Minutes - Planning Commission - 06/01/1999

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Zoning Administrator Frolik explained that in the commercial and industrial districts, the City Code restricts the ground or freestanding sign size to 100 square feet (200 square feet aggregate surface area). Sign heights are restricted to 25 feet from grade to the top of the sign. Burger King is proposing a freestanding sign that includes a 144 square foot franchise logo and a 45 square foot reader board, for a total of 189 square feet. The sign height is proposed to be 35 feet. Zoning Administrator Frolik noted that in a similar case, the Ampride station at Sunfish Lake Boulevard and Highway #10 had a 104 square foot business identification or logo sign. She explained that they requested a conditional use permit to add a 21 square foot reader board to the pylon. The Planning Commission and City Council granted them a 25 square foot overage in the sign size restrictions to facilitate the addition of the reader board to their pylon sign. Citizen Input Greg Dolphin, 258 Hennipen Avenue Minneapolis, Dolphin Real Estate Partnership, made a video presentation of business signs located on Highway 10 stating that it was his impression that many of the signs were greater in size than the 100 square foot requirement. Due to all the clutter of existing signs, he felt that the Burger King sign at 25 feet would not be very visible. Mr. Dolphin explained that he is proposing a 12 x 12 identification sign with a 5 x 9 reader board, noting that a 10 x 10 sign would be very expensive to make because they would have to construct a new mold because the sizes that are available to them are 8 x 8 and 12 x 12. Commissioner Jensen questioned if the Holiday sign is set back further than the other signs. Mr. Dolphin stated yes because of easements and noted that the Burger King sign will probably have to be set back as far as the Holiday sign. Zoning Administrator Frolik stated that all applications for new signs on Highway 10 were within the 100 square feet restriction when applied for, except for the Amoco station which applied for a overage of 25 square feet. Commissioner Kociscak questioned if Mr. Dolphin feels the size of the sign really has an impact on the business. Mr. Dolphin stated that it his opinion that a larger sign does increase business. He explained that he increased the size of Elk River Burger King sign and business since then has increased. Commissioner Jensen questioned if the cost to make the 10 x 10 would be that much higher. Mr. Dolphin stated that it would be twice the cost. Commissioner Jensen questioned if any signs on Highway 10 are over 25 feet in height. Zoning Administrator Frolik stated that up to 5 or 6 years ago, the height restriction was 35 feet. Commissioner Wivoda questioned what the hours of operation would be. Mr. Dolphin stated 6:00 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and until 1:00 a. m. drive-thru only on the weekends. Planning Commission/June 1, 1999 Page 4 of 13