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SIGN AMENDMENT CONCERNS (continued) Subdivisions 2 through 5 of 9.12.12 set forth construction specifications. In addition, the permitting process requires the approval of the City of Ramsey Building Official on structure specifications. Therefore, the requirement for "professional" installation/alteration is redundant and unnecessary. In view of the foregoing, the following approach would better meet councils objectives: 9.12.12. Construction Specifications Subd. 1. Ail Signs permitted by this section in excess of sixteen (16) square feet shall be shall be painted, lettered/ or faced to the workmanship standards and best commercial practices of companies normally engaged in the business of providing commercial signs/ using materials designed and marketed specifically for use on outdoor signs. '~ 9.12.13 Non-Conforming Signs Subd. 1. Page 13) 'Discussion Problem 1. While this "grandfather clause" differentiates between legal non- conforming" and "illegal non-conforming"/ it seems to (hopefully inadvertently) presume or declare that all signs existing prior to adaption are non-conforminq. This is not the case with many existing signs. Problem 2. Page 2 defines a Billboard as any sign off premises (even if on an adjacent or nearby parcel). Page 7 bans any and all billboards, making them non-conforming. 9.12.13 requires bringing signs into conformance 12 months after a change in ownership, which is not possible under 9.12.04 for billboards. In a few cases, such a provision would create a significant hardship because of the importance of signs proximate to their location, but on another parcel. Examples: Superbowl sign and Anoka Self Storage sign. A change in ownership (even just a simple change in the capital structure) would require destruction of these signs. Even a lot split could mandate billboard removal. This provision is strongly anti-business AND NOT IN RAMSEY'S BEST INTERESTS~ RAHSEY SIGN AHEt~DMENT P. 2 OF 3 I I I I I I I I I I I I I i I I I I I