05-22-1996 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 9, 1996 ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES - BACKLIT SIGNS The Planner pointed out that the Council has asked for the Planning Commission's input on Conditional Use Permits for accessory buildings, and whether or not the Commission felt there were any changes needed in the ordinance. The Commission discussed this issue and felt the Conditional Use Permit process should be retained for accessory buildings which bring total accessory space over 1,000 square feet. The Commission felt that the CUP process gave the City the control it needed to review these situations on a case -by -case basis and impose any conditions it feels necessary given the particular situation. The Commission was also comfortable with the 1,000 to 1,500 square foot range which has been used as a guideline in acting on CUP requests over the past few years. Therefore, it was the consensus of the Commission to retain the existing CUP process for accessory building area over 1,000 square feet in size. Keis reported that as he has been driving around, he has noticed most freestanding signs are backlit. Knudsen did not feel the City would want to discourage business by prohibiting freestanding backlit signs. Keis felt it was more acceptable along Rice Street, the City's downtown area, to allow freestanding signs to be backlit. Carson . agreed, and felt the City should retain the existing prohibition of backlit signs on buildings. Knudsen agreed. The Planner reported that he has looked at the freestanding backlit sign at the Market Place, and it doesn't look bad. However, he would have liked to see a little better quality sign. Knudsen pointed out the Planning Commission has always agreed that quality and appearance is often more important than use. Knudsen indicated that the Commission wants to see quality development which is aesthetically pleasing along Rice Street. 4 Page 80