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Mounds View Planning Commission March 1, 2000 Regular Meeting Page 7 to issue the permit. He explained that MnDOT does not have the discretion to make their decision based upon the number of requests submitted, as long as they are in compliance with the local Code and State Law. He stated it was his understanding that as long as the signs have met MnDOT’s 500-foot spacing requirement, they would be approved. Michael Cronin, representative of Eller Media stated this was correct. He explained that this was an administrative permit, and there is no discretion. He commented that if the signs did not meet the 500-foot State requirement, MnDOT might have to make a judgement in terms of which applications were submitted first, however, the City requirements are so far in excess of MnDOT standards, there would be no problem obtaining the permits. Commissioner Johnson stated he was not opposed to allowing all eight signs, and even with only 550 feet spacing between Mounds View’s and Sysco’s signs, he would prefer to see Sysco have both signs for their financial benefit as well. He indicated however, he was concerned with regard to the design theme, in that the City was initially attempting to eliminate the monopole style structures. Planning Associate Ericson stated the Sysco application was scheduled for a public hearing at the next Planning Commission meeting, therefore, the issue of design could be addressed at that time. He advised that the Planning Commission could include a fifth stipulation in Resolution 606-00 that could convey to the City Council their desire for Sysco and the City to work together to resolve whatever issues exist in terms of spacing. He indicated both the Sysco representatives and City staff believe this could be accomplished through several different means. He explained there are numerous options available including a variance, an interpretation of the Code, and amending the Code with regard to spacing, which would allow both Sysco and the City to achieve their objectives. He stated language could also be added to the resolution to make the Council aware that the Commission desires this issue to be resolved. Commissioner Johnson stated he would prefer to see a variance between the two parties’ signs, than to amend the Code to allow for this. He explained that if they decrease the spacing requirement in the Code to 500 feet, there would be nothing to prohibit Sysco from installing additional signs in the future. Chairperson Peterson stated although he is no fan of billboards, the City Ordinances allow them in this situation, and there is not a major difference between seven and eight signs, therefore, they should attempt to find a means to make this work for both applicants. He stated a variance would probably be a more appropriate approach than amending the Code, and the language of the ordinance is fairly clear in terms of the 1,000-foot spacing requirement, therefore, there is likely not much room for interpretation. Commissioner Miller requested clarification regarding the 1,000-foot spacing requirement as it pertains to the distance of the signs from the property line.