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• <br />• <br />• <br />Planning & Zoning Board <br />January 8, 1997 <br />Page 8 <br />Chair Schaps declared the public hearing open at 7:32 p.m. <br />Mr. Robinson made a MOTION to continue the public hearing to the February <br />12, 1997 Planning & Zoning Board meeting and was supported by Ms. Dahl. <br />The motion was unanimously approved, 7 -0. <br />Mr. Brixius requested feedback from the Board on format. He suggested that <br />some of the language is redundant and needs to be consolidated in Section II. <br />Also, in Section III criteria are described to allow billboards. At this time <br />billboards are allowed in the Rural District, and the question is whether the City <br />wishes to allow billboards in rural areas until development occurs. It would be <br />his suggestion that rather than making a billboard a conditional use, it be an <br />interim use until the land is rezoned, included in MUSA or additional <br />development occurs which requires the billboard to be removed. <br />Mr. Johnson asked if there are any billboards in the Rural Executive District at <br />this time. <br />Mr. Brixius answered, yes. <br />Ms. Wyland noted that allowing billboards is lucrative for the property owner. <br />Mr. Brixius explained that in townships and rural counties Mn /DOT has <br />jurisdiction over billboards along freeways and only allows them in commercial <br />districts. In municipalities with zoning and sign ordinances, the City controls <br />billboards. <br />Ms. Wyland stated that from the City's perspective there is no interest in having <br />prime industrial areas obstructed by huge advertising signs. A recent land use <br />study for the City directed signage away from those areas. She noted that <br />Mn /DOT signs already advertise food, gas and lodging. <br />Ms. Dahl stated that she likes to see the signs when she is traveling and would <br />not be opposed to them. She <br />asked if the City has any public land in the Rural District or Rural Executive <br />District that would be suitable for advertising signs. <br />Ms. Wyland answered, no. <br />Mr. Brixius recommended that if the Board were to make any changes to the <br />ordinance, he would strongly recommend that the Economic Development Board <br />review it first. <br />Mr. Robinson stated that he would like to see an interim use allowed. <br />Mr. Johnson stated that the Rural Executive District is a residential area. To put <br />a billboard up would be counter productive and defeats the purpose of the Rural <br />