Agenda - Planning Commission - 02/27/2025

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Regular Planning Commission Meeting Date: 02/27/2025 Primary Strategic Plan Initiative: Identify and implement operational efficiencies, cost savings and additional funding sources. Information 7. 1. Title: Continue discussion on the Sign Code Update pertaining to Electronic Messaging Centers and Wall, Freestanding, and Additional Types of Signage Purpose/Background: Ramsey's Sign Code (currently split between Chapter 117, Article II, Division 8, and the COR Framework) has been updated several times over the years as individual issues or topics have surfaced. Staff have noted several areas, mostly minor items, that need to be cleaned up, clarified, or rearranged. One of the major items that needs to be addressed is how to incorporate the signage regulations in the COR Framework into the rest of the City's Sign Code for consistency in application and administration. The goals of updating the Code are the ease of use by property owners, developers, businesses, and staff: • Consistency in terms and definitions • Clear purpose and intent of the sign code • Clear distinctions between what sign types and sizes are allowed in each zoning district • Consistency with how the Sign Code is interpreted and administered • Reorganization of Chapter 117 and the COR Framework language to eliminate redundancies and contradictions • Streamline processes • Create an improved Sign Code that is easier to read and understand for all users. Following the Planning Commission's previous meetings on October 24th, November 21st, and December 19th, 2024, and January 14th, 2025, it was the consensus of the Commission to draft Code language pertaining to definitions and regulations for all types of signage for the Commission to review and give recommendations. The draft code is attached to this case for reference and review. The new sign code will be located in a new chapter, Chapter 108, of Ramsey City Code. All proposed code sections within Chapter 108 are preliminary. Staff have three topics within the sign regulations that need discussion and guidance from the Planning Commission. These include the following: 1. Should we change or eliminate window signage regulations? Alternately, should we enforce existing regulations? . Currently, window signs in the COR are limited to 10% of the window area or 4 square feet, whichever is less, and are further limited to 1 window sign per building. Many commercial buildings in the COR do not follow these regulations, with several multi -tenant buildings having window signs in most or all of the tenant's respective windows. Most of these signs were installed without obtaining permits, though it should be noted that Staff has not received formal complaints regarding these signs. Staff is seeking guidance on whether to continue regulating (and enforcing the current regulations) for window signage, or to modify or strike window signage regulations from the new code. 2. Should we change or eliminate the requirements for electronic messaging centers (EMCs) pertaining to duration of display, transitions between displays, and animations? Alternately, should we enforce existing regulations? • The current code states that on -premise EMCs shall not change their display more frequently than once every 3 seconds. This standard varies across cities in the metro, though nearly every city has a