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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 3 - Zoning Text Amendment Freeway Signs Article 5 – General Regulations §154.212 Sign Regulations §154.212 Sign Regulations A. Purpose and Intent. The purpose of this Ordinance is to provide standards to safeguard life, health, and property and to promote the public welfare by regulating the design, area, number, construction, location, and installation of all signs referred to hereunder. The City Council and Planning Commission of the City of Lake Elmo find that the visual environment has an effect on the welfare of the citizens of Lake Elmo and that careful control of signage can protect and enhance the community. To carry out this general purpose, the regulations set forth herein are intended to: 1. Protect the public from hazards that result from signs which are structurally unsafe, obscure the vision of motorists and/or compete or conflict with necessary traffic signals and warning signs. 2. Preserve the land value of private property by assuring the compatibility of signs with nearby land uses. 3. Foster high quality commercial and industrial development and to enhance economic development of existing businesses and industries by promoting reasonable, orderly, attractive and effective sign that meet the need for business identification, advertising and communication. 4. Encourage creative and well-designed signs that contribute in a positive way to the community’s visual environment, express local character and help develop a distinctive image in the city. When appropriate, signage is encouraged to utilize design elements that are consistent with the Lake Elmo Branding and Theming Study. 5. Recognize that signs are a necessary form of communication and provide flexibility within the sign review and approval process to allow for unique circumstances. 6. Provide applicants with clear and consistent rules and regulations. B. Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Abandoned Sign. Any sign remaining in place which for a period of ninety (90) consecutive days or more no longer advertises or identifies an ongoing business, product, service, idea, or commercial activity located on the site or has not been properly maintained in accordance with the requirements of this Ordinance. Ancillary Sign. A wall sign separate from and subordinate in area to the principal sign, identifying generic services, goods or departments in the building, such as pharmacy, optical, auto repair, or garden center, but not including the identification of brand names. Attention-Attracting Object. Any streamer, pinwheel, pennant, flag, propeller, inflatable sign, statuary, tethered balloon, bunting, beacon, or other artificial device, figure, shape, color, sound, light or exhibit, whether live, animated, or still, that is intended to attract attention to the use or business being conducted on the site. Attention-attracting object does not include the flag of any governmental entity. Awning. A roof-like cover consisting of fabric, plastic or structural protective cover that projects from the wall of a building which generally serves the purpose of shielding a doorway, entrance, window, or outdoor service area from the elements or to provide decorative distinction. DRAFT 5/5/15 1 Sign Ordinance Banner. A suspended sign made of a flexible material such as canvas, sailcloth, plastic, paper, or fabric of any kind, and intended to be displayed on a temporary basis. A decorative banner is a banner containing no message or logo that is displayed for the purpose of adding color or interest to the surroundings or to the building to which it is attached. A flag or canopy shall not be considered a banner. Beacon. A stationary or revolving light that flashes or projects illumination, single color or multicolored, in any manner that is intended to attract or divert attention. Business Opening Sign. A temporary sign displayed prior or in addition to permitted permanent signs to promote the opening of a new business, a change of name or change of ownership. Canopy. A detachable, roof-like cover, supported from the ground or deck, floor or walls of a structure, for protection from the sun or weather. Changeable Copy Sign. A sign or portion thereof with characters, letters, or illustrations that can be changed or rearranged manually without altering the face or the surface of the sign and on which the message changes less than eight times a day and less than once per hour. A sign on which the only copy that changes is an electronic or mechanical indication of time or temperature shall not be considered a changeable copy sign. Commercial Message. A message that directs attention to or acts as advertising for a business, commodity, product, service or form of entertainment or tends to encourage the occurrence of a commercial transaction related thereto. Comprehensive Sign Plan. A complete signage plan for a building or lot that has been approved by the City. Construction Sign. A sign identifying individuals or companies involved in design, construction, wrecking, financing, or development of a building or lot upon which the sign sits and/or identifying the future use of the building or lot upon which the sign sits. Copy. Words, letters, numbers, figures, designs, or other symbolic representations incorporated into a sign. Directional Sign, On-Premise. A sign without commercial message erected for the purpose of indicating the required or preferred direction of vehicular, bicycle, or pedestrian traffic on private property including, but not limited to “no parking,” “entrance,” “exit only,” “loading only,” and other similar signage. Directional Sign, Off-Premise. Any sign without commercial message that is displayed for the purpose of informing people of or guiding people to a particular place for a specified event, including, but not limited to, an open house, garage sale, estate sale or other similar event. Directly Illuminated Sign. Any sign designed to give any artificial light directly through any transparent or translucent material from a source of light originating within or on such sign. Directory Sign. A sign which serves as a common or collective identification for a group of persons or businesses operating on the same lot. Such a sign commonly lists the tenants, occupants, floor plan, addresses or suite numbers of an office complex, shopping center or residential building complex. Election Campaign Period. A period prior to a general election starting on August 1 until 10 days following the general election, or a period prior to a special election starting 13 weeks prior to the special election until 10 days following the special election. Electronic Variable Message Sign. A changeable copy sign or portion thereof which can be electronically changed or rearranged without altering the face or the surface of the sign, not including signage or portions thereof displaying time and temperature. DRAFT 5/5/15 5-2 Sign Regulations Façade. Any separate face or surface of a building, including parapet walls, and roof surfaces or any part of a building which encloses or covers usable space. Where separate facades are oriented in the same direction, or where the inside angle at the intersection of two surfaces is greater than one-hundred and thirty-five (135) degrees, they are to be considered as part of a single façade. Flag. A device generally made of flexible material, such as cloth, paper, or plastic, and displayed from a pole, cable or rope. It may or may not include copy. Freeway Sign. A pole or freestanding sign adjacent to Interstate 94. To be a permitted freeway sign, the sign must be located within one-hundred and fifty (150) linear feet of the freeway right-of-way. A single sign structure having two identical or nearly identical faces back to back shall constitute a single sign. Frontage. The boundary of a lot that abuts a public street. Garage Sale Sign. A sign advertising the sale of personal property including estate sales, yard sales or rummage sales used to dispose of personal household possessions. Government Sign. Any sign erected by the City of Lake Elmo or any other governmental entity in the exercise of official government business and authority. Ground Sign. Any free-standing sign that is supported by structures or supports in or upon the ground and independent of support from any building. A single sign structure having two identical or nearly identical faces back to back shall constitute a single sign. For the purposes of this definition, a ground sign is intended to refer to a primary, permanent, ground-mounted sign, not a temporary sign or sign that is ancillary to the primary sign, such as a directional sign or portable sign. Hanging Sign. A sign that is suspended from the underside of a surface and is supported by such surface. Indirectly Illuminated Sign. A sign that is illuminated from a source outside of the actual sign. Inflatable Sign. A freestanding or moored sign expanded or inflated with air or another gas, like a balloon, and which may rise and float above the ground. Legal Non-Conforming Sign. Any sign which was lawfully erected and displayed on [City Clerk to insert effective date], but which does not conform to the requirements and limitations herein, or any sign which was lawfully erected and displayed on the effective date of any amendment to this Section, but which does not conform to such amendment. Logo. A symbol or trademark commonly used to identify a business or organization. Memorial Sign. A sign or tablet memorializing a person, event, place or structure. Menu Sign. A permanent changeable copy sign associated with restaurants with drive-through windows, car washes, or other businesses with drive-up services which gives a detailed list of food or services available. Monument Sign. A ground sign having a monolithic base or support structure of any material measuring no less than one-third (1/3) of the greatest width of the sign at any point. Noncommercial Message. A message intended to direct attention to a political, social, community or public service issue or an idea, aim viewpoint, aspiration or purpose and not intended to produce any commercial benefit or tend to encourage a commercial transaction. Off-Premise Sign. A sign which displays any message directing attention to a business, product, service, profession, commodity, activity, event, person, institution or any other commercial message, which is generally conducted, sold, manufactured, produced, offered or occurs elsewhere than on the lot where such sign is located. On-Premise Sign. A sign which displays any message directing attention to a business, product, service, profession, commodity, activity, event, person, institution or any other commercial DRAFT 5/5/15 5-3 Sign Regulations ground or building-mounted sign for each additional frontage provided that such additional sign may not exceed 50% of the area allowed by the primary frontage and is oriented toward the additional frontage. For purposes of this code, the primary frontage shall be presumed to be the frontage upon which the main entrance to the building is located. The applicant, however, may identify a different frontage as the primary frontage to maximize the effectiveness of the signage. 11. Resemblance to Traffic Signs. No sign shall contain or resemble any sign resembling in size, shape, message, or color any traffic control devices compliant with the Minnesota State Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. G. Limitations According to the Type of Land Use. Unless exempt under §154.212.K or as expressly provided elsewhere, no permanent or temporary signs shall be displayed except in conformity with the following regulations as they correspond to the type of land use and districts in which the sign is to be displayed. 1. Residential Uses in Residential Districts. a. In connection with legal home occupations, a single sign which is limited in content to the name, address and legal home occupation of the owner or occupant of the premises, and which does not exceed two (2) square feet in area. Signs under this paragraph shall be wall signs only. b. A residential condominium or multi-family apartment complex may display signs identifying the name of the condominium or apartment complex if the total acreage of the lot is one (1) acre or more and the condominium or apartment includes eight (8) or more units. One (1) wall sign and one (1) ground sign per street frontage may be displayed, with a maximum of two (2) wall signs and two (2) ground signs per lot. No identification sign shall exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area, and the maximum height is one (1) story or twelve (12) feet above curb level, whichever is lower. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “lot,” when used in reference to a condominium means all property within a common interest community. c. A subdivision identification sign not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in sign area as approved by the City. 2. Institutional Uses in Residential Districts. Nonresidential uses located in residential districts, such as churches and schools, located in residential districts may erect signs as follows: a. Wall and Ground Signs i. Area and Number: One (1) wall sign and one (1) ground sign per street frontage may be displayed, identifying the entity, with a maximum of two (2) wall signs and two (2) ground signs per lot. Additional wall or ground signs for wayfinding purposes may be permitted when the size of the lot, number of vehicular or pedestrian entrances, and layout of the buildings require additional signs in order to promote traffic and pedestrian safety. Signs under this paragraph, whether displayed on a wall or on the ground, shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area, except such signs may be increased in area by one (1) square foot for each additional foot that the sign is set back more than twelve (12) feet from a lot line. No sign under this section shall exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area. ii. Height. No identification sign shall project higher than one story, or twelve (12) feet above curb level, whichever is lower. b. Temporary Signs 3. Commercial, Mixed-Use and Industrial Districts a. Ground Signs DRAFT 5/5/15 5-9 Sign Regulations b. Directory Signs c. Awning and Canopy Signs d. Wall Signs e. Projecting Signs f. Hanging Signs g. Window Signs h. Directional and Informational Signs i. Corporate Flags and Decorative Banners j. Temporary Signs k. I-94 Freeway Signs 4. Planned Development Districts. No permanent sign shall be displayed except a sign authorized by the City and included in the Comprehensive Sign Plan pertaining to the site. Temporary signs are permitted for commercial, institutional or industrial uses unless prohibited by the Comprehensive Sign Plan. 5. Conservancies and Parks. No sign shall be permitted except those installed by direction of the Public Works Director. 6. Agricultural Sales Businesses. Signage related to agricultural sales business may be erected as follows: a. On-Premises Signs, Agricultural Sales Businesses. One (1) or more on-premises signs may be erected on a property in conjunction with an operating agricultural sales business subject to the following requirements and restrictions: i. Agricultural sales businesses utilizing less than 10 acres of land specifically for the growing of agricultural crops for the business are allowed 1 on-premises sign not to exceed thirty-two (32) gross square feet of advertising surface. ii. Agricultural sales businesses utilizing more than 10 acres of land but less than 40 acres of land specifically for the growing of agricultural crops for the business are allowed up to two (2) on-premises signs not to exceed forty-eight (48) gross square feet of total advertising surface, with no individual sign surface exceeding thirty- two (32) square feet in size. iii. Agricultural sales businesses utilizing more than 40 acres of land specifically for the growing of agricultural crops for the business are allowed up to three (3) on- premises signs not to exceed sixty-four (64) gross square feet of total advertising surface, with no individual sign surface exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in size. iv. Any illuminated sign shall be consistent with §154.212.F.7 and illuminated only during those hours when business is open to the public for conducting business. b. Temporary Off-Premises Signs, Agricultural Sales Businesses. Independent of the total allowable sign area for an individual property anywhere within the city, a temporary off-premises sign may be erected on a property in conjunction with an operating agricultural sales business subject to the following requirements and restrictions: i. Maximum Number. Every agricultural sales business shall have no more than three (3) off-premises signs at any given time to direct the public to the location of the business. ii. Time Frame of Use. Temporary off-premises signs may be erected for 45-day time periods no more than 4 times in any given calendar year. The required temporary DRAFT 5/5/15 5-10 Sign Regulations sign permit shall stipulate the range of dates for each of the 4 allowable time periods in any given calendar year. iii. Size and Height. An off-site agricultural sales advertising sign shall not exceed 50 square feet in area and shall not be taller than 10 feet in height. iv. Setbacks. Off-premises signs shall be a minimum of 25 feet from all side property lines, and a minimum of 50 feet from other off-premises advertising signs. v. Permission Required. Applicants for off-premises signs shall acquire permission from the property owner upon whose land the sign is to be erected. H. Regulations Pertaining to Specific Sign Type. Except as expressly provided elsewhere, signs shall meet the following regulations according to sign type: 1. Wall Signs a. Number. No building occupant shall display more than one (1) wall sign per street frontage except as provided below: i. One additional wall sign may be displayed on a building with no front setback provided that such sign is a flat sign that is either painted upon the building or does not extend outward more than six (6) inches. ii. Up to three (3) ancillary wall signs may be displayed on buildings measuring at least 100 feet in length along the front lot line. Any ancillary sign displayed under this paragraph shall not exceed 50% of the net area or 50% of the height of the largest permitted wall sign displayed on that façade, nor shall the aggregate area of the ancillary signs exceed 50% of the net area of such wall sign. b. Surface Area. The total permitted sign surface area of all wall signs on a façade shall not exceed one (1) square foot of signage for each lineal foot of building frontage that is coterminous with the occupancy to which the sign refers, unless a different amount allocated to the building occupant is identified in an approved Comprehensive Sign Plan pursuant to §154.212.I. In addition, no individual wall sign shall exceed one hundred (100) square feet in area. c. Location. Wall signs shall be mounted parallel to building walls and only on a portion of an exterior wall that is coterminous with the occupancy to which the sign refers, unless a different location is identified in an approved Comprehensive Sign Plan pursuant to §154.212.I. No wall sign shall extend above or beyond the wall to which it is attached. d. Installation Requirements. No wall sign shall cover or interrupt significant architectural elements such as columns, column caps, friezes, door or window heads, embellishments, adornments, fenestration, or ornamental detailing on any building. All mounting brackets and other hardware used to affix a sign to a wall as well as all electrical service hardware and equipment shall be concealed by architectural elements of the building or the sign itself. 2. Ground Signs a. Number. There shall be no more than one (1) ground sign for each street on which the lot has frontage, except one additional ground sign per lot frontage may be allowed for any lot frontage over one thousand (1,000) linear feet. On lots occupied by two (2) or more occupants, or where a second ground sign is permitted, three (3) or more occupants, a directory sign shall be used in lieu of multiple ground signs. No single business or building occupant shall be allowed signage on both an individual ground sign and a ground directory sign on the same street frontage. On premises having no principal building, there shall be no more than one (1) ground sign for the premises. b. Surface Area. No ground sign shall exceed the size listed in Table 5-3. DRAFT 5/5/15 5-11 Sign Regulations c. Type of Sign. Any permanent ground sign shall be erected as a monument sign. Pole signs are prohibited unless the pole portion of the sign is enclosed in a shroud that causes the sign to appear to have a monolithic base or support structure of any material measuring no less than one-third (1/3) of the greatest width of the sign at any point or unless the height is no greater than three (3) feet. The base of the monument sign shall not exceed the width of the widest portion of the sign face by more than twenty-five percent (25%). d. Location. Ground signs shall be placed with consideration for visibility, access, maintenance, and safety, consistent with the provisions of Section 154.212.F.2. Grounds signs shall be located beyond required setbacks a distance equal to or greater than the height of the sign. If this is not possible, ground signs shall be located as far from required setback lines as possible. In no case shall a ground sign, as defined in this Ordinance, extend beyond a lot line of a property. A ground sign larger than 6 sq. ft. shall be located no closer than 100 feet of another ground sign or the furthest distance possible from another ground sign, whichever distance is shorter. e. Height i. The height of a ground sign shall be measured from the approved grade at the base of the sign or the elevation of the street upon which the sign faces, whichever is lower, to the top of the highest attached component of the sign. ii. A ground sign shall be mounted on a base not to exceed four (4) feet in height. iii. Allowable height of a ground sign shall be as set forth in Table 5-3. iv. No ground sign shall be taller than the principal building on the premises to which it pertains. f. Landscaping. Perennial plantings, grass or other landscaping features shall be incorporated around the base of all ground signs. g. Exempt or Special Purpose Ground Signs. The location of and maximum height and surface area of any other exempt or special-purpose ground sign expressly authorized by another section of this ordinance, shall be as set forth in such other section. Table 5-3 Ground Signs Table 5-3 describes the zoning districts in which ground signs may be displayed, and the maximum height and area of the signs, as determined by the speed limit on the adjacent roadway. For ground signs on zoning lots with more than one street frontage, use the miles per hour on the street with the faster speed limit to determine the maximum height and area allowed. Ground Signs Zoning District Aa, LDR, OP, RE, RS, RRa, RTa MDR, HDR BP, C, CC, GB, LC, VMX No. of Total Traffic Lanes Speed Limit (MPH) Max Height/ Area (Sq. Ft.) Max Height/ Area (Sq. Ft.) Max Height/ Area (Sq. Ft.) 1-3 0-34 - 6’/32 10’/32 35-44 - 6’/32 10’/50 DRAFT 5/5/15 5-12 Sign Regulations 45+ - 6’/32 10’/72 4-5 0-34 - 6’/32 10’/40 35-44 - 6’/32 10’/64 45+ - 6’/32 12’/80 Notes to Table 5-3: a. Ground signs are only permitted in the A, RR and RT districts in conjunction with agricultural sales business. 3. Freeway Signs a. Number. Properties that are adjacent to Interstate 94 may have one (1) freeway sign in addition to the permitted number of ground signs on the property. b. Location. Freeway signs are only permitted within one-hundred and fifty (150) linear feet of the freeway right-of-way. Freeway signs shall be placed with consideration for visibility, access, maintenance, and safety, consistent with the provisions of Section 154.212.F.2. A freeway sign shall be located no closer than 100 feet of another freeway sign or the furthest distance possible from another freeway sign. No freeway sign may be located closer than 5 feet to a property line, roadway easement, or other public easement. c. Height. The maximum height for all freeway signs is twenty-five (25) feet. d. Surface Area. No freeway sign shall exceed one-hundred and fifty (150) square feet in size. e. Design Standards. Signs shall be constructed of similar materials, style, and color as that of the principle building. Pylon signs must have a pole cover or pylon cover. The pole or pylon cover must be constructed of similar materials and have a similar appearance as the principal building. 4. Window Signs a. Location: All window signs must be located inside an exterior window unless the sign is weatherproof and does not pose a danger from falling or being blown by the wind. Lettering or graphic elements that are directly mounted on a window shall not encroach upon the frame, mullions, or other supporting features of the glass. b. Permanent Signs. When a sign is painted on or otherwise attached or applied to the window area in a permanent manner, then such sign shall be included in the total allowable wall sign area for the building and shall not exceed twenty (20) percent of the total ground-floor window area of the building, excluding the door windows. All permanent window signs which have their lettering or graphic elements directly on the glazing shall be painted, metal leafed, vinyl transferred, or in some other manner permanently applied to the interior side of the glass of an exterior building window or door. No application using a temporary adhesive shall be permitted unless the Planning Director determines the application to be reasonably safe. c. Temporary Signs. Signs advertising sales and specials shall not exceed thirty (30) percent of the total ground-floor window area of any building, excluding the door windows. Such signs must be displayed in conformance with the temporary sign regulations listed in §154.212.J. DRAFT 5/5/15 5-13 Sign Regulations PLANNING COMMISSION DATE: 4/13/15 AGENDA ITEM: 4B – PUBLIC HEARING CASE # 2015-15 ITEM: Zoning Text Amendment – Pylon and Freestanding Signs SUBMITTED BY: Nick Johnson, City Planner REVIEWED BY: Kyle Klatt, Community Development Director Casey Riley, Planning Intern Adam Bell, City Clerk SUMMARY AND ACTION REQUESTED: The Planning Commission is being asked to hold a public hearing on a request submitted by Rihm Kenworth to amend the City’s Sign Ordinance to allow pylon and freestanding signs with a maximum height of 25 feet and 250 sq/ft surface area for properties within all commercial zoning districts abutting Interstate 94. The current zoning districts with frontages along I-94 include Business Park (BP), Commercial (C), and Rural Transitional (RT). Staff is recommending that the Planning Commission recommend approval of a Zoning Text Amendment to allow freestanding signs with a maximum height of 25 feet and an area of 150 square feet on properties adjacent to interstate highways. GENERAL INFORMATION Applicant: Rihm Kenworth of Lake Elmo, 11530 Hudson Boulevard, Lake Elmo, MN 55042 Property Owners: EN Properties LLC, 11530 Hudson Boulevard, Lake Elmo, MN 55042 Location: N/A – Request would allow for pylon and freestanding signs with a maximum height of 25 feet and 250 square feet of surface area for commercial properties abutting Interstate 94. Request: Rihm Kenworth of Lake Elmo is requesting to amend the City’s Zoning Code to allow pylon and freestanding signs with a maximum height of 25 feet and 250 square feet of surface area in the Business Park (BP), Commercial (C), and Rural Transitional (RT) zoning districts for properties along I-94. Existing Land Use: N/A Existing Zoning: N/A Surrounding Land Use: N/A Surrounding Zoning: N/A Comprehensive Plan: N/A Proposed Zoning: N/A PUBLIC HEARING - ITEM 4B 2 History: In advance of sewered growth in Lake Elmo, a major update to the Zoning Code was completed in 2012. As part of this Zoning Code update, the previous signage regulations were replaced by the current Sign Ordinance. Prior to the adoption of the current Sign Ordinance, pylon and freestanding signs were allowed for certain parcels along I-94 with a maximum height of 30 feet and a maximum area of 150 square feet. Attachment #2 includes the previous signage regulations for the City of Lake Elmo. Page 9 of the previous signage regulations include the provisions for the I-94 District. The current Sign Regulations do not allow pylon and freestanding signs. The Code acknowledges that these signs exist and are defined in the “definition” section of the code. However, pylon and freestanding signs are not included in the current permitted signs for Commercial, Mixed-Use and Industrial. It should also be noted that in section L, Prohibited Signs, pylon and freestanding signs are not identified as a prohibited use. Applicable Regulations: Sign Regulations (§154.212) in Current Zoning Code Signs: I-94 District (§151.115) in Previous Zoning Code REQUEST DETAILS Rihm Kenworth has applied for a zoning text amendment to amend the City’s Zoning Code to allow pylon and freestanding signs as a permitted use in the Business Park (BP), Commercial (C), and Rural Transitional (RT) zoning districts that abut Interstate 94. The Planning Commission is asked to hold a public hearing on the request, as all changes to the City’s Zoning Code require a public hearing. The applicants currently operate a business at 11530 Hudson Blvd. N. along Interstate 94 on a parcel that is zoned Rural Development Transitional (RT). BACKGROUND Rihm Kenworth currently operates a business at 11530 Hudson Boulevard. The property is located along Interstate 94 in the southeast corner of the City west of Manning Avenue. They recently started operations on this site and are interested in marketing their business with a sign on I-94. The applicants met with City staff in late January of 2015 to learn more about the City’s Sign Regulations along I-94. Upon review of the sign requirements, it was found that pylon and freestanding signs are currently not permitted in any zoning districts along Interstate 94. The best option remained a Ground Sign with a maximum height of 10 feet and maximum area of 72 feet. Unfortunately, with these requirements, the sign would not be legible from a car traveling 65 mph along I-94. After reviewing the sign requirements in the City’s Zoning Code, the applicant chose to request a Zoning Text Amendment. It should be noted that a variance request was also explored by the applicant. However, after discussing the desired outcome with City staff, it was determined that such a signage change would be more appropriate as an amendment to the Sign Ordinance, as there are many properties along I-94 that will likely have similar requests or be affected by such change. After conducting research and consulting with City staff, the applicant recommends to amend the Sign Ordinance to allow pylon and freestanding signs with a maximum height of 25 feet and a maximum 250 sq. ft. surface area for properties abutting Interstate 94. The recommendation takes into consideration the elevation of the Interstate, and the 65 mile per hour travel speed. The applicant PUBLIC HEARING - ITEM 4B 3 has provided several supplemental documents including the United States Sign Council (USSC), the Woodbury Freestanding Sign Code, and the Oakdale Sign Code for consideration by the City. STAFF REVIEW COMMENTS: In order to review whether or not pylon and freestanding signs are an appropriate use along Interstate 94, staff reviewed sign requirements from numerous cities within the Metro. The results of staff research are found in Attachment 3, a table providing the provisions of various cities with regards to freestanding signs. The maximum height for a freestanding sign in the broader area was 50 feet in Albert Lea. The maximum surface area was found to be 250 square feet in Albert Lea, Richfield, Sauk Centre, and Bloomington. In the East Metro, Stillwater allows a maximum sign height of 25 feet and 200 square feet. Woodbury has a maximum sign height of 30 feet and 150 square feet. Oakdale allows freestanding signs to be a maximum of 25 feet in height and 80 square feet in area, whereas pylon signs are permitted to be a maximum of 30 feet in height and 150 square feet in area. In addition, staff reviewed the sign requirements for Business Park, Commercial, and Rural Transitional zoning districts. It was found that pylon and freestanding signs are not a permitted use in Commercial, Mixed-Use and Industrial Districts. Based upon a number of previous inquiries, as well as the future context of a growing I-94 Corridor with additional commercial properties, it is staff’s recommendation to provide some signage allowance for freestanding signs for commercial properties abutting the I-94 Corridor. It should be noted that from a planning perspective, most cities have a supplemental code for businesses and commercial properties along an interstate as they are presented with different opportunities and challenges than typical businesses and commercial centers. The interstate allows the public and potential visitors to see a business from the highway, but can be a problem at the high speed of travel. The sign must be large enough to be both visible and readable at the travel speed. The applicant has included the “Sign Rules of Thumb” by the United States Sign Council to better inform the Zoning Text Amendment request. Staff has determined that a height of 25 feet is appropriate for the I-94 Corridor, but have also determined that an area of 250 square feet exceeds the size that is consistent with the desired character of Lake Elmo. Staff recommend that an a maximum area of 150 square feet would be appropriate for Lake Elmo, which would be consistent with other neighboring communities. In addition, in determining whether or not pylon or freestanding signs are appropriate for the Commercial, Business Park and Rural Transitional zoning districts along Interstate 94, it should be noted that the proposed action does not remove or replace the sign regulation requirements. It is recommended that freestanding or pylon signs only be allowed for properties adjacent to interstate highways (I-94 in Lake Elmo’s case). Different communities have different approaches to determine which parcels are eligible for freestanding signs. For example, the City of Woodbury requires that a freestanding freeway sign not be more than 100 feet from the freeway right-of-way or boundary. In order to further clarify staff’s recommended amendment to the City’s Sign Ordinance, staff will provide recommended ordinance language at the Planning Commission meeting. As far as a general recommendation is concerned, staff recommends that the Planning Commission consider some allowance for freestanding signs, as the City has received a number of requests inquiring about taller freestanding signs adjacent to the I-94 Corridor. It is the opinion of staff that these requests will only increase as additional commercial development occurs within the I-94 Corridor. At this time, staff is recommending to allow signs that are 25 feet in height and 150 square feet in area for signs that are in proximity to the interstate highway. PUBLIC HEARING - ITEM 4B 4 RECCOMENDATION: Staff is recommending that the Planning Commission recommend approval of the requested zoning text amendment to allow pylon and freestanding signs with a maximum height of 25 feet and 150 square feet for commercial properties abutting Interstate 94. The recommended motion is as follows: “Move to recommend approval of the request amend the Sign Ordinance to allow pylon and freestanding signs for commercial properties adjacent to interstate highways. These sign should not exceed 25 feet in height and 150 square feet in area.” ATTACHMENTS: 1. Land Use Application and Supporting Materials 2. Previous Signage Regulations 3. Staff Research of Metro Sign Ordinances ORDER OF BUSINESS: - Introduction ....................................................... Community Development Director - Report by Staff ..................................................................................... City Planner - Questions from the Commission ............................ Chair & Commission Members - Open the Public Hearing .................................................................................. Chair - Close the Public Hearing .................................................................................. Chair - Discussion by the Commission .............................. Chair & Commission Members - Action by the Commission ..................................... Chair & Commission Members PUBLIC HEARING - ITEM 4B PUBLIC HEARING - ITEM 5A PLANNING COMMISSION DATE: 4/27/15 AGENDA ITEM: 5A CASE # 2015-15 ITEM: Zoning Text Amendment – Pylon and Freestanding Signs SUBMITTED BY: Nick Johnson, City Planner REVIEWED BY: Kyle Klatt, Community Development Director Casey Riley, Planning Intern Adam Bell, City Clerk SUMMARY AND ACTION REQUESTED: The Planning Commission is being asked to review precedents for design standards for freestanding and pylon signs for the I-94 corridor. A public hearing was held on April 13, 2015 for a request submitted by Rihm Kenworth to amend the City’s Sign Ordinance to allow pylon and freestanding signs with a maximum height of 25 feet and 250 sq/ft surface area for properties within all commercial zoning districts abutting Interstate 94. At that time the Planning Commission requested research be done for design standards for freestanding and pylon signs. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission review the precedents from surrounding cities and discuss design standards for the properties with frontages along I-94. Staff is recommending that the Planning Commission recommend approval of a Zoning Text Amendment to allow freestanding signs with a maximum height of 25 feet and an area of 150 square feet on properties adjacent to interstate highways. GENERAL INFORMATION Applicant: Rihm Kenworth of Lake Elmo, 11530 Hudson Boulevard, Lake Elmo, MN 55042 Property Owners: EN Properties LLC, 11530 Hudson Boulevard, Lake Elmo, MN 55042 Location: N/A – Request would allow for pylon and freestanding signs with a maximum height of 25 feet and 250 square feet of surface area for commercial properties abutting Interstate 94. Request: Rihm Kenworth of Lake Elmo is requesting to amend the City’s Zoning Code to allow pylon and freestanding signs with a maximum height of 25 feet and 250 square feet of surface area in the Business Park (BP), Commercial (C), and Rural Transitional (RT) zoning districts for properties along I-94. Existing Land Use: N/A Existing Zoning: N/A Surrounding Land Use: N/A Surrounding Zoning: N/A Comprehensive Plan: N/A 2 PUBLIC HEARING - ITEM 5A Proposed Zoning: N/A History: The Planning Commission discussed Freestanding and Pylon signs at the April 13, 2015 Planning Commission meeting and public hearing regarding the Zoning Text Amendment. No members of the public spoke at the public hearing on April 13. The discussion focused design standards and possibly adding a theming element to the I-94 corridor. The clarification was made that the Damon Farber Branding and Theming Study was aimed at public signs, and that the I-94 corridor would host private signs. Currently, the only mandatory element in the sign code is that signs must be constructed of high quality durable materials. Applicable Regulations: Sign Regulations (§154.212) in Current Zoning Code Signs: I-94 District (§151.115) in Previous Zoning Code REQUEST DETAILS The zoning text amendment was brought forward by Rihm Kenworth, a business located on the I-94 corridor. The zoning text amendment would permit freestanding and pylon signs for properties adjacent to the freeway within the Business Park (BP), Commercial (C), and Rural Transitional (RT) zoning districts. At the April 13, 2015, Planning Commission meeting, the zoning text amendment was postponed and design standards were requested and discussed. BACKGROUND Rihm Kenworth currently operates a business at 11530 Hudson Boulevard. The property is located along Interstate 94 in the southeast corner of the City west of Manning Avenue. They recently started operations on this site and are interested in marketing their business with a sign on I-94. At the April 13 Planning Commission meeting, the company stated that 150 square feet of surface area would be an acceptable amount to market the business along I-94. The Planning Commission met on April 13th, to consider amending the zoning text to allow freestanding and pylon signs along I-94. Design standards were requested at that time to move forward with the zoning text amendment. Questions and comments at the meeting focused on clarifying the proposed zoning amendment. In summary, the amendment would pertain only to properties abutting I-94. The recommended 150 sq. ft. surface area would be permissible per side, with two sides maximum. The 150 sq. ft. sign area refers to the commercial area of the sign, excluding the pole or supporting structure. The City has adopted Design Standards. The standards were prepared by Damon Farber and Associates and include signage. The recommendations are as follows: Goal: Residential signage should be subtle in nature and utilized to promote building identity and to properly direct automobile and pedestrian traffic. a. Signs shall be consistent with the architectural style of the building on which they are placed, including scale, lighting levels, color and material. 3 PUBLIC HEARING - ITEM 5A b. Signs shall be constructed of quality materials. c. All signage should be illuminated and clearly visible after dark. d. Signs are encouraged to be creative in the use of two and three-dimensional forms, lighting and graphic design, and use of color, patterns, typography, and materials. e. Interior vehicle and pedestrian routes should be clearly marked. f. All buildings are encouraged to incorporate elements of community theming in appropriate signage, supporting district and city identity. STAFF REVIEW COMMENTS: Design Standards for freestanding and pylon signs from numerous cities within the metro were reviewed by staff. The majority of cities within the Metro along and interstate do not have design standards for freestanding and pylon signs. Those that do were reviewed and compiled into a table for review by the Planning Commission, see Attachment 1. The key cities that address design standards are Belle Plaine, Brooklyn Center, Forest Lake, Roseville, and Woodbury. Belle Plaine requires a landscaped area surrounding the sign, as well as a pole cover or pylon cover for pylon signs. They specifically discourage pylon signs. Brooklyn Center specifies that freestanding signs that exceed 16 feet in area shall not impede vision between a height of 2 ½ and 7 ½ feet above the centerline grade of the street. This means that freestanding signs cannot have a large and wide pole that obstructions vision. Roseville requires freestanding signs to include materials that complement the architectural design/existing building materials, including but not limited to face brick, natural or cut stone, integrally colored concrete masonry units/rock faced block, glass, pre-finished metal stucco, and factory finished metal panels. Roseville also specifies that freestanding signs cannot be closer than 5 feet to a property line. Woodbury is the only city found that includes an aspect ratio, or addresses the width of the sign compared to the base of the sign. Woodbury stipulates that “freestanding signs shall be attached to a base which is at least 75 percent of the width of the sign but shall not exceed the width of the sign by more than 20 percent.” Specific design standards, such as renderings or images, for pylon and freestanding signs were not found for any city in the Metro area. The majority of cities addressed design standards in their code by requiring “quality materials,” or “similar materials and architecture to that of the primary structure.” RECCOMENDATION: Staff is recommending that the Planning Commission recommend approval of the requested zoning text amendment to allow pylon and freestanding signs with a maximum height of 25 feet and 150 square feet for commercial properties abutting Interstate 94. The recommended motion is as follows: “Move to recommend approval of the request amend the Sign Ordinance to allow pylon and freestanding signs for commercial properties adjacent to interstate highways. These sign should not exceed 25 feet in height and 150 square feet in area.” 4 PUBLIC HEARING - ITEM 5A ATTACHMENTS: 1. Staff Research of Metro Sign Design Standards ORDER OF BUSINESS: - Introduction ....................................................... Community Development Director - Report by Staff ..................................................................................... City Planner - Questions from the Commission ............................ Chair & Commission Members - Discussion by the Commission .............................. Chair & Commission Members - Action by the Commission ..................................... Chair & Commission Members City Zone Freestanding Sign Requirements Freeway Sign Dimensions Location Height Albert Lea B-2, I-1, I-2, I-3 250 sf per side, max 2 sides. Sign must be at least 100 ft from other freestanding signs including billboards. 50 ft. Bloomington Class 5 Sign District, Commercial and C/R along I-35W, I-494 and TH-77 1 identification sign allowed per frontage. Max surface area for ground, pylon or monument is 250 sf. All other frontages 150 sf. If the sign lights up, it must be 100 ft away from the surrounding residential buildings. Final Pylon shall not have any part of the sign above 45 ft. the final grade. Signs on the same property have to match their final sign elevations. Eden Prairie Commercial NTE 80 sq. Additional frontages may have sin NTE 36 sf. Sign can be no closer than 300 ft to any other free- standing sign upon the building site, and 20 ft. from ROW. Max 20 ft. Maplewood Business Commercial along Principal Arterial 1 freestanding sign permitted per frontage, if 2 frontages, signs must be 100 ft. from each other Max size 180 sf. Max 25 ft. New Brighton Commercial and B-3 1 ground sign is permitted per street frontage. Max size of freeway ground sign is 170 sf. Must be 13.5 ft. from ROW. Max 35 ft. Oakdale Commercial 1 pylon sign allowed if retail is abutting freeway. Pylon NTE 150 sf. Pylon is in addition to the freestanding sign (NTE 80 sf) Pylon must be at least 50 ft from interstate ROW. Max height 30 ft. Richfield C-2, MU-C I, MU-R Total of all freestanding signs = 4 sf per ft of lot frontage. 200 sf per surface 250 sf per surface. Max 27 ft. Max 27 ft. Roseville CB, RB, O/BP, CMU 2 on multiple frontage lot 100 sf max on a single loaded sign, 200 ft max on double loaded sign. 15 ft. min from property line Max 25 ft. Sauk Centre General Commerce, Industrial/Commercial 1 freestanding sign, two sides per frontage. Plus one area identification sign per frontage NTE 64 sf. NTE 250 sf on each side Cannot be placed within 10 ft of ROW Up to 45 ft. Stillwater BP District (HWY 36) 1 freestanding sign per development site. NTE 100 sf. For each exposed face nor exceed an aggregate surface area of 200 sf. 15 ft. from ROW Max 25 ft. Woodbury Nonresidential 1 freestanding sign per frontage, 1st frontage 80 sf sign, 2nd frontage 40 sf sign Adjacent to freeway, sign on freeway not to exceed 150 sf, and 2nd frontage NTE 80 sf. Other freestanding signs NTE 40 sf. Freeway signs not to be more than 100 ft away from freeway. Freeway signs can be up to 30 ft high. Other freestanding up to 20 ft high. 10/ 26/ 12 www. amlegal. com/ alpscript s/ get -cont ent . aspx 8/ 13www. amlegal. com/ alpscript s/ get -cont ent . aspx 2. The scale and suitability of the mural sign shall be appropriate in the context of the surrounding properties; 3. The artist(s) commissioned to complete the mural must provide documentation of demonstrated craftsmanship on similar projects: 4. The applicant shall provide sureties to the city guaranteeing completion of the project within the proposed timeframe; 5. The applicant shall demonstrate that the necessary funds are available for the proposed project; and 6. The applicant must be able to show the final mural will last a minimum of 5 years and be reasonably resistant to vandalism and weather. (3) Projecting, awning, and canopy signs. (a) Projecting signs and awning signs shall be located on street level. (b) If lighted, projecting, awning, and canopy signs shall use indirect illumination. (c) Awning or canopy signs shall not project higher than the top of the awning or canopy or below the awning or canopy. (d) Clearance. The bottom of a projecting sign or awning shall be a minimum of 8 feet above the ground surface when projecting over a private or public walkway. (4) Freestanding signs. Freestanding signs shall not be erected or maintained any closer than 3 feet to any building. (Q) Separation angle. So as not to create a double exposure or increase sign size limitations, there shall be a maximum separation angle of 45 degrees for signs which are back to back. In all residential districts, double-faced signs shall be parallel. (R) Signs needing electricity. Signs needing electricity shall be subject to all applicable electrical codes as may be amended. Overhead wiring for such signs is prohibited. (S) Special sign districts. All general sign regulations shall apply to signs within each of the special sign districts except as specifically noted herein. (1) Old Village. (a) Boundary. The boundary of the Old Village Sign District is depicted on the city’s official sign district map. Modifications to the district boundary may be completed using the zoning map amendment process. (b) Illumination. Indirect illumination or reverse lit letters shall be the permitted techniques for lighting all signs within the Old Village Sign District. Other forms of direct illumination are prohibited. (c) Wall signs. 1. Wall signs in the Old Village Sign District shall not project higher than the parapet line of the wall to which the sign is to be affixed or 15 feet as measured from the base of the building wall to which the sign is affixed, whichever is lower. 2. Wall signs in the Old Village Sign District authorized by a master sign program shall not exceed 20 square feet per business, and all signs shall be visually consistent in location, design, and scale. (d) Freestanding signs. 1. The area of a freestanding sign in the Old Village Sign District shall not exceed 30 square feet. 2. Freestanding signs in the Old Village Sign District shall not project higher than 6 feet, as measured from the average grade at the base of the sign or grade of the nearest roadway, whichever is lower. (2) Agricultural Sales District. (a) Boundary. The Agricultural Sales District shall include all properties zoned agricultural or rural residential. (b) On-premises sign(s). Independent of the total allowable sign area for an individual property within the agricultural sales district, one or more additional on-premises signs may be erected on a property in conjunction with an operating agricultural sales business subject to the following requirements and restrictions: 1. Agricultural sales businesses utilizing less than 10 acres of land specifically for the growing of agricultural crops for the business are allowed 1 on-premises sign not to exceed 32 gross square feet of advertising surface; 10/ 26/ 12 www. amlegal. com/ alpscript s/ get -cont ent . aspx 9/ 13www. amlegal. com/ alpscript s/ get -cont ent . aspx 2. Agricultural sales businesses utilizing more than 10 acres of land but less than 40 acres of land specifically for the growing of agricultural crops for the business are allowed 1 or 2 on-premises signs not to exceed 48 gross square feet of advertising surface (with no sign surface exceeding 32 square feet in size); 3. Agricultural sales businesses utilizing more than 40 acres of land specifically for the growing of agricultural crops for the business are allowed 1 , 2 or 3 on-premises signs not to exceed 64 gross square feet of advertising surface (with no sign surface exceeding 32 square feet in size); 4. Sign(s) shall be in the form of an allowable sign type in the underlying zoning district; 5. No dimension of any sign shall exceed 15 feet exclusive of supporting structures; and 6. Any illuminated sign shall be illuminated only during those hours when business is open to the public for conducting business. (c) Temporary off-premises sign(s). Independent of the total allowable sign area for an individual property anywhere within the city, a temporary off-premises sign may be erected on a property in conjunction with an operating agricultural sales business subject to the following requirements and restrictions. 1. Maximum number. Every agricultural sales business shall have no more than 2 off-premises signs at any given time to direct the public to the location of the business. 2. Time frame of use. Temporary off-premises signs may be erected for 45-day time periods no more than 4 times in any given calendar year. The required temporary sign permit shall stipulate the range of dates for each of the 4 allowable time periods in any given calendar year. 3. Size and height. An off-site agricultural sales advertising sign shall not exceed 50 square feet in area and shall not be taller than 10 feet in height. 4. Setbacks. Off-premises signs shall be a minimum of 25 feet from all side property lines, and a minimum of 50 feet from other off- premises advertising signs. 5. Permission required. Applicants for off-premises signs shall acquire permission from the property owner upon whose land the sign is to be erected. (3) I-94 District. (a) Boundary. The I-94 district shall include parcels within the BP, GB, HB. CB, and LB zoning districts which meet one of the following criteria: 1. The property is a buildable lot located to the south of Hudson Boulevard and to the north of Interstate 94; or 2. The property’s southern boarder abuts Hudson Boulevard, and is not directly north, either wholly or partially, of a developable parcel lying between Hudson Boulevard and Interstate 94. (b) Permits. Signs in the I-94 District may be erected in conformance with sign regulations governing the underlying zoning district without additional approvals. Signs proposed to conform to the special standards established for the I-94 District shall only be authorized through approval of an interim use permit. (c) Illumination. All forms of illumination which conform to the general illumination standards for all signs shall be the permitted within the I-94 Sign District. (d) Maximum total square footage of all sign surfaces. The maximum total square footage of all sign surfaces in the I-94 district shall be dictated by the maximum sign sizes for allowable sign types. (e) Wall signs. The least restrictive of the following may be used to determine the allowable area for wall signs in the I-94 District: 1. The total area of all wall signs on any wall shall not exceed 10% of the area of the wall with a maximum allowable area of 80 square feet; or 2. The total area of all wall signs on any wall shall not exceed 5% of the area of the wall with a maximum allowable area of 300 square feet. (f) Freestanding signs. In lieu of a freestanding sign meeting underlying zoning requirements, a building site within the I-94 District may have one freestanding sign within 50 feet of the property line nearest the interstate provided the sign does not exceed 150 square feet per side (300 square feet total) or 30 feet in height. The base of such a sign shall be at least 75% of the width of the sign and be constructed of materials that match those used on the building for which the sign is installed. 10/ 26/ 12 www. amlegal. com/ alpscript s/ get -cont ent . aspx 10/ 13www. amlegal. com/ alpscript s/ get -cont ent . aspx (g) Window signs. Window signs in the I-94 district shall not cover more than 1/3 of the window area. (h) Awning, canopy, and projecting signs. One awning, canopy or projecting sign, in conformance with the underlying zoning requirements for height, location, and maximum size may also be erected for each business on a building site in the I-94 District. (T) Substitution clause. The owner of any sign which is otherwise allowed by this subchapter may substitute non-commercial speech signs in lieu of any other commercial speech sign or other non-commercial speech sign. The purpose of this provision is to prevent any inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over noncommercial speech, or favoring of any particular noncommercial speech over any other noncommercial speech. This provision prevails over any more specific provision to the contrary. (U) Temporary signs. (1) Special events. Temporary signs may be allowed upon issuance of a permit for on-site advertising of special events such as openings and closings, change in management, sales events, or other special occasions. No more than 4 temporary sign permits may be issued in any calendar year for a given destination, and each temporary sign permit shall run for 15 days. Temporary signs for special events shall be subject to the following regulations: (a) Only 1 on-premises temporary sign shall be allowed per business or event; (b) Temporary signs shall be in the form, of an allowable sign type in the underlying zoning district; and (c) Temporary signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and shall not be taller than 10 feet in height. (2) Residential development advertising signs. Independent of the total allowable sign area for individual properties or residences within a residential zoning district, one or more additional ground signs may be erected within a newly established unified residential area development subject to the following: (a) Minimum development size. 1. Projects of less than 25 acres which create 10 or more dwelling units are allowed 1 on-premises ground sign not to exceed 100 square feet of advertising surface; 2. Projects of 26 through 50 acres which create 10 or more dwelling units are allowed 1 or 2 on-premises ground signs not to exceed 200 aggregate square feet of advertising surface on the project site; and 3. Projects over 50 acres which create ten or more dwelling units are allowed 1, 2, or 3 on-premises ground signs not to exceed 200 aggregate square feet of advertising surface on the project site. (b) Restrictions. 1. No dimension shall exceed 25 feet exclusive of supporting structures. 2. The sign shall not remain once 90% of the lots in the development have been issued building permits. 3. The permit for the sign must be renewed annually by the Council. 4. Only indirect illumination is permitted and shall only occur during those hours when an on-site sales office or model home is open for conducting business. (3) Temporary off-premises signs. Temporary off-premises signs may be erected if all of the following criteria are met: (a) The destination to which the off-premises sign is advertising is a property for sale; (b) An agent must be present at the destination property for sale, and the property must be open for viewing; (c) The sign must be located on private property, and permission must have been obtained from the private property owner to erect the temporary sign; (d) The temporary off-premises sign shall not exceed 6 square feet in size; and (e) The temporary off-premises sign shall not cause the total square feet of signage on a property to exceed the allowed maximum in the underlying zoning district. (V) Warning signs. Warning signs which do not exceed the minimum statutory requirements for size and number may be posted, and shall not count towards the overall permitted signage on a given property. Increases in either size or number over minimum statutory requirements shall count 5 PUBLIC HEARING - ITEM 5A City Construction Standards Landscape/Spatial Standards Design Standards Other Bloomington Monument Sign: One square foot may be added for each linear foot over one hundred (100) feet up to a maximum sign surface area of one hundred-fifty (150) square feet. Pylon Sign: One square foot may be added for each linear foot over one hundred (100) feet up to a maximum sign surface area of one hundred twenty-five (125) square feet. Belle Plaine Highway design shall provide architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design guidelines that provide a complementary aesthetic to the Downtown District and embrace the large-scale nature of highway development. Freestanding signs must be placed in a landscaped area with vegetation a minimum of 4 feet from the sign in each direction. Pylon signs must have a pole cover or pylon cover. Pole signs are discouraged. Brooklyn Center Freestanding: Unless set back 10 or more feet from the street right or way line, the supporting column(s) of a freestanding sign exceeding 16 feet in area shall not materially impede vision between a height of 2 ½ and 7 6 PUBLIC HEARING - ITEM 5A ½ feet above the centerline grade of the street. Freestanding sighs located within the sight triangle shall have a minimum vertical clearance of 10 feet above the centerline grade of the intersecting streets. Fridley Determines allowable signage by lot size. Larger lots result in larger signs. Forest Lake Parcels within 500 feet of I-35 shall be allowed 1 additional freestanding monument or pylon sign. Monument sign bases shall be constructed of similar materials, style, and color as that of the principal building. To reduce clutter, signage shall be distinct and minimal. No “box” style signs shall be permitted. One sign for multiple residents, a sign plan must be submitted and approved. One freestanding monument is allowed with a surface not to exceed 100 square feet. Inver Grove Heights Signs, billboards and other advertising structures shall be designed and constructed to withstand a wind pressure of not less than thirty (30) pounds per square foot of area, and shall be constructed in a good workmanlike manner so as to be a safe structure and shall be securely fastened so as not to be a hazard to persons or property. 7 PUBLIC HEARING - ITEM 5A New Brighton Signs shall be designed and constructed to meet the standards of the International Building Code. All signs shall be constructed in such a manner and of such material that they shall be safe and substantial. Signs that become unsafe shall be ordered repaired or removed by the City. The City may determine areas of special control to establish special regulations for signs that are either more restrictive or less restrictive than those provided by this Chapter. Oakdale The total sign area of any multi-faced free-standing or projecting wall sign shall not exceed twice the permitted area of a two-sided sign or three times the area of a three- sided sign. All applications for signs of more than two sides shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission and Council. Roseville Signs must be compatible with their surroundings. Signs shall be designed, constructed, installed, and maintained in a manner that does not adversely impact public No freestanding sign shall be located closer than 5 feet to a property line, roadway easement, or other public easement. Signs must not interfere in any way with the proper functioning All freestanding signs shall include materials that complement the architectural design/existing building materials, including but not limited to face brick, natural or cut stone, integrally 8 PUBLIC HEARING - ITEM 5A safety or unduly distract motorists. All signs must be maintained by the sign owner in a safe, neat, clean, and attractive condition. A sign must be replaced or refurbished so as to restore the original appearance thereof whenever it begins to fade, chip, or discolor, rust, cease to be in good repair or become unsightly. or purpose of a traffic sign or signal. No freestanding sign shall be located in the Traffic Visibility Triangle. colored concrete masonry units/rock faced block, glass, pre-finished metal stucco, factory finished metal panels. Shoreview All sign components shall be kept in a sound structural and attractive condition: replacement of defective, missing, or broken parts, including lighting; periodic cleaning. Permanent freestanding signs shall have self- supporting structures erected on and permanently attached to concrete foundations. Signs must be proportioned to the size of, and architecturally compatible with, the structures and other signs on the premises. At least 75 feet between freestanding signs, must be 5 feet from property line. Stillwater Total allowable sign area. The total aggregate sign area allowed on a property for all signs permitted in subparts (a) through (e) above shall be as follows: a minimum of 100 square feet; and at a rate of 15 percent of the building wall area facing a public street, up to a maximum of 300 square feet. 9 PUBLIC HEARING - ITEM 5A Woodbury Freestanding signs shall be attached to a base which is at least 75 percent of the width of the sign but shall not exceed the width of the sign by more than 20 percent. The base shall be constructed of class I materials that match those used on the building for which the sign is installed. If no class I materials are used on the building, class I or II materials shall be used.