04-12-07 Planning Comm. Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARCHNET TIfE ARCFIITECTURAL NETWORK ING_ 12A45 55°i Street Suite A Lake Elmo, MN 55042 To: Stephen W. Cmttman, AICP Northwest Associated Consultants 4800 Olson Memorial Highway, Suite 202 Golden Valley, Minnesota 55422 (p)763-231-2555 (f) 763-231-2561 seritUnan(c~nacplannina~.com Re: HOM (Levitz) Remodel, 07-109 VARIANCE REQUEST ARCIIITGCTURF. -PLANNING IDLCF,73LORS_S~~ONCTRUCTION Phone 651/430-0606 Pax 65t/430-0180 W WR'ACCh I1CllISa.C0111 Please review the following statements regarding our proposed variance for the relocation of the existing (Levitz) pylon sign. Item No. 1: Reasonable Use Item No. IA: Please refer to Site Plan Drawing AS 1 and Pylon Elevation by Trademark Signs. Note the existing 52 foot pylon sign located near the northeast corner of the building. This sign is located just 30 feet away from an existing curb cut. This curb cut does not provide any stacking for cars, and creates a dangerous sightline condition for departing traffic. A solution to this is the abandonment of this curb cut, and creating a service drive connecting the north and east parking areas. The new service drive and the existing pylon sign locations are not compatible. Item No. 1B: The circumstance unique to this issue is the existing location of the curb cut. Also unique to this property is the construction of a new overpass from Highway 35E to 694. This condition will result in reduced visibility and the appearance of this site being much lower to passing traffic. A reasonable use of retail requires certain visibility. Item No. 1C: Our variance would not alter the freeway office/retail character of the area. The new pylon location with the existing height will be adequate to be seen and not unreasonably high. Item No. 2: The variance would be in keeping with the spirit and intent of the ordinance, as the relocated sign would serve the purpose of being seen, while not appearing taller or larger than other signs in the area.