June 18, 2026 Local Planning Committee Packet

June 18, 2026 Local Planning Agency Meeting · 2026-06-18 · agenda_packet

[case Ordinance 26-07-LC, Ordinance 26-16-LC, Ordinance 26-18-PC] This document details proposed amendments to the City of Destin's Land Development Code, specifically focusing on sign regulations. The Local Planning Agency (LPA) met on May 21, 2026, to discuss and recommend approval for several ordinances. Key discussions included Ordinance 26-16-LC and 26-18-PC, which aimed to align definitions of 'beach' with the City Charter. The LPA recommended City Council adopt these ordinances. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to Proposed Ordinance 26-07-LC, a rewrite of Article 16 'Signs' to a new Article 8 'Sign Regulations'. The LPA discussed and recommended approval of this ordinance with several revisions. The primary changes involve reducing the maximum allowable sign height from approximately 26 feet to 12 feet, measured from grade and not exceeding the height of the principal building (measured from grade to the cornice line). The ordinance also addresses the transition of nonconforming signs, proposing a 10-year attrition period for all nonconforming signs, and introduces a discussion on potentially revoking nonconforming sign status upon property ownership change, subject to legal review. The prohibition of digital signage was also a major point of discussion, with staff raising concerns about its impact on businesses like gas stations. The LPA recommended approval of Ordinance 26-07-LC with the revised sign height and nonconforming sign provisions. A subsequent memo dated June 9, 2026, for the June 18, 2026, LPA meeting, reiterates the recommendation for Ordinance 26-07-LC and specifically asks the LPA to reconsider the prohibition of digital signage, presenting options for its regulation, including allowing it city-wide with review, implementing stricter regulations, or maintaining the current draft language that would largely prohibit it except for institutional uses. The document also includes details on temporary signs, measurement standards, and prohibited sign types. This document outlines the City of Destin's sign regulations, detailing prohibited signs, digital/electronic sign restrictions, and removal/attrition policies. Digital signage is generally prohibited except for Institutional uses in the Institutional zoning district, with specific size (max 60 sq.ft.), height (max 8 ft), and display restrictions (no motion, flashing, or blinking). Nonconforming digital signs have a 10-year period to be removed. The document also specifies allowances for permanent and temporary commercial and non-commercial signs across various zoning districts, including size, height, and setback requirements. Permits are required for most permanent signs. The document includes a timeline for the LDC rewrite approval process with key dates for Planning and Zoning Board (LPA) and City Council (CC) reviews and approvals.