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MEMORANDUM DATE: 07/08/04 MEETING DATE: 07/20/04 TO: Chair Stromgren & Planning Commission Members FROM: Susan M.H. Hall, Assistant City Manager SUBJECT: Sunset Memorial Park Sign Requested Action: July 20 is the public hearing for the sign variances associated with a second monument sign proposed for Sunset Memorial Park, 2250 St. Anthony Boulevard. The Planning Commission's recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for their July 27 meeting. The applicant requested this case be brought forward swiftly; therefore, no concept review was held. Background: Sunset Memorial Park is requesting two sign variances for a ground, or monument, sign proposed for the intersection of St. Anthony Boulevard and New Brighton Boulevard (see map attached). On behalf of Sunset Memorial Park, the Lawrence Sign Company has been contacting the City on this request. Two variances have been requested by the applicant: (1) for a second monument sign; and (2) a height variance of 6 feet for a proposed height of 14 feet. The City's zoning map for the subject property shows it as R-1 Single Family. However, according to the city code, cemeteries fall under Recreational Open Space (ROS). For all intensive purposes, the City will consider this request under the ROS district; the cemetery is considered a legal nonconforming use in the ROS. Technically, staff has explained that one ground sign is allowed. One monument sign was recently erected on the property at the Park entrance, on St. Anthony Boulevard across from Gross Golf Course. (Please note this monument sign is not yet landscaped, which is a requirement of all ground signs.) The proposed ground sign measures an overall height of 14 feet with the base_. The maximum height for a ground sign is 8 feet, thus the variance request for 6 feet. Upon review of the proposed sign, staff has noted the copy surface area measures 13' X IV% or 97.5 square feet, for one side. In addition, after the fact, the applicant explained this is a two-sided sign, which would put the total copy surface area at 195 square feet. In the ROS, the maximum allowed for copy surface area is 150 square feet, which is quite liberal. The applicant's sign exceeds this; however, a variance request did not come forward for this.The applicant is over by 45 square feet on copy surface area. Staff has explained this to the applicant, but it was after the Public Hearing posting occurred. It appears a variance for copy surface area would be necessary to implement the proposed signage as two-sided.