Agenda - Planning Commission - 01/05/1999

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CASE REQUEST FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR TWO GROUND SIGNS AND TO EXCEED SIGN SIZE RESTRICTIONS; CASE OF CONNEXUS ENERGY By: Zoning Administrator Sylvia Frolik Background: On December I 1, 1998, the City received an application from Connexus Energy for a conditional use permit for two ground signs and to exceed the sign size restrictions at 14601 Ramsey Blvd. N.W. The following items are enclosed for your information: a) Site location map b) Sign plan c) Proposed findings of fact d) Proposed conditional use permit Notification: All property owners within 350 feet of the subject property were notified of the public hearing. Observations: In the commercial and industrial districts, the City Code allows one ground or freestanding sign per commercial or industrial parcel. It also restricts the sign size to 100 square feet (200 square feet gross surface area). As you know, Con_nexus Energy has frontage on Ramsey Blvd. and Industry Blvd. with a public access to the facility from each road. Connexus is proposing to erect business identification signs at both of the public entrances to their facility. The intent of restricting ground signs to one per parcel was to eliminate sign clutter. The 40+ acre parcel had the potential for at least 40 one acre commercial lots and therein, 40 ground or freestanding signs. Given that Connexus occupies the entire 40 acres, it is reasonable to conclude that two freestanding signs will not result in 'sign clutter'. The sign on Ramsey Blvd. is proposed to be 112 square feet in size or 12 square feet over the established maximum. Council has approved overages in sign space in the past in the commercial districts. Recommendation: City Staff recommends approval of/he request. Commission Action: Motion to recommend that City Council adopt findings of fact relating to Connexus' request for a conditional use permit.