The proposed Unified Development Code will enforce a University Influence Area regarding blocks surrounding the campus in addition to revising previous zoning standards and setting new ones.

At a presentation Tuesday night at Charleston High School, Consultant Michael Lauer said the new code will enforce a University Influence Area but would not elaborate on where that will be.

“We definitely know it’s around the university,” Lauer said. “(It will) differentiate between university influence area and the rest of the city.”

Also a priority is revising standards for signs that will include height, area and number. If the code is passed, it will also regulate temporary signs which hang from pole signs or are stood in front of businesses. Those signs will be required to be brought inside of the business at night.

In general, the sign regulations will limit the commercialization in Charleston and make sure it remains a “very walkable community,” Lauer said.

“Scale and size is very important and that was one of the deficiencies of the current code,” he said.

The Unified Development Code sets standards for all zoning in Charleston and the city has had a code since 1969, Mayor Dan Cougill said Tuesday night.

In the 10 chapters of the code, Lauer said it details, “what uses can I have on the property,” along with non-conforming situations, parking, public facilities, definitions and enforcement.

One of the many concerns that were raised by residents on Tuesday night was the of a lack of a map with the proposed code to differentiate each regulation; however, Lauer said if it was mapped out, that would defeat the purpose of the code.

Another presentation will be held Wednesday at 6 p.m. in Baker Gymnasium at Charleston High School for further explanation of the code. From there, the code must be reviewed at a public hearing, by the Board of Zoning and Appeals and be passed by the City Council.