Agenda - Planning Commission - 10/02/2008

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The applicant is requesting to construct two additional ground directional signs to assist with . traffic flow to the multi-tenant facility located Sunfish Lake Boulevard and Highway 10 since traffic patterns will be altered due to the reconstruction of Suirfish Lake Boulevard. City Code allows for directional signs provided that these signs do not exceed four square feet in size. The proposed directional signs are 16 square feet in size, and therefore are subject to a conditional use permit. The applicant is proposing to construct these two directional signs at a height of 7' 9". City staff proposes reducing the size of these signs given the proposed placement in an unofficial vision triange, which could have the effect of creating traffic safety concerns. The submitted site plan proposes the sign to be located on property owned by Sunfish Express. An agreement would need to be processed with Sunfish Express prior to building. permit . issuance. Also, prior to construction the applicant must coordinate with all applicable utilities to detertnine the exact location of the sign as to avoid conflict with underground utilities. Since the applicant is proposing to place these signs within an existing easement, City staff is requesting that the applicant provide a survey of the property which includes all current and proposed improvements onthe property. The applicant will also be required to coordinate with Connexus Energy regarding the placement ofthe sign underneath an overhead power line. The application includes signs to be placed in Anoka County and Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnlDOT) right of way. Those signs will not be considered as part of this application as they are not being placed on the subject property, and will be handled through negotiations with Anoka County and MnlDOT. . Recommendation: City staff recommends approval of the request for a conditional use permit to exceed sign restrictions for Sunfish Commons and Sunfish Express contingent upon reducing the size of the proposed l:iirectional signs and entering into an encroachment agreement with the City of Ramsey and Connexus Energy. - Funding Source: All costs associated with processing the application are the responsibility of the applicant. Commission Action: Motion to recommend that the City Council adopt Resolution #08-10-_ adopting Findings of FaCt #_ relating to A-I Custom Signs' request for a conditional use permit to exceed sign restrictions. established in City Code; -and- Motion to recommend that City Council approve Resolution #08-10-_ approving A-I Custom Signs' request to.exceed sign restrictions at 6401 Highway 10 NW and 6415 Highway 10 NW and declaring terms of same contingent upon reducing the size of the proposed directional signs and entering into an encroachment agreement with the City of Ramsey and Connexus Energy; 16