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Item No: 7K Meeting Date: May 14, 2012 Type of Business: Council Business Administrator Review: ________ City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Mounds View Planning Commission From: Heidi Heller, Planning Associate Item Title/Subject: Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 872, Amending Chapter 1008 of the Mounds View City Code Pertaining to Dynamic Display Signs Introduction: The City amended its sign code on January 12, 2009 to include operational requirements and conditions for the use of dynamic display signage with the adoption of Ordinance 816. The code has since been amended to make additional changes after the dynamic sign code was put into effect. Staff is proposing another amendment. Discussion: Prior to the adoption of the ordinance regulating dynamic signs in 2009, these types of signs were not specifically addressed in the City Code, and were allowed just as other types of signs. With the new technology that was allowing dynamic displays to become more affordable and common for businesses, and the conversion of billboards to electronic signs, the City Council felt they needed to put some regulations on these types of signs. The sign code was amended to add a section specifically for dynamic signs. A local business would like to install a dynamic sign on their building as a wall sign. City Staff reviewed the sign code and it states that “dynamic display signs are allowed on on-site free standing or ground signs.” The City Council discussed this issue at their April 9, 2012 meeting and decided that when the new dynamic display language was added to the City Code, there was no intention of specifically not allowing dynamic displays as wall signs. The City Council asked that the Planning Commission discuss amending the Code to remove the language stating what type of signs that dynamic displays can be located on. On April 18, 2012, the Planning Commission discussed the proposed amendments and unanimously approved Resolution 960-12. The City Council discussed this amendment at the May 7, 2012 Worksession, and were agreeable to moving forward with the proposed language. The City Council asked whether other cities allow dynamic display signs as wall signs. New Brighton, Fridley and White Bear Lake do not prohibit dynamic display wall signs in commercial zoning districts. Fridley and White Bear Lake also require a Special Use Permit for all dynamic display signs. Recommendation: The City Council should review Ordinance 872 with the proposed City Code amendment and take testimony from staff. Respectfully submitted, Heidi Heller Planning Associate Attachment: 1. Ordinance 872