Agenda - Planning Commission - 09/16/2010 - Special Meeting

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CASE # Public Hearing REQUEST FOR AN INTERIM USE PERMIT TO EXCEED SIGN RESTRICTIONS ON THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 14550 ARMSTRONG BLVD NW; CASE OF CITY OF RAMSEY HRA. By: Chris Anderson, Environmental Coordinator Background: The City received an application from the City's Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) for an Interim Use Permit (IUP) to deviate from the size and location requirements of permanent signs. The HRA wishes to utilize the framework of an existing ground sign on the property located at 14550 Armstrong Blvd NW (former Oasis Market site), now owned by the City, to install signage supporting The COR and to help guide visitors into the development. In accordance with City Code, all variations to the sign regulations are to be processed with the conditional use permit application; however, with potential amendments to the sign regulations, both within The COR and in general, in the future, the IUP process seemed more appropriate. Notification: State statute requires notification of the public hearing to property owners within 350 feet of the subject property. Staff attempted to notify property owners within 350 feet of the subject property. Observations: The subject property was formerly occupied by an Oasis Market but is now vacant and owned by the City. There is an existing ground sign on the property that the applicant would like to utilize for signage supporting The COR and to identify one or more tenants within The COR. The subject property is zoned TC-2 Town Center District. Within this zoning district, the gross surface area of ground signs is restricted to 100 square feet for each exposed face and shall not exceed an aggregate gross surface area of 200 square feet. The height of ground signs within this district is limited to six (6) feet. Additionally, billboards, which are defined in City Code as "a sign which directs attention to business, commodity, service, entertainment, or attraction sold, offered or existing elsewhere than upon the same lot or parcel where such sign is displayed", are listed as a prohibited sign type in City Code Section 117-464 (Prohibited signs). The existing framework is roughly twenty-two (22) feet in height. When the subject property was rezoned to TC-2 Town Center District, the sign became a lawful non -conforming sign with regard to height. The area of the proposed new lexon panel signage is approximately ninety (90) square feet. The proposal also indicates that some rehab work would be completed so that framework matches The COR logo. Overall, the square footage of the sign would be compliant with City Code and the height is considered compliant due to the lawful non -conforming designation; however, since this sign would direct attention to business and/or attractions offered off -site, it would be considered a billboard by definition. 17