03-14-2002 Planning Comm. Agenda

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5775 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 555, St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Telephone: 952.595.9636 Facsimile: 952.595.9837 planners@nacplanning.com MEMORANDUM TO: Little Canada Planning Commission FROM: Stephen Grittman DATE: January 8, 2002 RE: Little Canada -Bus Stop Bench Signs FILE N0: 758.10 - 02.01 The City has been approached by at least two companies that provide bus stop benches, paid for through advertising located on the benches. Because the benches are located in the public right of way, and the advertising is for business activities that are located elsewhere, they are considered to violate the City's prohibitions against off-site advertising signage, and signs within the public street right of way. The City has recently had several such benches removed, subject to a review of its ordinance. There are a number of issues for the City to consider in regulating these types of facilities. The following list is representative of many ordinances: Location. This includes whether the bench signs may be located in the right of way, a location that is not permitted to other signs. Also at issue is location along a transit route, the distance from the actual bus stop, setback from the street, avoidance of interference with pedestrian sidewalks or trails, proximity to an intersection, proximity to other bench signs, and permission of the governmental authority with jurisdiction over the road (County or State). 2. Advertising. This issue raises the conflict with other types of off-site advertising that is usually prohibited. Most often regulate is the location of the advertising message, size of the message, and avoidance of content that could interfere with safe traffic, such as simulated "STOP" signs.