Minutes - 1999/11/22 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council November 22, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 9 • Community Development Director Jopke stated staff has drafted two ordinances to address these two issues separately. He explained that Ordinance 637, which would allow and set standards for signage in the CRP and PF Zoning Districts has been given first reading approval by the City Council, after a public hearing, and this was in concurrence with the Planning Commission's recommendation. He explained there was some concern regarding whether or not the language of the ordinance might possibly restrict the City's objective with regard to the billboards, therefore, final approval has been delayed until the billboard issue is resolved. Community Development Director Jopke indicated staff has also drafted Ordinance 644, which would allow billboards in certain areas of the community by Conditional Use Permit, and sets standards in terms of location. He explained as it is drafted, this ordinance indicates the billboards would be located along or north of Highway 118 or County Highway 10, and must be located on City property. He added that there must be an approved lease, oriented towards Highway 10 and I-35W, and the billboards must be located a minimum of 250 feet from residentially zoned property. He advised the City Attorney has indicated some concern with regard to this provision, in that the billboards could not be restricted to City owned property. Community Development Director Jopke advised that Ordinance 644 also sets the minimum spacing requirements for billboards at 1,500 feet, measured on the same side of the same roadway. He indicated that maximum sign area could not exceed 700 square feet, although some temporary extensions, not in excess of 25 percent of the billboard area, as long as they are an integral part of the design of the billboard, would be permitted. He explained the billboards could consist of no more than two faces, which can either be back to back or angled, and no more than 8 feet apart. He indicated the maximum sign height is similar to other signs m the community at 35 feet, and the billboards could not obstruct vision or interfere with the view of traffic or other signs. Community Development Director Jopke stated the Planning Commission approved a resolution, which recommends to the City Council denial of Ordinance 644, based upon four findings as follows: 1. Large billboard signs are not appropriate uses of property within CRP Conservation Recreational Preservation and PF Public Facilities zoning districts. These districts are intended to provide recreational opportunities, open space and protect the natural environment where possible. Large advertising signs are not consistent with that intent and are more appropriate to commercial and industrial zoning districts. 2. Large billboard signs can be visually distractive and may detract from the neighborhood and promote a negative image for the community. 3. The City Attorney has advised City staff that the City cannot limit billboards to city-owned properties only. 4. A permit will be required from the State of Minnesota to locate billboards along state and federal highways. State statutes restrict such signs to commercial and industrial zoning districts only. The contemplated sites for additional billboards are not zoned commercial or industrial.