Laserfiche WebLink
Item 05B <br />Page 3 of 4 <br />If the Ordinance Amendment is approved as drafted, this does not address what the Bear Lot is <br />asking for (300 sq ft Wall Signs + bear of unknown size). <br />OTHER <br />Sign regulations are complicated, with a lot of detail and interpretation. One item that Staff has <br />struggled with is the base of Ground Signs; <br />§ 161.038 SPECIFIC SIGN TYPE STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS. <br />(A) Ground signs. The following standards shall be maintained for all ground signs, <br />excluding incidental, temporary, home occupation, identification and real estate <br />signs. <br />(7) Ground signs must include masonry construction materials such as stone, <br />brick or stucco. <br />When referring to the attached photo examples, few signs include masonry. Many have been <br />permitted without masonry as part of a PUD or Development Review (e.g. Tommy's Carwash). <br />Some Ground Signs include a DIY block wall border around the base of the sign (e.g. Abiding <br />Savior, City gateway signs). Staff has interpreted this as compliant with the "masonry <br />construction" requirement, but it's also Staff's opinion that it's not keeping with the spirit and <br />intent of the Code, to have a brick (masonry) sign, vs. a metal sign with block wall flower garden <br />around the sign. This has not been an issue to anyone other than Staff, thus, Staff is looking for <br />guidance from the Planning Commission, if Staff's interrelation that masonry around the base of <br />a sign, is equal to a sign with masonry construction. <br />Strategic Plan Strategy/Goal: <br />• ID, expand, and maintain City's strengths to include splash pad, parks, trails/sidewalks, park <br />programs, Community Center, & beautification of Mounds View Boulevard. Consider other <br />areas of the city to connect and add additional trails, walkways, amenities, features and <br />improved appearances. <br />• Beautification of Mounds View Blvd: Cooperate with Ramsey County in implementing new <br />features and improved beautification, aesthetics, and landscaping including but not limited to <br />different plant species in median that looks professional, clean, and neat. Conduct and <br />budget for improvements in phases and use Hwy 96 as an example. <br />• Consider a fagade and landscaping policy that is more robust while allowing for native <br />pollinator plant species and other alternative landscaping that looks professional and <br />pleasing including but not limited to urban gardening and creative energy saving projects. <br />i ne rviuun.,..., .. —.un <br />A Thriving Desirable Community <br />