10-08-09 Planning Comm. Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

It would clearly be possible to reconstruct the sign in its current location without creating new encroachments into the required setback. The applicant suggests, however, that the improvements that create the need for the variance bring the sign closer to conformance with other regulations, including the height, and the architectural guidelines requirements. Moving the sign to a close, but conforming setback is precluded by the petroleum pipeline, and moving the sign to a conforming location outside of the pipeline easement raises conflicts with parking and circulation on this developed site. The only potential conforming location would be the northwest corner, although this location also has potential issues with parking and visibility to other existing commercial signage. Summary and Recommendation The CUP for a Comprehensive Sign Plan meets all of the City's requirements for signage and may be approved as submitted. The variance for sign setback requires a finding that there is a hardship present that restricts reasonable use of the property. Sign identification is a reasonable expectation for commercial property, and the City has identified freestanding signage as a component of this kind of identification. To recommend in favor of the variance, the City must find that the additional setback encroachment is outweighed by bringing the sign closer into overall conformance by reducing the height to standard, and making architectural changes (opaque sign background and brick-veneered base). The only potential relocation site for the sign would be the northwest corner of the property, again requiring 5 foot setbacks for all portions of the sign and sign base. It is not clear that this would not raise other concerns, including interference with circulation and parking on the site, as well as other visibility issues for the area. As such, it may be that the existing location is the most reasonable site for the freestanding sign, given the existing conditions on the property. If the City is to approve the setback variance, it should do so with findings that support the existing location as the most reasonable location, given the existing conditions on the property, including the layout of the parking and circulation, the existence of the pipeline easement, and the finding that the applicant's proposal brings the sign into conformance with a number of other regulations and policies (height, sign background, and base materials). pc: Kathy Glanzer Steve Westerhaus Lee Elfering Tom Duray, 2540 Edgerton Street, Little Canada, MN 55117 3