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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10C - Ord Amend - Signs MEETING DATE: AGENDA #: PREPARED BY: AGENDA ITEM: DISCUSSION: CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT JANUARY 6, 2003 10C JANE KANSIER, PLANNING COORDINATOR CONSIDER APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 1107.808 OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE RELATING TO ILLUMINATED INSTITUTIONAL SIGNS (Case File #02-129) History: The purpose of this agenda item is to consider an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance, The applicant, the Church of St. Michael, is requesting an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to allow externally illuminated institutional signs along collector streets in residential zoning districts, Institutional signs are defined as signs which identifY the name and other characteristics of a public or semi-public institution on the property where the sign is located, A public or semi-public use could include schools, public buildings, libraries, religious institutions, parks, etc, The Zoning Ordinance regulates institutional signs as follows: Institutional Signs: Freestanding or wall institutional signs are permitted in any Use District provided that the total sign area does not exceed 75 square feet. Internally illuminated signs are permitted if the sign is located so it faces an arterial road as identified in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Freestanding signs may be no higher than 6 feet above the adjacent grade or center line grade of the adjacent street, whichever is higher. This language was amended in 2000 to allow internally illuminated signs along arterial roads at the request of Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Church ofSt. Michael is requesting the following amendment to this ordinance: Institutional Signs: Freestanding or wall institutional signs are permitted in any Use District provided that the total sign area does not 1:I02fi1esI02ordamendlzoninj:I02-129 ins! sign102-129 cc rpt.doc Pa,ge 1 16200 Eagle Creek Ave. S.E., Prior Lake. Minnesota 55372-1714 / Ph. (952) 447-4230 / Fax ('152) 447-4245 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER exceed 75 square feet. Internally or externally illuminated signs are permitted if the sign is located so it faces an arterial road or a collector street as identified in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Freestanding signs may be no higher than 6 feet above the adj acent grade or center line grade of the adjacent street, whichever is higher. This amendment would allow the existing signs along Duluth A venue to be lit by an external light source, such as spot lights. The amendment would apply to all churches, schools or other institutional uses in residential districts. Current Circumstances: The Planning Commission discussed this amendment at a public hearing on December 23, 2002, The Planning Commission recommended approval of the proposed amendment, with some changes, The changes include language provision limiting the visible illumination, measured in footcandles, at the property line. This language is intended to minimize any impact on the adjacent residential areas, This provision is consistent with the lighting provisions in the ordinance, The specific language is included in the attached ordinance, The Issues: The City Council must make a decision whether to amend the ordinance based on the following criteria: . There is a public need for the amendment; or . The amendment will accomplish one or more of the purposes of the Zoning Ordinance, the Comprehensive Plan or other adopted plans or policies of the City; or . The adoption of the amendment is consistent with State and/or federal requirements, Religious uses must be located on a collector or arterial street as required in the Zoning Ordinance within Residential Use Districts, This access requirement is consistent with the proposed amendment. Other institutional uses, including schools, within the City are located within Residential Use Districts with access to a collector or arterial street. The ordinance already allows internally Illuminated signs along arterial streets, The proposed amendment would help to identify public and semi-public gathering sites after sunset. The limits on illumination at the property line will minimize any impact on the adjacent residential areas, Conclusion: Both the Planning Commission and the staff recommend approval of this amendment. ALTERNATIVES: The City Council has three alternatives: 1:I02fi1esI02ordamendlzonlngI02-129 Inst sign102-129 cc rpt.doc Page 2 RECOMMENDED MOTION: REVIEWED BY: 1, Adopt an Ordinance approving the proposed amendment as recommended, 2, Deny the proposed Ordinance, 3. Defer this item and provide staff with specific direction. The staff recommends Alternative #1. A motion and second to adopt Ordinance 03-XX proving the amendment as recommended by the PI ing 0 iss on, 1:\02fi1es\02ordamendlzoning\02-129 inst sign\02-129 cc rpt.doc Page 3 CITY OF PRIOR LAKE ORDINANCE NO. 03 - XX AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 1107.808 OF THE PRIOR LAKE CITY CODE The City Council of the City of Prior Lake does hereby ordain that: I. Section 1107,808 of the Prior Lake City Code is hereby amended as follows: Institutional Signs: Freestanding or wall institutional signs are permitted in any Use District provided that the total sign area does not exceed 75 square feet. Internally or externally illuminated signs are permitted if the sign is located so it faces an arterial roador a collector street as identified in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, Reflected 2lare or spill li2ht from the Si2n shall not exceed 0.5 foot candle when the source abuts any residential parcel or 1.0 footcandle at any public ri2ht-of-wav measured at I foot above the 2round. Freestanding signs may be no higher than 6 feet above the adjacent grade or center line grade of the adjacent street, whichever is higher. This ordinance shall become effective from and after its passage and publication, Passed by the City Council of the City of Prior Lake this 6th day of January, 2003, ATTEST: City Manager Mayor Published in the Prior Lake American on the II th day of January, 2003, Drafted By: City of Prior Lake Planning Department 16200 Eagle Creek Avenue Prior Lake, MN 55372 1:\02files\02ordamend\zoning\02-129 inst sign\ord 03-xx.doc PAGE 1 16200 Eagle Creek Ave S.E., Prior Lake. Minnesota 55372-1714 / Ph. (952) 447-4230 / Fax (952) 447-4245 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNln' EMPLOYER