ofticials said 42 of those aboard were from Canada, while others hail from the United States., Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Europe and the West Indies. Associated Press Writer Rob Gillies in. Toronto con- tributed to this report. Al MONDAY, FEBRlJARY 22.1010 I 7A G CITY OF AVENTURA ., NOTICE OF HEARING OF LOCAL PLANNING AGENCY AND NOTICE OF AMENDMENT OF THE CITY'S LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS Public Notice is hereby given that the Aventura City Commission, sitting as the City of Aventura Local Planning Agency Will meet in a public hearing on Tuesday. March 2, 2010 at 6:00 p,m. to review arwJ recommend adoption of the following Ordinance to the City Commissioo AN ORDINANCE OF lHE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA, REPEAUNG DIVISION 2 "TEMPORARY POLmCAL SIGNS" OF ARTICLE III, SIGN CODE, OF CHAPTER 34 "PLANNING AND ZONING" OF THE CITY CODE AND AMENDING ARTICLE IX OF CHAPTER 31 "SIGN REGULATIONS" OF ll-lE CITY'S LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, CHAPTER 31 OF THE CllY CODE TO CLARIFY AND AMEND EXISTING REGULATIONS OF SIGNS WITHIN THE CITY SO AS TO ENHANCE COMPLIANCE WITH RECENT CASE LAW AND TO REPEAL EXISTING REGULATIONS OF TEMPORARY POUTlCAL SIGNS AND PROVIDE FOR THEIR REGULATION ELSEWHERE IN THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE; PROVIDING FOR PENALTY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Immediately following the Locai Planniog Agency meeting, the City Commission of the City of Aventura, as the governing body, will consider at a public hearing, as first reading, adoption of the above described Ordinance and will again consider the above describe<J Ordinance for adoption after second reading on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. The above described Public Hearings will all be held in the City Commissioo Chamber at City of Aventura Govemment Center, 19200 West Country Club Drive, Aventura, Florida, 33180. The proposed Ordinance may be inspected by the public at the OffICe of the City Clerk, 19200 West Country Club Drive, Aventura, Florida. Interested parties may appear at the Public Hearings and be heard with respect to the proposed Ordinance In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, all persons who are disabled and who need special accommodations to participate in this proceeding because of that disability should contact the OlIice of the City CleO<, (305) 466-8901, not later than two business days prior to such proceedings. If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission, as Local Planning Agency or as the governing body, with respect to any matter considered at a meeting or hearing, that persoo will need a record of the proceedings and, for such purpose, may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be """'d. Teresa M. Soroka, MMC, City Cler\( - , ~Jjf ~-~- .."............. ..'!.... ,^, " Help Us Help Haiti From in-the.trenches medical response to grassroots initiatives, community outreach, and fundraising efforts yielding millions. the University of Miami Haiti Project continues to provide essential support to ensure the survival and recovery of the Haitian people. As the first medical team on the ground, UM Miller School of MediCine physicians and staff treated more than 250 critically injured patients within 48 hours of arrivIng in HaitI. Since January 13, nearly 300 UM doctors, nurses, and other personnel have served In Haiti, where we opened a 240-bed tent hospital With operating rooms and advanced technologies. Our staff has transferred dozens of the most critically injured to the United States for care. On campus, students, faculty, and staff are conducting fundraising campaigns and donation drives for essential items. The School of Law's Health and Elder Law Clinic is coordInating assIstance for Haitians in Miami who receive care at UMlJackson to file for Temporary Protected Status with U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Services We need your help to continue this vital humanitarian mission. Visit VIfINW,umglobalinstitute.com/donate to donate to the University of Miami GloballnstitutelProject Medishare, which supports the work of our medical team in Haiti. Or you can send a check made out to the "UM Global Institute" to P.O. Box 248073, Coral Gables, Florida 33124. www.miami.edu/haiti