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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes July 15, 2003 Page 19 Susan Hall stated that the Northgate Office Park has submitted a request for a pylon sign and 2 will need the following variances: 1. an 8 foot height variance to allow for a 16 foot sign; 2. a 10 3 foot setback variance to allow for a 5 foot setback from the driveway; 3. a variance of 16 square 4 feet to allow for a sign surface area of 96 square feet for 2 copy surfaces; and, 4. a variance for a 5 pylon sign. She explained that the City Manager has rejected the sign plan because Northgate 6 has deviated too far from the sign ordinance. She reviewed the setback requirements and the 7 sign ordinance with the Commission. She explained that the tenants requested the proposed sign 8 because the tenants require visibility for their businesses. She stated that the Applicant did 9 mention a need for a height variance and did recognize the driveway setback. She stated that 10 based upon staff review there would be additional variances required noting that the pylon sign 11 is not allowed. She stated that the only exception in the City is the commercial zoning for gas 12 stations, otherwise all businesses are required to utilize a ground or sign. In addition, there is a 13 limit to the allowable square footage of a sign. The applicant is proposing a sign larger than what 14 is allowed as a ground sign. 15 16 Jerry Kellgren, currently treasurer for the condominium association, explained that the reason for 17 the sign is to provide visibility. He stated that the sign is strictly for identification and visibility. 18 He further explained that they are requesting the variance in order to have the sign at least 7 to 8 19 feet off the ground in order to avoid having to remove a tree in the vicinity. He stated that if 20 they used a ground sign the tree would block the sign and therefore, have to be removed. He 21 explained that the current landscaping includes scrubs and rock noting that it would be kept iobasically the same except to possibly add more shrubs. 24 Chair Melsha asked for further clarification for the proposed location of the sign. Mr. Kellgren 25 reviewed the location of the sign stating that the sign would be to the right of the entrance. He 26 stated that the drive up teller would be removed from the location. 27 28 Chair Melsha recommended that they work with the staff and present a different plan that would 29 be more in line with the current sign ordinance. Commissioner Tillman suggested modeling 30 their design to be similar to the sign used at the Walgreens or the dental office across from TCF. 31 Kevin Applequist, owner, asked for further clarification of the type of sign used by the dental 32 office. Commissioner Tillman clarified and suggested that they drive by to get a better visual of 33 what the sign would look like. 34 35 Commissioner Hanson clarified that the monument sign would probably only require one 36 variance versus the number of variances they are currently requesting. 37 38 Chair Melsha encouraged them to contact and discuss the issues with staff. He further explained 39 the process noting that they would have to fill out forms for the new variance request for another 40 public hearing. 41 42 Chair Melsha closed the public hearing at 11:43 p.m. 43 Motion by Commissioner Chair Melsha, seconded by Commissioner Stromgren, to recommend 41 denial of the Northgate Condominium Owner's Association and LeRoy Sign Co., 2500 Highway