12-15-2004 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS, INC. 4800 Olson Memorial Highwey, Sufte 202, Golden Valley, MN 55422 Telephone: 763.231.285a5 5a5 Fesirn le: 703.231 .2561 planneis@nscplanning.con, MEMORANDUM TO: Little Canada Planning Commission FROM: Stephen Grittman DATE: November 11, 2004 RE: Little Canada — A &W Sign Variance and Architectural Review FILE NO: 758.09 - 04.38 Background and Analysis Patrick Nickleson is seeking approval of a variance from the sign regulations and Architectural Review for exterior building remodeling of the A &W Restaurant at 3006 Rice Street. The site is zoned B -3, General Business. The zoning ordinance permits one pylon sign and two wall signs for corner lots in the B- 3 District. The applicant is seeking approval of a building with two wall signs along the roof parapet edge ( "A &W'), two wall signs mounted along the edge of the roof "cornice" ( "All American Food "), plus two painted wall graphic signs on the Rice Street frontage. Vinyl window graphics are also shown. The plans do not indicate, but it is presumed that the applicant proposes to retain the existing free - standing sign on the property. A variance is necessary to accommodate this request in the following ways: a. Variance to permit more than two wall signs (six are proposed — the vinyl window graphics are exempt) b. Variance to permit wall - painted graphics — this style of signage is prohibited by the ordinance. c. Potential variance to total square footage of signage — this variance is speculative since the sketches do not include a scale or list of sizes. Variance review requires a finding that a physical condition exists that creates a hardship in putting the property to reasonable use under the standard ordinance language. In this case, the site is highly visible at the corner of South Owasso Boulevard and Rice Street. There does not appear to be any condition that would