09-03-13 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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PLANNING & ZONING BOARD AGENDA ITEM 6A STAFF ORIGINATOR:Michael Grochala P & ZMEETING DATE:February 13, 2013 REQUEST:Discussion Item –Sign Regulations APPLICANT:City of Lino Lakes REVIEW DEADLINE:Not Applicable –City Initiated BACKGROUND Following a City Council request to review the City’s temporary sign regulations,the Planning and Zoning Board held a public forum to solicit comments from area businesses and institutional uses. Staff also completed a survey of sign regulations for surrounding communities. Nine (9) individuals brought forth suggestions regarding signage needs. In general the respondents requested more flexibility in the annual day allowance, location and duration of temporary sign permits. Based on these commentsand the Planning and Zoning Board’s discussion,staff has developed alternativesfor board consideration. ANALYSIS Sign regulation is not unique to the City of Lino Lakes. Most cities provide for some measure of sign regulation for both aesthetic and safetyreasons. The City’s Sign Code is intended to establish a comprehensive and balanced system of sign control that accommodates the need for a well-maintained, safe and attractive community, and the need for effective communications including business identification. There is no ideal system of sign regulation. Sign requirements can vary from city to city, although there are generally accepted parameters that communities commonly use. As shown in the attached sign code summary, the Lino Lakes requirements for both permanent and temporary signs are generally consistent with surrounding communities. It should be noted that temporary signs were originally intended to provide relief from the standard sign requirements for “special” events such as grand openings. The city should be careful not to expand temporary sign requirements as a substitute for locationor as a replacement for other advertising devices such as flyers, newspaper ads and the like.