04-08-2004 Planning Comm. Agenda

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R~ 'aa H6 8 ~a ~Y ~ ~ e d-a ~ ~ e~+ ~ I &~, 9 ~ ~« O 8~ d~ ~8 8. ~ a`~a tl~ ~ ~ y tl N ®e 5775 Wayzata P,oulevard, Suitt. 555, S4. I..ouis Park, iV1N 55416 Telcphona: 952.55.9636 Facsirxrile: ~52.5~5.9837 pl<3nners@nacplanning.r.«m MEMORANDUM T0: Little Canada Planning Commission FROM: Stephen Grittman DATE: March 9, 2004 RE: Little Canada - Aldi Foods Sign Variance FILE NO: 758.09-04.12 i3aciCground and Analysis Aldi Foods was granted a permit to construct a new retail store at 2350 Rice Street. The property was subject to a replatting that created a new parcel for the Aldi store, and relocated an access easement that provides driveway access to the Bally's facility to the east. The zoning ordinance requires that a maximum of 2 signs are permitted for commercial buildings, and that either two wall signs or one wall sign and one freestanding sign may be used. In the case of corner lots, the applicant is able to use the square footage of both street frontages for purposed of total sign area, but is still limited to 2 signs. The applicants have installed one freestanding sign on the property near their entrance from Rice Street, and a second wall sign on the west face of the building. They are seeking approval to install a third sign on the south face of the building facing their parking lot. For variances, the zoning ordinance requires a finding that the property is subject to some sort of physical condition that creates a hardship in putting the property to reasonable use within the regulations. Adequate sign visibility is considered a reasonable use of property for business parcels. This site is highly visible and the freestanding sign provides business identification for traffic on Rice Street for both north-and south-bound traffic. The wall sign identifies the building from the street. it is not clear what type of hardship may be present that would interfere with reasonable identification of this site.