Agenda - Council - 03/24/2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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6.01: Consider Request for Conditional Use Permit for a Ground Sign and Wall Signage at 7800 Sunwood Drive NW (Project No. 20-102); Case of New Horizon Academy Presentation City Planner Anderson presented the Staff Report stating that staff recommends approving the request for a Conditional Use Permit for the requested deviations from sign standards. Commission Business Chairperson Bauer stated that it is clear that the Commission needs to discuss the overall sign ordinance. City Planner Anderson stated that staff has begun to work with the planning consultant on that topic and will bring that information forward to the Commission once ready. Commissioner VanScoy stated that there is an overlay for the Armstrong Interchange District and asked if that impacts this situation. City Planner Anderson confirmed that district allows administrative approval of ground signs up to 150 square feet in are and 50 feet in height but excludes parcels within The COR and therefore does not apply to this parcel. Chairperson Bauer invited the applicant to provide any additional comments. Eric Tauscheck, Spectrum Signs, stated that he is present to address any questions. He stated that stone and masonry work has been added to the base of the sign in attempt to tie into the aesthetics of the building. Commissioner VanScoy asked the specific reason for requesting a 25-foot sign. Mr. Tauscheck replied that the sign would be visible from the highway. He stated that when possible, the company would like to maximize the visibility when adjacent a highway. Commissioner VanScoy stated that if the City continues on this path, Ramsey will face a forest of signs in this area. He asked if the business would be in agreement with a monument sign. Mr. Tauscheck replied that although that could be a possibility, it would not be visible from the highway. Commissioner VanScoy stated that this is another reason the City needs to expedite its review of the sign ordinance. Senior Planner McGuire Brigl stated that staff originally believed that this sign would be administratively approved but the City Attorney suggested that the Commission review this request because although allowed in the district, the language is not clear.