05-07-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Mounds View Planning Commission April 2, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 2 ________________________________________________________________________ 4. Citizens Requests and Comments on Items Not on the Agenda None. ______________________________________________________________________________ 5. Planning Cases A. VR2008-001 Consideration of a Variance request for additional signage for Aldi, Inc. at Mounds View Square Planning Associate Heller reported that Aldi, Inc. is requesting a variance to allow for an increased amount of wall signage on their building located at Mounds View Square, 2537 County Highway 10. She explained the Aldi grocery store recently moved in to one of the end spaces and installed signage above the entrance door that says simply “Aldi;” they would now like to add another small sign under the original sign that says “Food Market” in order to specify what kind of store it is. She stated that Aldi’s current signs total 93.75 square feet and the two additional proposed signs, each measuring 18” tall and 6’3” wide, would add an additional 18.75 square feet of wall signage, which puts them 12.5 square feet over the amount allowed by the Sign Code. She noted that Paster Enterprises, the owners of Mounds View Square, are supportive of Aldi’s request, and there have been other sign variances granted in the past, including C.G. Hill & Sons. Planning Associate Heller stated in order for a variance to be approved, the applicant needs to demonstrate a hardship or practical difficulty associated with the property, and the Code clearly states that a hardship exists when all of the seven criteria are met. She stated that staff has determined that all of the criteria appear to be satisfied which would allow for the granting of the variance. Planning Associate Heller stated that Aldi has two frontages with signage on both sides and the signage is important to their business. She stated that each wall is fairly large and it appears the sign will not overpower or look out of place. She added that special conditions do not result from the actions of the applicant and granting this variance would not confer on the applicant any special privilege. She stated that notices were sent to all property owners within 350 feet of 2537 County Highway 10 and staff received no comments to date. Chair Stevenson stated there is a precedent at this location where the City granted a variance to Mario’s for signage on both sides of the building. Commissioner Miller requested clarification with respect to the third “Whereas” in the resolution and asked whether Aldi is requesting an additional 12.5 square feet of signage on each side. Planning Associate Heller replied that Aldi is requesting an additional 12.5 square feet in total and not on each side.