Minutes - Council Work Session - 09/23/2021 - Joint

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have continued to say that visibility from Highway 10 is important. He stated that there have continued to be variance requests for sign height and therefore he would like clarity on that as well and whether that ordinance should be amended to allow taller signs. He stated that the important element is that all bodies are on the same page to ensure the review of applications is consistent throughout the development review process. He referenced the development north of the roundabout at Sunwood and Armstrong, noting that the area is zoned for mixed use (residential and retail) and noted that there was a recent proposal that requested all residential, but the decision was made to stay with mixed use. He stated that additional requests for development will come in and therefore it is important that the vision is clarified to ensure whether the zoning is flexible or whether the plan should be adhered to. He wanted to ensure that all parties are moving in the same direction. Mayor Kuzma asked for clarity on the sign variances. Planning Commission Chair Bauer stated that the Commission has reviewed variances for both height and size as retailers and businesses would like to ensure their sign is visible from Highway 10. He stated that if the City is okay with the larger/taller signs, the ordinance should simply be changed rather than requiring an applicant to go through the time and expense of the variance process. EDA Chair Cords asked if the sign ordinance is blanket across Ramsey or differs depending upon the zoning district. He asked if the variances have come from businesses that are more hidden inside The COR and desire more visibility. Planning Commission Chair Bauer replied that the sign ordinance has different regulations for each zoning district. He confirmed that the variance requests are coming from businesses within The COR. Councilmember Musgrove asked for more information on the current process for the variance and whether there would be a suggestion to streamline the process. Planning Commission Chair Bauer stated that currently the applicant must go through the variance process with the Planning Commission, which requires a public hearing. Senior Planner McGuire Brigl clarified that the request is actually granted through a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Planning Commission Chair Bauer clarified that the applicant would then be required to go through both the Planning Commission and City Council in order to obtain the CUP. He stated that if the ordinance were changed, and the applicant met the updated requirements, the applicant would not be required to go through that additional process and expense. Councilmember Specht commented that he would be in favor of loosening the requirements within The COR in order to make it easier for businesses. City Council Special Work Session / September 23, 2021 Page 2 of 11