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Mounds View Planning Commission February 21, 2001 Regular Meeting Page 4 ____________________________________________________________________________ Commissioner Johnson asked staff to check with the City of Fridley to see how it regulates beacons and searchlights. Commissioner Kaden asked how the City would determine how fast the light is flashing. Director Ericson stated the Code defines a flashing sign and provides a definition of flashing. Director Ericson stated the Code has increased signage allowed to 48 square feet for temporary signs to accommodate the square signs with wheels and neon letters. This provision of the Code would require that the sign copy stay within the 48 square foot area of the sign. Commissioner Hegland asked Staff to verify the sign dimensions with the sign rental companies. He then asked how the Code would handle an inflatable play area that has advertising on it. Director Ericson stated a permit is required to put them up. Director Ericson stated he had received comments from the business community that limiting temporary signs to three times a year for 21 days at a time does not provide enough temporary signage for businesses. Commissioner Hegland asked if the duration allowed for a temporary sign is the issue or if the issue is the number of occurrences. Director Ericson stated he was not sure if the business community takes issue with the duration or the number of occurrences, or the fact that a permit is even required. Commissioner Johnson stated he believed the business community was concerned for having to go before Council to receive authorization for a permit for a temporary sign. Director Ericson stated he had attached an e-mail from the Chief of Police stating he was 100% in favor of the proposed change in window signage in the interest of public safety. Chair Stevenson stated he is concerned for allowing signs above seven (7) feet noting he thinks the Code should allow for signs above seven (7) feet but no signage between four (4) and seven (7) feet. It was the consent of the Commission to direct Staff to change the Code to require no signage between four (4) and seven (7) feet but allow signage above seven (7) feet. Director Ericson noted he would make the changes. Director Ericson stated the Code does not address maintenance of non-conforming signs. As drafted it is a statement that says if anything is done to the sign it needs to be brought into compliance. He then questioned if the Commission wished to change the language in the Code. Chair Stevenson suggested Staff provide an example of model language to cover the maintenance of non-conforming signs.