Minutes - Planning Commission - 10/28/2021 - Work Session

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Commissioner Anderson stated that his concern is related to safety. He noted that if drivers are taking their eyes off the road to look at a sign, it causes a safety concern. He did not see the need for additional distractions until the stoplights are taken off Highway 10. Commissioner Gengler commented that there are digital billboards throughout the metro and therefore she is unable to make the connection that the sign is responsible for accidents. She stated that perhaps fewer signs be allowed within The COR if these larger signs are going to be allowed. Commissioner VanScoy commented that The COR Framework is specific to what is allowed, but the City continues to issue variances outside of that framework. He stated that the monuments were meant to communicate what is within The COR. He expects that this ordinance will pass even though he does not like the idea of allowing billboards in Ramsey. He commented that billboards are a distraction and, in his opinion, are not worth looking at and detract from the look of the community. He stated that he does like using a CUP as that would allow additional review of each proposed location. He commented that perhaps eight seconds is too low for message duration. Senior Planner McGuire Brigl commented that she would recommend ten seconds. Commissioner Walker commented that people are often caught up on how short eight or ten seconds is when it is longer than it seems. He noted that by the time a driver sees the sign, they would only see one or two messages before they pass the sign. Chairperson Bauer reviewed the consensus items from the Commission related to this ordinance. Councilmember Woestehoff stated that based on the comments he would suggest taking this item off the Consent Agenda for the regular meeting to allow those opposed to vote against the request. 2.02: Consider Ordinance #21-18 Allowing Accessory Dwelling Units on Single -Family Residential Properties Planning Technician McCann reviewed the staff report. Senior Planner McGuire Brigl noted that staff attempted to make this as simple as possible. Chairperson Bauer suggested a language change. Commissioner Dunaway stated that the ordinance states that an accessory dwelling unit would be allowed for properties over 2.5 acres. He noted that there is also language related to a garage conversion and found that confusing as to whether properties under 2.5 acres would qualify. Chairperson Bauer replied that only properties 2.5 acres or larger would be eligible. Commissioner Dunaway commented that in the previous discussion he recalls discussion about elderly family members that may require direct care and whether the regulations would be too restrictive. Planning Commission/ October 28, 2021 Page 4 of 8