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Extract of Minutes (Unapproved) Planning Commission September 19, 2001 5. Planning Case No. DE01-004 Community Development Director Ericson explained that this is a request to expand the existing billboard on the north side of County Highway 10. He noted that, as it sits currently, the billboard is 300 square feet. He then noted that the applicant has requested approval to expand the billboard to the next standardized size which is 672 square feet. Director Ericson further noted that the billboard is nonconforming due to its location and said that allowing expansion of the billboard will not increase the nonconformity. Director Ericson explained that staff has reviewed the matter and feels that improving the sign’s aesthetics is in the best interest of the City and the improved appearance of the Highway 10 corridor. Director Ericson reviewed the Resolution drafted by Staff with the Commission and outlined the conditions under which the expansion of the billboard would be allowed. He further noted that the applicant would be required to place the utilities under ground, identify the species to be planted and have that reviewed by the City Forester, obtain the necessary wetland alteration permits from the City and, if necessary, Rice Creek Watershed District, and negotiate an acceptable easement with the City. Director Ericson noted that Mr. McCarver and Mr. Cronin from Clear Channel Outdoor were in attendance if the Commission had any questions. Chair Stevenson indicated that the Planning Commission does not want the billboard located on the property but noted that the applicant has an easement in perpetuity that will allow the billboard to remain on the location indefinitely. He then said, in light of the easement in perpetuity, the Planning Commission feels it is in the best interest of the City to allow for the expansion and improvement of the billboard to improve the aesthetics of the sign. Chair Stevenson requested that the actual dimensions of the sign be added to the Resolution. Director Ericson indicated that he would include in the Resolution a condition that the height of the sign will not be increased nor will the sign encroach any closer to the property line than it is now. Commissioner Scotch inquired as to whether trees would be removed in order to lengthen the billboard. Mr. Cronin explained that some trees would need to be removed to make room for the sign but noted the trees to be removed are poplar trees and not significant trees. He then explained that there would be wildflowers, shrubs that are between six and eight feet tall, and the existing trees behind the billboard. Commissioner Scotch indicated she feels the sign is large enough as it stands and then asked the applicant if it were possible to improve the appearance of the sign and reduce the expansion amount. Mr. Cronin indicated that the Company is stuck because the signs come in standard sizes and said that any special or custom sized billboard would be very costly. He then indicated that he feels the Company has done everything it can do to improve the appearance of the sign and