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Mounds View Planning Commission July 7, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 4 ______________________________________________________________________ 6. Planning Case VR2004-001 – Public Hearing and Discussion Regarding a Variance Request for a Reduction of Spacing Requirements and to Exceed the Maximum Height for Billboards Community Development Director Ericson indicated that this request is from Clear Channel Outdoor for a variance to increase the sign height for the billboards at the golf course. He then informed the Commission that the MnDOT billboard permits have been approved. He went on to indicate that the request is to increase the sign height from 35 to 45 feet and reduce the spacing from 750 feet down to 600 and in one location 500 feet, which is the Mn/DOT minimum. Director Ericson explained that the issue with the original design was that an earthen berm was to be created with spoils from the expansion of the golf course onto the Sysco outlot but the City has made the determination not to move forward with an expansion. There is no longer a desire to put in an earthen berm because it was determined that it would impede the play of golf and things would have to be shifted at the course and that would be a major expense to the City and a disruption to the golf course. Director Ericson explained that the absence of the berm and height of existing trees leads Clear Channel to ask for a variance for the 10 feet. He also indicated that Clear Channel would prefer to stay out of the natural area and to do that they need to reduce the spacing between the signs to maintain the six signs. Director Ericson indicated that Staff supports the variance approval and noted that hardship exists because of the existing tree cover which was not thought to be a problem with the berm but is now an issue without it. He then said that the applicant had counted on the construction of the berm and it is by City action that the berm will not be constructed. Chair Stevenson opened the public hearing. Commissioner Miller asked if everything else remains the same with the billboards and whether the length of time that they would be there stays the same. Director Ericson indicated that the current agreement allows for a twenty-year lease period, but the billboards have not been constructed so the timeframe will need to be adjusted to reflect a true 20-year lease period. Commissioner Miller asked what would happen if there were a different use of the property. Director Ericson indicated that Council had to look at all of the options including selling and redeveloping the property. He then said that the easements are in place and any redevelopment of the property would need to take them into consideration, as they would be allowed to remain.