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Item No: 08B Meeting Date: Mar 14, 2022 M(�/��`� �TnC �Aj Type of Business: Council Business RJ�V VI�.lr City Administrator Review: City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Jon Sevald, Community Development Director Item Title/Subject: Public Hearing: First Reading and Introduction, Ordinance 988, Amending City Code Chapter 161 related to Dynamic Displays Introduction: Dynamic Displays (e.g. digital signs) are permitted in the B2, B3, B4, and PUD zoning districts, and conditionally permitted (CUP) in residential districts for churches and non-commercial uses. They are not permitted in the Industrial district. In 2021 Bauer Welding, 2159 Mustang Drive (Industrial district), applied for a Ground Sign permit with a Dynamic Display, which was denied. The topic was discussed at the Council's February 7, 2022 Work Session. The proposed Text Amendment addresses two items; (1) Dynamic Displays in the Industrial district; and, (2) Menu Boards for drive-thru businesses. Discussion: Dynamic Display regulations came about in 2008 as many static billboards around the Twin Cities were replaced with digital billboards. Staff skimmed through City Council minutes finding no discussions as to why they are not permitted in the Industrial district. The Industrial district includes Central Sandblasting, properties along Mustang Drive/Mustang Circle, and Coral Sea Street (north of Medtronic). Most of the warehouse/manufacturing-type properties in the city are zoned PUD. Sign ordinances are very complex. The easiest way to think about this is to look at existing signs in the City, and consider if there are any that are undesirable. Then, Staff can figure out what would need to be changed in the Code to avoid the same from happening again. There are a number of non -conforming signs that have been "grandfathered" in (e.g. Steve's Appliance, The Station), and others that have received Variances to height (BP, Days Inn, McDonalds), and Variances to sign area (Interactive Playground), and others that gave been approved as a PUD exceeding the Sign Code (Apple Tree Dental, Caribou Cabin, Mermaid). The City has been very "business friendly" in terms of signage. Analysis: Attached is a comparison chart of sign ordinances from other cities, specific to what is allowed along corridors similar to Mounds View Boulevard. In general, Mounds View allows Ground Signs about twice the size (200 sq ft) as comparable cities, but our 16' height limit often results in sings that are smaller. For example, the City Hall sign is 184 sq ft, and 11.5' tall (short & squatty). This is the intent of the Sign Code. The amendment; (1) allows Dynamic Displays in the Industrial district, similar to other Business districts; and (2) allows Dynamic Display Drive-Thru menu boards in the B-3, B-4, and PUD districts, limited to two 36 sq ft signs, and one 15 sq ft accessory sign (same as Bloomington).