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