03-23-11 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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allowable sign area for the site is 2,182 square feet. The total sign area for the shopping center is currently approximately 1,200 square feet. As noted above, the sign ordinance allows freestanding signage of up to 200 square feet in area, with properties such as the Marketplace eligible for two such signs. Most freestanding signs in the City are smaller, since the code scales the size of the sign to be commensurate with the square footage of the building, capping all such signs at 200 square feet. The City had previously approved a combination of those sign areas into a single 400 square foot sign in the current configuration. The applicant had also been required to add a brick base to the sign structure which is in place. At issue is whether an expansion of the freestanding sign area is consistent with the City's general policies for signage in this area. Under the center's Planned Unit Development zoning, the City has the discretion to approve such a sign if it is considered to be appropriate. Decisions on PUD amendments are to be based on the general goals of the City's PUD regulations, listed in the zoning ordinance as follows: A. Innovations in residential development to the end that the growing demands for housing at all economic levels may be met by greater variety in tenure, type, design, and siting of dwellings and by the conservation and more efficient use of land in such developments; B. Higher standards of site and building design through the use of trained and experienced land planners, architects and landscape architects; C. More convenience in location of accessory commercial and service areas; D. The preservation and enhancement of desirable site characteristics such as natural topography and geologic features and the prevention of soil erosion; E. A creative use of land and related physical development which allows a phased and orderly transition of land from rural to urban uses; F. An efficient use of land resulting in smaller networks of utilities and streets thereby lower housing costs and public investments; G. A development pattern in harmony with the objectives of the City Comprehensive Plan. H. A more desirable environment than would be possible through the strict application of zoning and subdivision regulations of the City. I. To give the landowner and developer reasonable assurance of ultimate approval before expending complete design monies while providing City officials with assurances that the project will retain the character envisioned at the time of concurrence. 14