Minutes - Council - 11/22/2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7.02: Consider Request for a Conditional Use Permit for a Ground Sign that Exceeds Both Height and Area Standards within The COR District; Case of Northstar Marketplace Station LLC Community Development Director Gladhill reviewed the staff report and recommendation to adopt Resolutions # 16-11-210 and #16-11-211 approving the Findings of Fact and granting a Conditional Use Permit for a pylon sign that exceeds the height and area standards for The COR as well as adoption of Resolution # 16-11-229. The request was prompted due to the Armstrong Boulevard interchange, which created a significant change in grade and rendered the existing ground sign essentially invisible to Highway 10 traffic. The City previously approved a Conditional Use Permit for a taller and larger ground sign for the subject property that, as noted, is no longer visible. The proposed sign, which would replace the existing ground sign, will have multiple tenant panels and will also include a dynamic display message center. As long as the exact location will not conflict with existing utilities, staff supports this alternative contingent upon executing an Easement Encroachment Agreement with both the City and Connexus Energy. Councilmember Riley asked if additional sign requests would come in after this and whether they need to come before the Council each time. Community Development Director Gladhill stated that these approvals are done through a Conditional Use Permit and are reviewed on a case by case basis. He stated that once the process is consistent and the Council is comfortable, the process could be changed to administrative approval. Councilmember Williams stated that she would like to have a more robust conversation regarding signs in The COR. She noted that she will support the request as it is important for existing retailers to be seen from east and west bound Highway 10. Councilmember LeTourneau agreed that the ordinance regarding signs should be revisited. He believed that the CUP process is good as it allows the Council to have discussions and have an input. He stated that this sign at Armstrong has a high profile and perhaps the signs to the east would have a lower profile. He believed that more of these signs would be needed to invite traffic from the highway to utilize the retailers. Community Development Director Gladhill stated that the CUP is an allowable use that allows the Council to review the request and add conditions of approval if desired. Motion by Councilmember LeTourneau, seconded by Councilmember Shryock, to Adopt Resolution #16-11-210 Adopting Findings of Fact #0971 Relating to a Request from Quality Sign Solutions for a Conditional Use Permit to Exceed Both Height and Area Standards for a Ground Sign in The COR-2 District on the Property Located at 7900 Sunwood Drive NW, Adopt Resolution # 16-11-211 Approving the Issuance of a Conditional Use Permit to Northstar Marketplace Station LLC Based on Findings of Fact #0971 to Exceed Sign Regulations Established in City Code and Declaring Terms of the Permit, and Adopt Resolution #16-11-229 Approving an Amended Easement Encroachment Agreement for a Pylon Sign to be Installed in a City Council / November 22, 2016 Page 6 of 10