03-27-1996 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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Height. The sign appears to be approximately 30 feet in height. The Marketplace Center is an estimated 18 -20 feet in height. The Architectural Guidelines regulate that signs shall not exceed the height of the building which they serve. Placement/Location. It is assumed that the sign that is to be located at or near the existing sign along Rice Street where the existing policy of the Architectural Guidelines is that the "signs should fulfill their intended purpose (readability) in a non- obtrusive, aesthetically pleasing manner". Although very readable, our office does not feel that than attempt has been made to make the sign non - obtrusive or aesthetically pleasing. The regulations state that each business would be allowed two signs. With this sign, the businesses that are included would be allowed only one more additional sign. Size (Area). As stated previously, the sign is well above the maximum size for the City and requires a variance. The Architectural Guidelines encourage signs that complement the scale of the building in size. It is questionable whether a 400 square foot sign is complementary to the downtown area. Materials. Although not specified on the drawing provided, the sign appears to be made of a metal pole with plastic backlit panels. The Little Canada Architectural Guidelines for the Rice Street/Little Canada Road area prohibit illuminated or non - illuminated plastic panel signs. The general policy of the guidelines states that the sign should be constructed of natural materials that are compatible with the prominent building materials, and aesthetically compatible with the area and building. Illumination. The type of sign illumination has not been indicated on detail. An illuminated sign shall not produce more than none foot candle of illumination four feet from the sign. Theme. The sign does not exhibit a sense of continuity or theme. This is especially true if the individual business signs will be made up of different colors. RECOMMENDATION Based upon the review of the policies and regulations of the Architectural Guidelines as outlined, the Marketplace Center sign should not be approved by the City as proposed. The sign should be redesigned showing conformance to the guidelines. When resubmitted, approval of the design of the sign will be based upon the adherence to the overall character objectives. established within the City of Little Canada Architectural Guidelines for the Rice Street/Little Canada Road area. pc: Kathy Glanzer Greg Schmidt 2 Page 58