07-12-07 Planning Comm. Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION JULY 12, 2007 some brightness standards developed. Duray pointed out that the new sign at the Little Canada BP station is fairly bright. The Planner reviewed item 9 which adds a section related to malfunction and freezing of the message that he took directly from the Minnetonka ordinance. Item 10 creates a license requirement for the installation of dynamic signage making it easier for the City to enforce signage regulations. The Planner then reviewed four items that were included in the Minnetonka ordinance that he intentionally did not include in Little Canada's proposed ordinance amendment. These deal with self-contained messages, limitation to fi•eestanding signs, and limitation on percentage of sign area. The Planner then reviewed several other sign ordinances changes, apart from the electronic sign regulations, pertaining to the potential for being interpreted as regulating sign content. The Planner reviewed the five potential problem areas as outlined on pages 3 and 4 of his July 6, 2007 report. The Planner then reviewed pages 6 and 7 of his report wherein he proposes ordinance language changes to the Real Estate Sign Ordinance, Holiday Sign Ordinance, Grand Opening Sign Ordinance, and Dynamic (Electronic) Display Ordinance. Knudsen questioned the phrase "unique ability to create driver distraction" in the last paragraph on page 6. He suggested that the work "ability" be changed to "potential". The Commission agreed. Knudsen again suggested that any business having a dynamic sign should be encouraged to participate in public safety/emergency messages. The City Planner indicated that this could be a licensing requirement for dynamic signs. The Planner then noted the signage section of the Code wherein he highlighted all the proposed changes. He noted that one section that he did not change relates to garage sale signs and real estate signs. These are allowed under the Code, but are clearly regulated by content. The Planner indicated that he has not found a way to regulate these signs without addressing content, but he is still working on that issue. Knudsen asked about people holding signs when there is a going out of business sale, as an example. The City Planner replied that that activity is not considered signage. Duray asked if dynamic signs would be limited to billboards and pylons and not allowed as well signage. The Planner indicated that Minnetonka limits dynamic signage to freestanding only, but he is not sure of the purpose in -8-