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Mounds View Planning Commission December 19, 2007 <br />Regular Meeting Page 6 <br />______________________________________________________________________________ <br /> <br />A. Discuss Ordinance 801 Amending Title 1000, Chapter 1008 of the Mounds <br /> View City Code Regarding Requirements for Signs and Billboards <br /> <br />Community Development Director Ericson reported the City Council adopted Ordinance 784 on <br />February 12, 2007 which authorized a one-year moratorium on the installation, creation, <br />construction, replacement, modification or improvement of static or changing electronic, digital, <br />video, display signs or billboards and flashing motion, animated, changeable copy and <br />illuminated signs in all zoning districts. He stated this moratorium would expire on February 12, <br />2008. He read the definition of Dynamic Display Signs as stated in the ordinance. <br /> <br />Director Ericson stated that staff, the City Attorney, and the City Council believe that the best <br />course of action relating to the soon-to-expire moratorium is to define the type of signage in <br />question and to adopt language that prohibits such signage. While this action would admittedly <br />cause all the existing dynamic displays signs to become non-conforming, not taking such action <br />would potentially leave the door open for dynamic display boards to be erected. The City feels <br />confident that it can progress with a supplemental ordinance to address the non-conforming <br />dynamic display signs early in 2008. <br /> <br />Director Ericson stated that as recommended by the City Attorney, staff suggests the Planning <br />Commission approve Resolution 881-07, which recommends approval of Ordinance 801. <br /> <br />Commissioner Walsh-Kaczmarek commented whether this approach precluded adding a weather <br />display, such as the weather ball once used in the Twin Cities, in the City at some point. <br /> <br />Director Ericson replied the code did allow for exceptions for weather related displays. He <br />stated a weather ball would require additional research. <br /> <br />Chair Stevenson questioned the term “electronically change” and stated he did not see how gas <br />station price signs applied. <br /> <br />Director Ericson replied staff would look into this. <br /> <br />Commissioner Gunn stated the distraction of signs along the side of the road is not as dangerous <br />as talking on cell phones, putting on make-up, or eating. <br /> <br />Director Ericson stated the ordinance gives the City control and positions it favorably relative to <br />approving, disapproving, and limiting the number of Dynamic Display Signs. He clarified how <br />non-conforming uses would be protected. <br /> <br />MOTION/SECOND: Commissioner Meehlhause/Commissioner Miller, to approve Resolution <br />881-07, a Resolution Recommending Approval of an Amendment to Chapter 1008 of the <br />Mounds View City Code Regarding Requirements for Signs and Billboards. <br /> <br /> Ayes – 7 Nays – 0 Motion carried. <br />______________________________________________________________________