08-14-2019 Workshop & Council Packet

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION AUGUST 8, 2019 - 3 - The City Clerk stated that since the Zoning Code does not give direction for properties with more than two street frontages, City Staff would suggest that if the Commission is supportive of more signage, they consider an alternate amount of total allowed signage, such as 400 square feet. Emily Heuring, Caribou Coffee, stated that this location has been a very good store for them and it is larger so it also has community rooms. She noted that the road construction has been very tough on them, and sales are down 50% which will likely continue through at least the end of the year. She explained that round-a-bouts require a learning curve for drivers. She stated that they are planning for site work to begin after Labor Day, and it will be at least October 1 for the new signage installation. Thorson stated both pylon signs could potentially be up at the same time for about one year. Johnson clarified that Caribou would prefer to have both pylon signs. Ms. Heuring stated that was correct as they feel the existing sign would help customers know to turn on to Country Drive Connection. Buesing asked how much square footage of signage there would be with both pylon signs, and suggested that the existing sign remain for now and a final decision could be made by the Council in a year. The City Clerk showed a photo looking northbound on Rice Street of the existing pylon sign, and explained that the new pylon would be in line with the current sign along Rice Street, and essentially behind it as you are looking north. Buesing stated that after seeing this photo, he now feels the signage on the four sides of the building is more important than the pylon signs. Johnson pointed out that the current pylon location would only be helpful if a customer could turn left from southbound Rice Street to Country Drive Connection, but there will be a median preventing that. She stated that in her opinion, a variance is appropriate for this property and noted that this situation is extremely unique. The City Clerk stated that staff agrees that the property will become very unique after the road reconstruction project is complete, and none of the changes were created by the landowner. She explained that southbound Rice Street customers will need to know there is a Caribou and where they are going prior to entering the round-a-bout, because if they miss the right turn in the round-a-bout, they will not be able to get to Caribou without going further down Rice Street and turning around. She reported that Staff does support increased signage on this property, but not the second pylon sign. She stated that staff is recommending that signage be allowed on four sides of the building, up to a total of 400 square feet, and that the existing pylon sign can remain through construction but must be removed by September 30, 2020.