05-09-2007 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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allowed for the site. Reducing the total area may be achieved by reducing the overall area of each wall sign, or by reducing the number of signs. Variance. Variances are allowed from the literal provisions of this Ordinance in instances where their strict enforcement would cause undue hardship because of circumstances unique to the individual property under consideration. Such variances are to be granted only when it is demonstrated that such actions will be in keeping with the spirit and intent of the Ordinance. The applicant is requesting a variance to allow a pylon sign in excess of 25 feet in height. The proposed pylon sign is 52 feet in height. In this case, the applicant is claiming that the construction of a new overpass from Interstate 35E to Interstate 694 reduces the visibility of a freeway oriented commercial use and thus constitutes a hardship. The applicant states that the addition of the overpass resulted in the site being much lower than passing traffic and therefore not visible from the freeway. The requested sign currently exists on the site, but is being relocated to allow for the construction of a new service drive. In its current condition, the building itself is visible from the freeway. The proposed wall signage is expected to be visible as well. A pylon sign that meets the 25 foot height requirement could therefore also be expected to be visible from the freeway. The City has recently required a gas station requesting a CUP to bring their tall, non - conforming sign into compliance with the ordinance. The City again has an opportunity to eliminate a non - conforming sign in this situation. In that regard, staff believes the requested variance is not appropriate, as no undue hardship has been proven. Electronic Message Board Text Amendment. The applicant is requesting a text amendment to allow an electronic sign up to 25 feet in height with a face area of up to 200 square feet. The proposed sign is a full color, two - sided, LED message center with a 180 square foot face area. The applicant has stated that the text will cycle in 90 second minimum intervals. The height and area proposed is consistent with the maximum allowed for freestanding signs for buildings over 24,000 square feet. The Zoning Ordinance prohibits signs that display any moving parts, or are illuminated with any flashing or intermittent lights, or signs that are animated. Prior approvals by the City have allowed signs with electronic illumination provided it only be a steady light, without flashing or blinking. The City's practice has been to allow signs to change once per day, similar to the practice with hand - changeable message boards. As such, the proposed 90 second interval is not appropriate. The City has allowed electronic signs elsewhere, with the above condition limiting the message intervals. The proposed area and height are both within the parameters for freestanding signs for buildings over 24,000 square feet. Therefore, the proposed text amendment may be appropriate. However, staff recommends including language to limit the interval to one change per day. Staff also recommends that the text amendment be prepared to allow electronic message boards equal to the height and area for freestanding signs in the B -2 through B -I and 1 -1 through I -P Districts. 6