03-14-2013 Planning Comm. Minutes

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MARCH 14, 2013 existing tenant put up signs without a permit. The City Planner indicated that the request for a master sign plan does not have to be made by the building owner. A tenant can make this application on behalf of the building owner. He also noted that the Code Enforcement staff is concerned about the nature of how the signs are constructed, if they meet both Code requirements and Architectural Guidelines. Fischer informed the applicant that the problem is there is no master sign plan before the Commission. There are some basic descriptions, but no detail that can be evaluated to ensure the signs meet Code. Young noted that City staff suggested to him that in preparing a master sign plan he consider future signage for the building. Young questioned the need to submit a plan that includes signs that may or may not be installed in the future. Schwalbach asked if part of the sign review dealt with color and design elements. The Planner replied that one of the concerns related to whether or not the signs would be illuminated and how that illumination would occur. The Planner noted that there was no review of signage for the existing signs that were installed without a permit. The Planner indicated that before moving forward the Code Enforcement Officer would like to see what is being proposed as well as see some planning for possible future plans. DeBace indicated that the building has existed for 23 years and questioned the need for a master sign plan at this time. Duray noted that a master sign plan is a Code requirement for multi- tenant buildings. Once approved, this plan will be used as a record of current and future signage. Maleitzke asked if the diagram submitted included the two existing signs on the building. Young replied that it did. The Planner noted that a sign permit is required for the two existing signs to ensure that they were installed according to Code. The City has the ability to cite the business owner for installation of these signs without a permit. The Code Enforcement Officer will be following up on that issue. The Planner noted that the master sign plan is a parallel issue, and part of that approval process includes a review of sign dimensions, illumination, installation methods, etc. Young indicated that his proposed signage would not be illuminated. Schwalbach indicated that if the signage proposed by Young is not illuminated and the Code Enforcement Officer will be dealing with the signage that was installed without a permit, he did not see an issue with moving this application for CUP forward to the City Council. Schwalbach -3-