Agenda - Council - 10/14/2025 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Description of request: The applicant proposes to install an off -premise digital billboard within the designated Off -Premise Digital Billboard Overlay District in the City of Ramsey. The city's zoning ordinance permits a maximum of three such signs; two have already been approved and constructed. This proposed sign would be the third and final installation allowed under the current code. The sign is designed to be 672 square feet in area and 50 feet tall, with two digital faces —one oriented toward each direction of travel on Highway 10. The applicant is seeking to enter into an agreement with the city to dedicate a minimum of 20 hours per month per sign face for public service and city -related messaging. The city code requires a 2-mile (10,560 feet) separation between off -premise digital billboards. The proposed location offers a separation of 9,749 feet —approximately an 8%variance. The intent of the spacing requirement is to allow one digital billboard on the west end, one centrally, and one on the east end of the city along Highway 10. While the west and central locations have already been utilized, the eastern end lacks sufficient spacing under the code as written. If a sign was placed at the easternmost point within the city limits, the sign would not meet the spacing requirement. Without a variance, the city would be unable to complete its envisioned distribution of signs. This proposed sign would fulfill the final permitted location under the existing code. It complies with all other applicable sections of the ordinance. The city's current sign code update does not impact regulations related to off -premise digital billboards. Practical Difficulties requirements: That the property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the zoning code. The applicant is proposing to construct a digital off -premises billboard in a location specifically designated by the city's zoning for such use. This is a reasonable and anticipated use of the property in this district. The sign complies with all applicable design, height, and dimensional requirements outlined in the ordinance. The proposed sign aligns with the city's intention to allow up to three digital billboards along Highway 10. The only element requiring a variance is a minor reduction in spacing— approximately 8% - from the 2-mile requirement. The proposed use fully remains consistent with surrounding land uses and existing signage. The request does not seek to increase the number of permitted signs or expand the overlay district; it simply enables the final sign envisioned by the city's existing plan to be constructed. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner