Agenda - Planning Commission - 02/06/2020

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provisions for off -site signs within the Design Framework, if they are part of a unified development. While not proposed to be on the exact site location, the sign is proposed to be erected in the same development/business district. The City has created a general sign plan for The COR that is geared towards construction of City -Owned Signs to guide attention to the development and provide wayfinding options on a broader scale. Although this particular request is a private sign, it is similar to a Community Sign as outlined in the Sign Plan. The sign identifies the City of Ramsey as well as tenant panels similar to the sign at Ramsey Boulevard and Highway 10. As it relates to private signs, Staff can approve a Retail Gateway Sign up to 150 square feet and twelve (12) feet in height, with the ability of the City Council to approve larger signs. The request for a larger and taller sign is not unique and the City has shown great flexibility. Below is a summary of area approvals granted. Project Square Footage Height Northstar Marketplace (Coborn's) 334 Square Feet 75 Feet_J Ramsey Commons (former US Bank) 225 Square Feet 75 Feet West Armstrong Retail/PSD (future) 320 Square Feet i 75 Feet Total 879 Square Feet The combined square footage of the 3 signs indicated above is less than this proposed single sign. While not yet constructed, the West Armstrong sign was approved for construction in the southeast corner of the property, which is directly north of the Subject Property and there could be concern with obstructing visibility of that sign. The City has received letters of opposition from both abutting property owners. The Subject Property was acquired by the City as part of the Armstrong Boulevard overpass project and may be a potential future site for a storm water pond. The City has ordered title work and surveys to determine any potential conflicts. This case is drafted to consider approval in a general location on the parcel, with specific location to be approved administratively to ensure no conflicts with existing or proposed infrastructure. Based on the Planning Commission 'annual retreat' at the end of 2019, an item about broader sign regulations is included in a draft Planning Commission Work Plan to be forwarded at a future Planning Commission Meeting. In the interim, the Applicant has applied using current tools available to the City. Relevant sections of City Code include Division 8: Signs in Chapter 117 (Zoning Code) and the COR Design Framework (attached). Alternatives 1. Motion to recommend City Council approve a Conditional Use Permit for the Sign as proposed 2. Motion to recommend City Council approve a Modified Conditional Use Permit for the Sign A. Reduced Size B. Change location/move to actual project site 3. Motion to table request and identify any specific, additional information that needed to formulate recommendation 4. Motion to recommend City Council deny the request for a Conditional Use Permit Funding Source: The Applicant is responsible for all costs associated with this application. Recommendation: