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Mounds View Planning Commission Regular Meeting 5. Planning Cases March 4, 2009 Page 2 A. Planning Case VR2009-001; Consideration of a Variance for Increased Wall Signage for Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) located at 2213 County Road 10. Community Development Director Roberts stated KFC located at 2213 County Road 10 has applied for a variance for increased wall signage. KFC remodeled their restaurant in 2008, and as part of this work, the contractor installed several new exterior signs. The contractor did not get a permit from the City to install the new signs. City staff discovered the new signs after the contractor had installed them and then the contractor applied to the City for a permit for all the new signs. During the review of the sign permit application, the City determined that KFC had too much signage on their building. There are a total of 193 square feet of signage on the building and the ordinance allows for a maximum of 100 square feet. Community Development Director Roberts explained the different signs and their square footage. He stated the City has approved sign variances for several businesses including Totino's, which the City approved in 2008. He stated for the city to approve a variance, the applicant needs to demonstrate a hardship or practical difficulty associated with the property. Director Roberts stated that it was not the fault of the applicant that the contractor did not apply for a sign permit. This was because the owner's contractor failed to apply for the permit. Chair Stevenson stated the commission would take into account the applicant applied for the permit after the contractor had completed the work for the signs. He stressed that anyone that is doing any work within the City should check the city codes. Chair Stevenson also stated this property has enough merit and uniqueness for this amount of signage. He felt the existing signs are not a detriment to Mounds View. Commissioner Cramblit stated it is arrogant of a contractor to complete the work and then apply for the permit. He indicated the expression panel signs on the building do look nice but asked if they need to be there. Commissioner Miller asked when the original building was built if there was a permit pulled for signage. She wondered if there was this amount of signage on the original building. Community Development Director Roberts stated he did not believe so but did not check and the new additional signage is part of a corporate image. Commissioner Rundle questioned why the contractor did not check with the City about sign permits. Community Development Director Roberts stated the corporate contractor did the remodeling work and they did not check. He stated the applicant representative could talk about this issue.