04-28-2004 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MARCII 11, 2004 of which have two building signs and one pylon. Anesi noted that these five other businesses on Rice Street have the same number of signs that he is requesting on behalf of Aldi Foods. The City Planner indicated that he presumes these sign permits were issued in a manner consistent with the Code. He noted, however, that while the Sign Ordinance allows for additional square footage of signage allowed for buildings on corner lots, it does not allow for more than one building sign and one pylon sign. The Planner stated that if the Commission feels that three signs (two wall signs and one pylon) are appropriate for Aldi Foods, then he would recommend that the Sign Ordinance be amended accordingly. The Planner noted that there is no hardship present that would warrant the granting ofa Variance. The Commission expressed concern about the examples presented by Mr. Anesi showing other businesses on Rice Street with three signs. The Planner indicated that his guess would be that these sign permits were issued in error. However, this would not be a basis for granting a Variance to Aldi Foods. The Planner again recommended if the Commission is inclined to support the request, that the Sign Ordinance be amended. Rheaume indicated that he sees nothing negative about the signs in the examples presented by Mr. Anesi, nor with the Aldi sign request. Rheaume indicated that given the location of Bally's pylon sign, it would be advantageous for Aldi Foods to have the additional building sign they are requesting. Duray asked if initially there was approval for three signs for Aldi Foods. Anesi reported that the building elevations he presented showed the signage, and there was no indication that there was a problem with the three signs. Anesi reported that he only became aware that there was a problem with the signage at the time the building was being constructed. Keis pointed out that there is no hardship to justify granting a Variance. Keis felt that the Commission needed some additional time to review the Sign Ordinance and conclude whether or not an amendment should be made to the Ordinance. Barraclough agreed, pointing out that the Commission must consider the bigger picture and the impact that an Ordinance amendment would have. Keis also suggested that the City Council may want to provide input on the issue of amending the Sinn Ordinance. The Planner pointed out that