1996 Planning Commission Packets

Home Browse Search

I Planning Commission Piannirig Case No. 462-96 November 6, 1996 Page 4 Mounds View Square Shopping Center Another approach is to ailow the approval of sign pro�rams for larger-scale shopping centers such as Ivlounds View Square. Staff is familiar with this approach from other cities. The Sign Code vvould allow far shopping cent�rs of a cer�ain size Yo file a customized set of sign regulations, which would show the location and dimensions of ail of the signage proposed, ihe design theme, and the colors and letter siyles proposed. The usual regula�ions for the zor�ing districts are used as a reference point for evaluating the sign program, but not as requirements, Sign programs allow flexibility as iong as the overall design approach and a.mount of signage is acceptable to the City. In some cities, such sign prograrns are approved by the Planning Commission; in others, sign programs are reviewed by the Plannin� Commission and approved by the City CounciI. The �,ppiicant feels thai the sign package they are proposing will address the icnpact of the bridge. Both siaff' and �he applicani agree that the 50 foot sign now proposed is preferabie to the 75 foot sign proposed earlier. As noted above, however, staff is concerned about the justification for a variance for the pylon sign but not the monument signs. The applicani is trying to address �he irnpact of the bridge on the perceived desirability of the shopping center for tenants, and to offer better signage as an antidote. Staf� does not see how the Ciiy could teii Siiver Lake Plaza that their signage must be no higher than 3S feet, and no larger than 340 feei high, if across the street, Mounds View Sc{uare is given a variance for a sign 50 feet in heighe and 430 square feet, when the sign will not be seen above the bridge. We feel the 6est way to address the pylon sign is either: reducing it io fit within the City's curreni regulaiions {and closer to the size af the signs a� the Crystal Center and Northway Center, or amertd the Sign Code to change the amount of signage allowed for larger-sized shopping centers amend the Sign Code to allow for sign programs StaffRecommendation: �Ie recommend that this item be discussed at your November 6 meeiing, but a decision be deferred until your November 20 meeting. We need more information from the applicant on the following; 1. A specific proposal for Mounds View Square Shopping Center showing the dimensions of the pylon sign and ihe monument signage at the driveway entrances and on the comer of Highway 10 and Long Lake Road, �i