Laserfiche WebLink
Northwest Associated Consultants, Inc. <br />U R B A N P L A N N I N G • D E S I G N • M A R K E T R E S E A R C H <br />MEMORANDUM <br />TO: <br />FROM: <br />DATE: <br />RE: <br />FILE NO: <br />Little Canada Planning Commission <br />Stephen Grittman <br />9 November 1993 <br />Little Canada - Sign Ordinance <br />758.10 - 93.08 <br />This summer, the City was presented with a sign variance request <br />from Gas -N -Go to permit a taller freestanding sign along Rice <br />Street. Although that variance request was denied, the Council was <br />concerned that the City's sign ordinance may not be "competitive" <br />with neighboring Cities, an argument made by the new owners of the <br />Gas -N -Go property. We have summarized the comparative effects of <br />the Sign Ordinances from Roseville, Shoreview, Vadnais Heights and <br />Maplewood for your information. <br />The City should be aware that different communities develop their <br />Sign Ordinances for different reasons. I have enclosed a report <br />which I had done for another community which reviews various <br />aspects of retailing theory in view of signing. As you will note, <br />Sign Ordinances are not effective tools for economic development, <br />although many business owners will attempt to make that argument. <br />In fact, they serve their greatest role as a method of protection <br />against abuse. <br />The following information is for the particular community's general <br />business zoning district, where it makes a difference. <br />Total Signage on Site: <br />Little Canada: <br />Maplewood: <br />Roseville: <br />Shoreview: <br />Vadnais Hts: <br />150 of building facade, including corner lot <br />facades. <br />200 of building facade. <br />10% including pylon or freestanding sign. <br />20% of building facade. <br />15% of building facade per street front. <br />Page 67 <br />5775 Wayzata Blvd. • Suite 555 • St. Louis Park, MN 55416 • (612) 595- 9636•Fax. 595 -9837 <br />