01/08/1997 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning & Zoning Board January 8, 1997 Page 9 Executive zone. However, he would allow them in the RBR District. He asked if • the City receives an economic return from billboards. • • Ms. Wyland stated that billboards require a conditional use permit fee, an application fee and a sign permit fee which is renewable each year. However, revenue is minimal. Mr. Wessel stated that he sees no definitive value to development to allow billboards, and they do not enhance the community. He would like to solicit the opinions of other Economic Development Board members. Mr. Brixius stated that there may be benefits for motorists and the property owners renting the space, but the advertising is not community specific. They do not generate an increased tax base. If the City decides to accommodate property owners who wish to rent space, he would recommend that it be on an interim basis. Mr. Brixius stated that in another part of the ordinance there are specific rules that identify wall signs and free standing signs for independent businesses. If a business is located in a shopping center that shares signage, that signage should be treated differently. In some cases the ordinance overlaps, and there should be clear distinctions. He would like to bring the ordinance back for review with language that gives better continuity and graduated standards. Language is needed to address multi- tenant buildings or shopping centers, so that everyone is identified. A sign that is 400 square feet for a sign of identification is a very large sign and should be reviewed as to how it relates to the site. Mr. Wessel agreed and stated that usually companies are either concerned with employee logistics or company visibility with regard to their signs. Those are two separate issues. The sign size and visibility of the company needs to be considered carefully. Chair Schaps suggested a morning work session for the Board to review the sign ordinance. Mr. Brixius stated that a work session would be helpful after the Economic Development Board has given input. Mr. Johnson stated that if the Board has a work session, it would be helpful to him to see pictures of existing signs to better understand sizes. It was the consensus of the Board to hold a work session on the sign ordinance on January 24, 1997, at 7:00 a.m.