12/12/2012 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning & Zoning Board December 12 , 2012 Page 3 APPROVED MINUTES Connie Ha ukom, American Legion, 7731 Lake Dr., said that she received a letter from the city that temporary signs needed to be removed, including the hanging signs on the front of the building. She stated concern that trees block the view of allowable signage on their property. S he requested allowance to put flags around the front of the building for events such as a memo rial . She would prefer that temporary signs be allowed for shorter periods of time , as events sometimes last only a week or less. Bob Mallory, 865 Birch St., Living Waters Lutheran Church, explained that he sent an email to the city earlier in the month outlining the problems that they are having with signage . He stated that their h ands are tied by the permit process. He explained that they w orked with the city planner in June and , as a result, they constructed a 2X4 plywood framework for their banners. He considers banners to be the best way to invite people to an event. He t hinks the current regulations for temporary signage is too restrictive. Additionally, he stated that the cost is too intense and suggested no longer requiring permits for non -pro fit organizations. Marcy Jamison, Pastor at G ethsemane U nited M et h odist C hurch, 7330 Lake Dr., agreed with Mr. Mallory’s concerns. She stated that they are a seasonal institution and would like to advertise for various seasonal events such as Advent and cookie sales. She noted that they are set back from the b oulevard and their signs are difficult to see. The current limits do not allow for them to ad vertise special services. She would prefer that the city allow for more fl exibility as to the length of time th at signs can be out , as current restraints are not applicable to their programs. Katy A llen, Allure Salon, 6505 Ware Rd., Spirit Hills Center, stated that she has no issues with pulling permits or the time allowances. She explained that due to th e reconstruction on Birch Street, she has no location to place a temporary sign. She re quested permission to place her temporary signage on the neighboring property, with the approval of the property owner. She also stated concern that she has seen other businesses put signs up where they are not allowed. Brian G ilbertson , 826 77 th S t . W., Magic Bounce, stated that his business participates in the city’s Blue Heron Days festival. He stated concern that the city does not allow for advertising of its own city festival. He requested the allowance to advertise on street corners prior to the festival. He pointed out that other cities are allowed to advertise for their festivals . He would like to see the continued success of Blue Heron Days. He requested t hat the city be equal in the enforcement of illegal signs. He stated that his signs were removed while other signs were not. Valerie Johnson , McDonald’s, 610 A pollo D r ., stated that the cost for a nice banner is hard to recoup when the sign is only allow ed for a short period of time. She requested a longer time period allowed for temporary signs, such as 3 0 days. Ms. Lindsey suggested allowing temporary signage for a week or weekend each month to promote small businesses with limited funds. She d oes no t want the community to be littered with sig n s, but would like to see small businesses grow.