PL PACKET 02202001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MEMO DATE: 2/14/01 MEETING DATE: 2/20/01 TO: Planning Commissioners FROM: Susan Henry, Assistant.City Manager RE: Walgreens Sign Variance Request Requested Action: On January 9, 2001, the City Council looked at the resolutions passed onto them by the Planning Commission from public hearings held on the Walgreens development on December 19, 2000. All of the resolutions passed, with the exception of the sign variance request. Background: Reconsideration of the Walgreens sign variance request was on the Planning Commission's January 16, 2001 agenda; however, the applicant requested to table the item until the next meeting due to a family emergency.This tabled request brings the reconsideration to the February 20, 2001, Planning Commission meeting. Enclosed please find the letter dated February 13, 2001, from TOLD Development that why their site situation is unique, and why a,variance is needed for extra signage than what.is allowed by city code. At the January 9, 2001, City Council meeting, TOLD Development announced that it would take the electronic component out of the sign variance request. At this point, the petitioner is requesting a sign variance to allow for a ground (or monument sign) consisting of 50 square feet of copy on each side, for a total surface copy area of 100 square feet. City code states the allowable sign copy surface area is a maximum of 68 square feet. The request exceeds the existing code by 32 square feet, 16 square feet per side. At the December 19, 2000, Planning Commission public hearing, there was a 3-3 (tie) vote on the motion to approve the sign surface copy area, taking out the electronic sign. The City Council would like the Planning Commission to reconsider the request to determine if hardship can be defined for granting the sign variance for the copy surface area. Findings could be, by not limited to, the following: (1) the property elevations makes it difficult to view the signage; (2)the easements make sign placement difficult; and (3) the property is difficult to develop. Staff Recommendation: This sign variance request is in front of the Planning Commission again because the City Council would like a clearer answer on the issue. The Planning Commission will need to define the hardships for the applicant, if a variance is granted. Attachment: • February 13, 2001, Letter from TOLD Development Company • Monument Sign Plans