04-12-2018 Planning Commission Packet

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It should be noted that in 2014, the City approved the use of painted wall graphics as a form of signage under the PUD Permit for Saxon Lanes at 61 Little Canada Road W. Therefore, the request to allow this type of signage is not out of character with the area. However, city staff would like to differentiate between these two scenarios that in the case of Saxon Lanes they were repainting the entire building. The “bowling” painted wall graphic as shown on the south elevation is the same coloring and theme of the upgrades that were done to the exterior of the site. This also included replacement of the existing pylon sign to match coloring. In addition, Saxon Lanes does not have any other wall signage on the building. Mr. Smith is not proposing any other exterior painting or upgrades to the site to create a cohesive look with the wall graphics proposed. This building is located at the SW corner of Jackson Street and Little Canada Road. In order to calculate the allowable sign area for this property, you would use the building silhouette for both of these street frontages. Building Silhouette: Little Canada Road - 164’ x 16’ = 2,624 sq. ft. Jackson Street - 121’ x 16’ = 1,936 sq. ft. 4,560 square feet x 15% = 684 sq. ft. total signage allowed on property The applicant has indicated that each of the nine wall signs would be up to 76 sq. ft. (9x76 = 684). In the PUD District, the intent of the Comprehensive Sign Plan is to evaluate the property as a whole to determine if the signage and elements used are consistent and compatible with both the building and the area surrounding it. While this judgement could be considered subjective, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. We are tasked with determining what design elements are creating a cohesive presence on the property and in the community. Characteristically speaking that is achieved through use of similar and complementary design elements (i.e. colors, mounting style, or illumination). The proposed application is seeking to go away from that standard. Mr. Smith has stated that by not allowing this mixture of elements, we are essentially prohibiting what is the intended purpose of signage and that is to attract customers. He believes having a unique design is the only way for a business to set themselves apart in a multi-tenant complex. Staff believes consistency in design elements still allows for there to be distinction between tenants while maintaining symmetry throughout the building. Historically in the PUD District, the City has approved multi-tenant sign plans with some similarity or common feature (i.e. Market Place Shopping Center requires raceway mounting, 3203 Country Drive requires raceway mounting). Recommendation The proposed Comprehensive Sign Plan Amendment as requested complies with the square footage of signage allowed. City staff does believe that in multi-tenant property having some type of common theme in the signage is consistent with the intent of the PUD District to achieve a higher quality product through design. Staff does not have a preference between the internally illuminated raceway mounting used by two of the tenants or the metal panel sign with overhead gooseneck lighting as proposed by TNT. However, it is our recommendation that whichever direction the Property Owner selects that tenant signage be updated to comply with the approved plan. City staff also recommends removal of the painted wall graphics given no other improvements are proposed to the exterior of the building to create an overall compatible design.