New incentives for Mission Street companies to improve look of business

A new amendment has been added to Mount Pleasant’s Zoning Ordinances to offer incentives to local companies on Mission Street that decide to make their businesses more attractive.

The amendment, entitled the “Mission Redevelopment Overlay Zone,” applies to properties on Mission Street between Pickard Street and the southern border of the city located within the city’s C-3 General Business zoning area.

The amendment is optional and meant to promote development in the city as well as provide flexibility for businesses who want to redevelop.

Jeff Gray, the director of planning and community development for the city and the vice chairman of the Planning Commission said the amendment is supposed to benefit businesses as well as the city.

“The idea is if it doesn’t improve the neighborhood, it doesn’t fit these regulations,” he said. “This gives us an opportunity to test the market. If demand isn’t exactly there, we can adjust.”

The Planning Commission met with business owners, the Downtown Development Authority, the Zoning Board of Appeals, other organizations and citizens before the final draft of the ordinance said City Manager Kathie Grinzinger. The city also sent a letter to local businesses to inform them of the program.

“Property owners who are interested in building a preferred form of development . . . will find flexibility in the conventional setback, building height, parking, and use regulations in the Mission Redevelopment district,” Gray said in a letter to property owners.

Included on the list of preferred development options for businesses are improved building appearances, safe and efficient vehicle circulation, “varied and interesting” architectural styles and features, increased pedestrian accommodations and the usage of durable building materials such as brick masonry. The list splits into two separate guidelines for North and South Mission Street, and includes separate guidelines for appropriate building signage.

The zoning amendment and design guidelines do not change any zoning of any property in the city and will not change any regulations affecting properties either. The business owner must apply for a special use permit and have their plans approved before entering into the incentive program.

The City Commission and Planning Commission endorsed a blueprint for economic development in April 2008. Both commissions and DDA also completed a study to find out strategies to improve the look, function and “economic vitality” of the city, according to city documents.

The design considerations and the ordinance were initially brought up at the City Commission’s July 27 meeting. The amendment was unanimously approved by the Commission.

More information about this ordinance and the design considerations can be found at mt-pleasant.org.