10-22-1997 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 9, 1997 Lawrence reported that Arby's wants the site bright and well lit in order to be welcoming and safe in the evening. Arby's also wants the consistency with their other buildings, and to keep the project within budget. Lawrence estimated that metal or canvass awnings would be 25% to 30% more than the backlit vinyl canopies. Lawrence estimated vinyl at $8,000 and the metal at $12,000. Carson pointed out that in September the Commission approved the metal awnings as well as allowed Arby's to retain the existing drive - through canopy on the building rather than modify it to conform to the building renovations. Carson pointed out that this was done to allow Arby's to save money. Carson also pointed out that there will be lights in the parking lot that will illuminate the area. Lawrence again indicated that the vinyl backlit canopies would be welcoming and would provide consistency with other Arby sites. Lawrence stated that he realized the building has already been approved, but pointed out there is no ordinance or regulation prohibiting the vinyl backlit canopies. Keis stated that he was not inclined to approve the request for vinyl backlit canopies pointed out that the next development will make the same request. If an exception is made to the policies outlined in the architectural guidelines without a good reason, the City might as well eliminate the architectural guidelines. The City Planner pointed out that there are two levels in the architectural guidelines. Those levels are regulations and policies. Regulations must be adhered to and policies can be varied from if there is a unique architectural element that would warrant doing so. Lawrence pointed out that the ordinances and regulations are being complied with. Lawrence questioned the application of policies by an architectural review committee. Lawrence felt the application of policies was open to determination and was concerned about the consistency with which they are applied. The Planner pointed out that the architectural guidelines state that the City does not really want plastic panel signs or awnings since they are not natural materials. However, the use of these signs or awnings is not prohibited because there might be a reason for the City to allow their use in certain instances. The Planner pointed out that the architectural guidelines have been adopted under the City's Comprehensive Plan. The Planner indicated that the burden of proof is on the applicant to show that Page 57