1996 Planning Commission Packets

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Planning Commission Pianning Case No. 462-96 November 6, 1996 Page 3 Mou�ds View Sqnare Shopping Cenier The staf�' also observed tt�at there are monurnent styie signs at driveway er�t�� Crystal Center wiih the name of the shopping center. Such signage would provide a visual indicator at eye level for motorists driving on Highway 10 where to tu� to e�t�� th� shopping cenier. An opportuniiy may also exist at the corner of Long Lak� Raa�d �n.� Highway 10 for a monument style sign to be built at the base of the ramp for t�� t��=�d��9 stating the name of ihe shopping center. Such a sign would be visible b�for� rnc��oa�sL� pass under the bridge and beFore reaching the driveway entrances, givin� th��x tx�� t� pregare to tum. After discussion with the applican#, they want to modify the signage package �hey are proposing to the following; monument signage at the driveway entrances on Highway 10 and at the ca�ne� o� Long Lake Road and Highway 10, similar to those used in the Cryst�l �'�� a pylon sign having the same heighi and sign area as the sign for Merad��, �� i.e. 50 feet in height and 430 square feet in area Staff does not have dimensions for the monument signage ir� the Crystal Centex An�Iysis/ Recota�rnendatior�: The City 5ign Code allows a pylon sign wl�ich is 35 feet in height and 340 squ�c�� r�� ir� area. The applicant's proposaI exceeds these allows by i5 feet in height and 90 squar� feet in area. The signs at the Crystal Center and Northway Center are closer to ihe Mounds View ordinance in height, and within the Code requirements on sign area. If the proposed pylon sign is reduced in height from 75 feet to 50 feet, it will no longer show above the bridge from the vaniage point used in the City Engineer's cal�ula�ic�ns (15 50 feet to the east). St�ff does not see a}ustification for a variance to allow ihe increased he�ght and size oithe sign based on the bnidge. Sta$'feels there is a justification for the monument signage at the comer of Highway 10 and Lon� Lake Road, and at �he driveway entrances based on the bridge. Staff also feels that fihere is a need to revise the City's Sign Code as it relates to la.rger� sized shopping centers such as Mounds View Square. One approach would be ta revise the type, sizes and heights of signs aliowed to recognize the need for a center identifcation sign, entry mon�aments, tenant signage, signs for freestanding businesses (such as resiaurants) and directional signs. The size of the center identif�cation sign co�ald retate to the square footage on the sifie oc the site size. �/hen a site is iarger, ii is able to absorb a Iarger sized sign and still be attractive and pleasant.