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~~~~~ • CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION ~y ITEM: A public hearing on a request for a conditional use permit for additional sign area at Falcon Heights United Church of Christ, 1795 Holton Street (hearing to begin not before 7:05 p.m.) SUBMITTED BY: Norman Broadbent, Minister Warren West, Business Operations Associate REVIEWED BY: Carla Asleson, Planner Susan Hoyt, City Administrator EXPLANATION/DESCRIPTION: Proposal Falcon Heights United Church of Christ proposes to install a sign on the Garden Avenue street front at the require three foot setback (see attachment 1). The proposed sign resembles a real estate sign with hooks to hang temporary signs highlighting key events. The height of the sign's structure is approximately 5 1 /2 feet above grade and the maximum sign area (assuming an 18" bottom clearance) is 12 square feet. • Zoning Code The zoning code permits churches, schools, and other institutions located in an R - 1 zone to have up to 50 square feet of sign area (9-4.01 subd. 6 (e-). Due to apre-existing use, the church currently has approximately 83 square feet of sign area in its two monument signs located at the corners of Pascal/Garden and Holton/Garden. All requests for sign area above the permitted 50 square feet require the issuance of a conditional use permit (9-4.01 subd. 6 (g)). In other city's codes, this might be called a "special use permit" rather than a conditional use permit. Unlike a variance, where the applicant must prove a hardship in order to exceed the zoning code, a conditional use permit must be granted if the applicant can meet both general and special, reasonable conditions governing the use as determined by the planning commission. Section 9-15.04 subd. 3 (a111 1) of the zoning code requires that the planning commission find that: "The architectural appearance and functional plan of the building and site shall not be so dissimilar to the existing buildings or area as to cause impairment in property values constitute a blighting influence". Response to public notice and mailings The city published a notice on this public hearing and mailed letters to property owners within 350 feet of the property. To date, four property owners in the area inquired about the proposed sign. After learning about the sign's size and location, none of the four callers had objections. •