09/08/2004 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • • For sale signs for individual residential properties typically are small and are present for very limited lengths of time. Occasionally, a cluster of them will be an unsightly mess. Currently, Lino Lakes prohibits any sign in a street right of way, but does not require a permit for "for sale" real estate signs. We should determine if these signs constitute a situation that should be regulated. On August 24th, 2004 city staff had an opportunity to informally poll some of the local businesses, specifically those who would typically engage in the sale of retail alcohol and tobacco products. The managers on duty or business owners where first asked if they had received the letter sent by city staff in regards to the special meeting held June 16th, 2004. A vast majority of the people contacted had received the letter, but where unable to attend the meeting due to scheduling conflicts. All of the business owners were interested to learn if the meeting had led to any proposed changes to the temporary signage code. Specifically, the businesses were asked if they used any temporary signs to advertise their businesses. The vast majority, as would be suspected, did use some form of temporary signage, whether it be banners advertising specials or small signs attached to utility poles or other on site fixtures. The businesses were also asked if their distributors required them to put that signage up, to which no one answered affirmatively. Those who did receive their signage from their distributors did so only at the businesses request or as promotional items to be used at the businesses discretion. One of the businesses did state that the signage they used to advertise tobacco products was posted by the distributor on a regular basis, though whether the distributor 'required' the signage could not be confirmed or denied. Overall the reaction to the telephone inquiry was one of interest in working with the city to get a procedure /policy in place that would allow businesses to advertise their products and gain more visibility while still enforcing some aesthetic control. Some even offered potential compromises such as requiring all temporary signage to be professionally lettered. The vast majority reinforced their belief that the temporary signage was necessary to gain the attention of consumers and build their customer base. Based on this, staff can not provide definitive information to support or deny the contention that the cigarette and liquor manufacturers or distributors require the retailer to display the temporary signs. If business owners have evidence of such a requirement, they should provide it. I have attached the following tables to help with the discussion. The options offered are in no way intended to be the only possibilities.