Agenda - Planning Commission - 09/10/2015

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Regular Planning Commission 5. 4. Meeting Date: 09/10/2015 By: Geoff Solomonson, Community Development Information Title: Discuss Framework for Future Amendments to COR Sign Standards Purpose/Background: The purpose of this case is to discuss the COR signage standards due to a number of requests starting to come in from businesses as a result of Armstrong Boulevard interchange. The intentions of this case are to clarify and simplify the category types of signs, their height, and square footage allotments as well as address the Commission's comments that it desires to develop a more flexible sign package for The COR. Included in this case are sketches of signs with descriptions for a visual comparison of the different sign categories as well as a site plan of sign general locations for a potential amendment to The COR Sign Plan. In the event that the Commission does not desire an amendment to the sign plan, these standards will then be used in reviewing Conditional Use Permits for oversizing of signs. Notification: Notification is not required as this is just a discussion topic at this time. Should Staff be directed to develop amendments to the COR Design Framework, notification would occur through the City's official newspaper, the Anoka Union Herald. Observations/Alternatives: The framework objective is to compare, both visually and descriptively, possible amendments to the COR sign standards. For reference purposes, the general commercial and employment district standards allow ground signs up to twenty-five (25) feet in height and 100 square feet in area. The attached document outlines possible amendments beginning with defining signage in the COR by four (4) categories: Development Sign, Gateway Sign, Private Freestanding Sign, and Multiple Tenant Sign. Each category has a height and square footage limitation as well as a description of the sign's purpose, general design, and ownership. The accompanying drawing illustrates a comparison of their heights and general design. Lastly, the site plan provides an idea of general locations of importance throughout the COR for signage. Funding Source: This is being handled as part of Staffs regular duties. Recommendation: While an amendment to the sign ordinance may be warranted, Staff poses a discussion of signage to address signage requests that do not fall within the description of the current ordinance This topic report is for discussion only. There is no policy change being proposed at this time. In reviewing these policies, Staff would especially desire direction on the types and sizes of signs that it is comfortable in having Staff approval administratively and what signs it desires to review before Staff approval. Action: No action is being requested. Staff is seeking initial feedback to aide in development an actual ordinance for future consideration.