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MINUTES <br />PLANNING COMMISSION <br />FEBRUARY 12, 1998 <br />Canon stated that he did not favor allowing the signs in the right -of -way. <br />The Planner suggested that the problem would be self - regulating since <br />Little Canada is almost fully developed. <br />Mahai pointed out that the issue includes other types of signs, including <br />garage sales signs, product signs, etc. Mahai asked the Commission to <br />consider the residents and the fact that they have to look at these signs. <br />Knudsen stated that allowing open house signs for 24 hours before and <br />after the open house on private property with the property owner's <br />permission was legitimate in his mind. <br />Mahai pointed out that the Sheriff's Department has the CHORE program, <br />a community service program, in place. Under this program <br />approximately 400 to 500 signs have been taken down in the Cities of <br />Little Canada, Shoreview, and Vadnais Heights. <br />Barraclough stated that it is an enforcement issue and real estate agents <br />will put up open house signs. <br />The Planner pointed out that under this proposal, the City could enforce <br />against signs in the right -of -way. Eliminating the administrative permit <br />process will ease the burden on City staff. <br />Mahai asked if the ordinance could include a fine or penalty for violators. <br />The Planner indicated that a violation of the Zoning Ordinance is a <br />misdemeanor. The City can tag violators and take them to court. <br />However, this is an expensive process. It is more effective to just take the <br />signs down. <br />Mr. Knudsen recommended approval of the amendment to the Zoning <br />Ordinance allowing off - premise signs to be located on private property <br />with the property owner's permission, elimination of the administrative <br />permit provision, and limiting the size of the signs to no larger than three <br />square feet. <br />Motion seconded by Carson. <br />Motion carried 5 — 1. Barraclough voted against. <br />Barraclough recommended that once the ordinance amendment is adopted, <br />it be sent to the St. Paul Association of Realtors so they can let realtors <br />know the regulations in Little Canada. Carson suggested that the <br />information be included in the City's newsletter as well. <br />8 <br />Page 41 <br />