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• Meeting Date8-27-90 Agenda. Item E-2 '~ Attachment •3 MEMORANDIIM: TO: Planning Commission FROM: Susan Hoyt, City Planner RE: Report on the Request for a Variance from Section 9- 13.02 (3) (c) (4) of the Zoning Code for Falcon Heights Pharmacy at 1707 Snelling Avenue In his letter, Mr. Anderson clearly delineates the unique circumstances governing his request for a variance from 75 sq. ft. to 123.75 sq. ft. for a business sign in a B-2 zone. In order for the commission to assess the uniqueness and possible hardship created by the applying code, it may be useful to reiterate the purpose of the sign code. First, it is to eliminate unsightly, offensive signs, especially billboards on top of buildings such as at Northome, and projecting signs. Second, the sign code is designed to promote consistency in the number and size of signs within a business zone without impairing recognition of the businesses. The purpose of a sign code is not to create nearly • identical signs throughout the business zone. (Occasionally, shopping centers do this within a center.) The following elaborates on the unique characteristics stated by Mr. Anderson. 1) Setback Reviewing this request in the context of other shopping centers in the B-2 zone along Larpenteur and Snelling, it is apparent that Falcon Center has a much larger setback from the main thoroughfare than the Bullseye Center and some of the Northome Center (see Figure 1). Unlike Bullseye, Falcon Center does not have a pylon sign identifying all its businesses. And the AMOCO station and sign are a visual detraction f rom the center. This is why Tile International has a roof sign. Therefore, signs are less visible from Falcon Center stores to drivers on the adjacent thoroughfare. 2) Business Area It is a basic planning concept that certain types of businesses appeal to a larger geographic area than others. In other words, people are willing to go farther for a special purchase. Some of the businesses in Falcon Center meet this criterion. For example, people may drive for several miles to price an appliance at Warner/Stellians or to purchase a piece of furniture at Design Modern Interiors, whereas they will travel very few miles to take out a pizza or rent a - video. Falcon Pharmacy is joining the businesses with a 1