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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8A - Off-Premise Nameplate Sign ~/NNESO~~ MEETING DATE: AGENDA #: PREP ARED BY: REVIEWED BY: AGENDA ITEM: DISCUSSION: CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT AUGUST 6, 2001 SA JANE KANSIER, PLANNING COORDINATOR DONALD RYE, PLANNING DIRECTOR CONSIDER APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE TO ALLOW OFF-PREMISE NAMEPLATE SIGNS IN COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS (Case File #01-049) History: Wensco has filed an application to amend Sign provisions of the Zoning Ordinance in order to allow off-premise nameplate signs in commercial districts. These signs are generally used by multiple tenant shopping centers to list the names of the individual tenants. Examples of these signs are shown on the attached photographs. Wensco would like to use this type of sign to identify the various businesses located in the Fountain Hills development. The Zoning Ordinance does not allow off-premise signs. The ordinance, however, does allow subdivision signs, identifying the name of the development, at the major entrances to the development. The Planning Commission considered this item at a public hearing on July 9, 2001. The Planning Commission recommended approval of an amendment that would allow nameplate signs for commercial and . industrial uses along major roads. The Planning Commission, however, recommended approval of language proposed by staff rather than that proposed by the applicant. A copy of the minutes of the July 9,2001 Planning Commission meeting is attached to this report. Current Circumstances: The Zoning Ordinance does not presently allow off-premise signs of any sort. The ordinance does allow Subdivision Identification Signs, as follows: Subdivision Identification Signs: Freestanding signs indicating the name of a residential subdivision, neighborhood, or business center shall be permitted for the purpose of permanent identification. At each principal entrance to such an area, maximum of 2 signs, not to exceed 50 square feet of sign area per side with a maximum of 2 sides, excluding decorative landscaping and sign base, will be permitted on L:\OI files\Olordamend\Zoning\OFFPREM SIGNS\cc report.DOC Page 1 16200 Eagle Creek Ave. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372-1714 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER .~ -----~,.... T private property. The maximum height of such signs shall be 10 feet above the natural grade. When such signs are proposed and constructed by an individual or firm other than the individual or association who will be responsible for the maintenance, there shall be a covenant prepared by the proponent establishing responsibility for the maintenance of the sign or signs over the entire project or subdivision, to be approved by the City Attorney, and to be recorded on the property title(s) prior to issuance of the sign permit. Further, appropriate easements shall be provided for the approved signs on the property or properties where the signs are to be located; the easements shall be recorded prior to the issuance of the sign permit. Issues: The language proposed by Wensco is attached to this report. In general, Wensco is proposing language that would allow off- premise nameplate signs as conditional use pennits in the commercial districts. They are proposing these signs be allowed along TH 13, CSAH 42 and CSAH 21. The proposed maximum square footage of the signs is 180 square feet, and the maximum height is 25 feet above grade. The sign materials are tied into the materials used in the principal structure. The proposed language would also allow this as the only freestanding sign. The staff feels this language is flawed for several reasons. First of all, the language is geared towards shopping centers rather than individual buildings on separate lots. In other words, adoption of this language would not seem to allow the sign Wensco is proposing in the Fountain Hills Business Park. Another problem with the language is the process. While a conditional use permit does provide the Planning Commission and the City Council with more design control, it does . seem cumbersome for a sign. Finally, some of the standards proposed, such as size and height, are inconsistent with current sign requirements. It does not seem unreasonable to allow a nameplate sign for business or industrial uses along a major road. However, the staff feels this can be accomplished by amending the provisions governing subdivision signs to allow for these uses. The staff would suggest the following amendment (new language in italics): 1107.816 Subdivision Identification Signs: (1) Residential Districts. Freestanding signs indicating the name of a residential subdivision, or neighborhood, or business center shall be permitted for the purpose of permanent identification. At each principal entrance to such an area, a maximum of 2 signs, not to exceed 50 square feet of sign area per side with a L\Olfiles\Olordamend\ZoniDg\OFFPREM SIGNS\cc report.DOC Page 2 maximum of 2 sides, excluding decorative landscaping and sign base, will be permitted on private property. The maximum height of such signs shall be 10 feet above the natural grade. (2) Commercial and Industrial Districts. a. Freestanding signs indicating the name of a business center shall be permitted for the purpose of permanent identification. At each principal entrance to such an area, a maximum of 2 signs, not to exceed 50 square feet of sign area per side with a maximum of 2 sides, excluding decorative landscaping and sign base, will be permitted on private property. The maximum height of such signs shall be 10 feet above the natural grade. b. In Commercial and Industrial subdivisions with frontage along TH 13, CSAH 42 or CSAH 21, 1 freestanding subdivision sign may be located along the frontage of TH 13, CSAH 42 or CSAH 21. In the C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4 and 1-1 districts, the maximum height of the sign shall be 20 feet above the natural grade. In the C-5 district, the maximum height of the sign shall be 10 feet above the natural grade. In the C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4 and 1-1 districts, this sign shall not exceed 100 square feet in area per side, with a maximum of 2 sides. In the C-5 district, the sign shall not exceed 80 square feet per side, with a maximum of 2 sides. Freestanding subdivision signs permitted under this section must also be located at least 40 feet from any other freestanding sign. (3) Setbacks. In any use district, a Subdivision Identification Sign must be located at least 10 feet from any property line. The sign may not be located within a traffic visibility area as defined in Section 1101.506 of this ordinance. (4) Easements/Covenants. When such signs are proposed and constructed by an individual or firm other than the individual or association who will be responsible for the maintenance, there shall be a covenant prepared by the proponent establishing responsibility for the maintenance of the sign or signs over the entire project or subdivision, to be approved by the City Attorney, and to be recorded on the property title(s) prior to issuance of the sign permit. Further, appropriate easements shall be provided for the approved signs on the property or properties where the signs are to be located; the easements shall be recorded prior to the issuance of the sign permit. When determining whether to amend the ordinance, the City Council must base their decision 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 L:\Ol files\Olordamend\Zoning\OFFPREM SIGNS\cc report. DOC Page 3 AL TERNA TIVES: RECOMMENDED MOTION: REVIEWED BY: . The adoption of the amendment is consistent with State and/or federal requirements. Staff feels there is a public need for an amendment to allow nameplate signs. The proposed amendment also is consistent with the goal of "economic vitality" in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Specifically, the above language is consistent with the objective that requires the City to "maintain high standards in the promotion and development of commerce and industry" by encouraging, regulating, and promoting aesthetically pleasing commercial and industrial development. rnnrlm:;nn. Both the Planning Commission and the staff recommend approval of this amendment with the language proposed by the staff. The City Council has three alternatives: l. Adopt an ordinance approving the proposed amendment as recommended. 2. Deny the ordinance. 3. Defer this item and provide staff with specific direction. The staff recommends Alternative # I. A motion and second to adopt an ordinance approving the amendment as recommended. Approval of this ordinance requires a majority vote oftheCoUDcjJ. L anager L\O I files\O I ordamend\Zoning\OFFPREM SIGNS\cc report. DOC Page 4 aT CITY OF PRIOR ~ ORDINANCE NO. 01-' AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 1107.816 OF THE PRIOR LAKE CITY CODE The City Council of the City of Prior Lake does hereby ordain that: 1. Section 11 07 .8l6 of the Prior Lake City Code is hereby deleted as currently written and amended to include the following language: 1107.8l6 (1) (2) Subdivision Identification Si2ns: Residential Districts. Freestanding signs indicating the name of a residential subdivision or neighborhood shall be permitted for the purpose of permanent identification. At each principal entrance to such an area, a maximum of 2 signs, not to exceed 50 square feet of sign area per side with a maximum of 2 sides, excluding decorative landscaping and sign base, will be permitted on private property. The maximum height of such signs shall be 10 feet above the natural grade. Commercial and Industrial Districts. a. Freestanding signs indicating the name of a business center shall be permitted for the purpose of permanent identification. At each principal entrance to such an area, a maximum of 2 signs, not to . exceed 50 square feet of sign area per side with a maximum of 2 sides, excluding decorative landscaping and sign base, will be permitted on private property. The maximum height of such signs shall be lO feet above the natural grade. b. In Commercial and Industrial subdivisions with frontage along TH 13, CSAH 42 or CSAH 21, 1 freestanding subdivision sign may be located along the frontage of TH 13, CSAH 42 or CSAH 21. In the C-l, C-2, C-3, C-4 and I-l districts, the maximum height of the sign shall be 20 feet above the natural grade. In the C-5 district, the maximum height of the sign shall be 10 feet above the natural grade. In the C-l, C-2, C-3, C-4 and I-I districts, this sign shall not exceed 100 square feet in area per side, with a maximum of 2 sides. In the C-5 district, the sign shall not exceed 80 square feet per side, with a maximum of 2 sides. Freestanding subdivision 1:\01 files\OI ordamend\zoning\offprem signs\ordO 1 xX.doc ] 16200 Eagle Creek Ave. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372-1714 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER r signs permitted under this section must also be located at least 40 feet from any other freestanding sign. (3) Setbacks. In any use district, a Subdivision Identification Sign must located at least 10 feet from any property line. The sign may not be located within a traffic visibility area as defined in Section 11 0 1.506 of this ordinance. (4) Easements/Covenants. When such signs are proposed and constructed by an individual or firm other than the individual or association who will be responsible for the maintenance, there shall be a covenant prepared by the proponent establishing responsibility for the maintenance of the sign or signs over the entire project or subdivision, to be approved by the City Attorney, and to be recorded on the property title(s) prior to issuance of the sign permit. Further, appropriate easements shall be provided for the approved signs on the property or properties where the signs are to be located; the easements shall be recorded prior to the issuance of the sign permit. 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 August, 2001. ATTEST: City Manager Mayor YES NO Mader Mader Gundlach Gundlach Ericson Ericson Petersen Petersen Zieska Zieska Published in the Prior Lake American on the 11 th day of August, 2001. Drafted By: City of Prior Lake Planning Department 16200 Eagle Creek Avenue Prior Lake, MN 55372 1:\01 files\O 1 ordamend\zoning\offprem signs\ordO 1 XX. doc 2 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 7/9/01 Planning Commission Meeting July 9, 2001 Stamson: · If yo can't compel a dedication, does that mean the City cannot require it at all? Rye sa the City would have to purchase the right-of-way if it is needed. · Questio d if the City would develop access through Pheasant Meadows? Rye said the neighb s objected to Pheasant Meadows accessing through their neigh rhood. As a result 0 at, a connection to the west was eliminated. This was re med but the street itself was ot built. It is a platted right-of-way. Dedicated pub 'c street. · Agreed with Crie and City Staff that it is a matter of convenien to split into 5 lots. They do not m t the standards. . Willing to give the ap . cant more time to look at the issue V onhof: . More information was recei than was in the reR . Suggested obtaining more information before a decision 1 made. · Agreed with Commissioners on t e variance quest. Perhaps 4 10ts would be more appropriate. KE, TO DEFER THE MATTER TO THE MOTION BY CRIEGO, SECOND BY AUGUST 13, 200l MEETING. V ote taken indicated ayes by all. Kansier clarified that staff s ould come back with in rmation on access and realignment of the intersection of Hi ay 13 and 1 70th. V onhof pointed out at access is in the CIP for the City aI~~h~ounty for 2002. " Stamson reqn ed addressing the dedication issue. The City c~ot. (compel the applicant to dedicate cess. \ \ I..;emke suggested the trustees should leave their addresses with staff for notification. explained the actions on this issue. ~ B. Case File 01-049 Consider an application to amend the Zoning Ordinance to allow off-premise nameplate signs in commercial districts. Planning Coordinator Jane Kansier presented the Planning Report dated July 9, 2001, on file in the office of the Planning Department. The purpose of this public hearing is to consider an amendment to the Sign provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. The applicant, Wensco, is requesting an amendment that would allow off-premise nameplate signs in commercial districts. These signs are generally used by multiple tenant shopping centers to list the names of the individual tenants. Examples of the signs were presented. Wensco would like to use this type of sign to identify the various businesses located in the Fountain Hills development. The Zoning L\OI files\OI plancomm\Olpcminutes\MN070901.doc 5 d IT Planning Commission Meeting July 9.2001 Ordinance does not allow off-premise signs. The ordinance, however, does allow subdivision signs, identifying the name of the development, at the major entrances to the development. Staff felt there is a public need for an amendment to allow nameplate signs. The proposed amendment also is consistent with the goal of "economic vitality" in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Specifically, the language is consistent with the objective that requires the City to "maintain high standards in the promotion and development of commerce and industry" by encouraging, regulating, and promoting aesthetically pleasing commercial and industrial development. Lemke questioned the height of the signs in Burnsville. Kansier said the City did not have that information. The 10 feet above grade is for the intersections that say the name of the business center. It is 20 feet for other districts, except for the C5 district. Comments from the public: Kelly Murray, representing Wensco, the applicant, agreed with Staffs proposed language. Their only concern is that they requested 25 feet for the size. Their lot happens to be on a steep slope along County Road 42. Murray explained the grade and the problem. They need the full 20 feet to get to the sign they are proposing. Murray presented the proposed sign. They were going to tie in with a theme for the area. The sign would be located 15 feet west from the Holiday station lot line. There were no comments from the public and the floor was closed. Comments from the Commissioners: Criego: . There should be signage for industry and parks. . Agreed with the twenty feet. Something can be worked out on what the average is. . That particular property can only benefit from a high level sign. It should not be a problem. . There should be entrance signage into the park. Ten feet is appropriate. Stamson: . It is a good idea and beneficial to the City. . Regarding Item 2b: Should the City be more specific with nameplate signs? This is more of a subdivision sign. Rye responded the City would be getting into content regulation. There is nothing to say they can't have multiple businesses within the one sign. Stamson agreed. . Addressing the applicant's concern with the grade. Twenty feet is okay. Language should be added to accommodate the issue with the sloping ditches. . Kansier said the City would review the language. . There are very few natural grades along County Road 42. L:\O I files\OI plancomm\O I pcminutes\MN07090] .doc 6 Planning Commission Meeting July 9,2001 · Kansier stated that there are unique circumstances and would maybe have to look at variances. But try to make it apply to most situations. · Overall agreed with staff s recommendation. Lemke: · Agreed 20 feet is adequate. · Do not create a situation where everyone who installs a sign on a graded slope has to apply for a variance. · Agreed the language in the ordinance is good. · Rye suggested wording in cases where the sign is located on a slope that the short dimension can be 20 feet and the other whatever is necessary to meet the grade. . Agreed with the suggestion. V onhof: · Agreed there is a need for the proposed language. · Be consistent. MOTION BY CRIEGO, SECOND BY ST AMSON, RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT. Vote taken indicated ayes by all. MOTION CARRIED. This item will go before City Council on August 6, 2001. C. Case' e #01-017 - (continued) Mark Crouse is reqUesting~CeS for impervious surfa nd t.h..e. . ordinary high water mark for th.ee~ c struction of a deck on the property locate '-a~07 Calmut Avenue. . ./ Planning Coordinator Jane Kansler;,,presented the Plannj,n.g{eport dated July 9, 2001, on file in the office of th~ Planning Dep3:rt.P.1ent. // '" ,/ On June 25, 2001, the Planning Departme~~'b.'erd a public hearing for two variance requests from Mr. D. Mark Crouse (applicarit/o~~r) on the property located at 15507 Calmut Avenue. The requests inc1udec(/a setback vati~ce to allow a deck to be setback 4 feet from the ordinary high water ma~k, and to permit aIr',ijnpervious surface area of ./ "- 4,422 square feet. /., '''",- /~,. '-:~~ The Planning Commiss~enied the deck variance at the publi~ltei;lring on June 25, 2001, (Attachment }Resolution #01-008PC). The Commission contin.~ed the public hearing regarding~e impervious surface variance to allow the applicant~re time to revise and reg,ute the request because the Commission did not agree with th&,~quest for 4,422 s~.6feet or 57.5 % of the total lot area. '" On.rur;: 3,2001, the Planning Department received a request from the applicant to continue the public hearing for the impervious surface variance request from the L\Ol files\O 1 plancomm\O I pcminutes\MN070901.doc 7 I J~~-B-l~~l(i~E) l~:j~ (rA~) 1bJl~~JHn r, ~~U~B WE~~MA~~ HOME~ Proposed Sign Ordinance Off-Premises Retail Name Plate Signs Shopping Center Signage (1.) Retail Name Plate 5igJU One Qffpremises Name Plate Sign may be permitted to identify tL"11lmlS or building occupants Subject to the provisious (3) below. (2.) Shoppin~ Center Signa~c: Two Major anchor center signs may be permitted [or II center in excess of $150,000 square feet, Su.bject to the provisions of (3) below. (3.) All RetallNamc: Plate Signs/Shopping Center Signs are subject to n conditional use permit. The following criteria shOllI apply to all Retail Name Plate Signs/Shopping Center Signs: The Propc:rty on which the sib'TI is to be located shall be zoned B3 . General Business or :md the sign shall abut County Rood 42, County Road 21, Hwy 13. The sign shall bc the only frecstanding sign permitted for the business center. Such signs may be placed on any lot within the development or subdivision provided the sign applicant controls the land by easement Of title. A m:l."Cimum of75% of the sign structure exterior faCl.! shall bl.! l,!ncased in the same style and color brick, or other ilpproved exterior material, used on the face of the principle building. A minimum of25% of the e:r:teriOT face of the sign stnlc:ture shall be encilsed in brick, tile, glass or steel rail similar in design and color to the developments improvements. This maLcrial shall be conl:c:ntraLed betwcen the fini~hcd ground !,rrade ~nd forty-two inched above said b>Tl1de. The sib'TI shall be set back i1 minimum of thine en feet from the property line, pathway easement, or public strect righl-of-way line. Such si.bTfls may be no closer than three hundred feet to the nearest freestanding sign on the same side oftbe right-of-wIIY, nor closer than fifty feet to a earner intersection of two right-of-way lines. The m:l.'timum height of the sign sl.Tucture shall be 25 feet above finished grade. Architectural design detlils, similnr to me design. of me principle building, may extend five feet above the maximum heighl 01'25 fect oflhe sign. Sign area shall not exceed] 80 square feet per side o[the sign (two sides m:lXllnum) All signage shall have individual. internal backlit Jeerers and symbols. Additional sigh.\- lighting may be ground lighting. the source of which is coucealed from view. Landscaping plans for the arca around the bilSe of the sign shall be completed and reviewed as part of me conditional u.se permit/site plan approval process. J~~-B-~~~l (T~E) l~:)~ WEN~MANN HOME~ (rAX)lDJ1~~JjD/~ r, ~B/~~) All illuminated signs shall have an indirect or diffused oight source and be design so as not to direct rays oflight onto public streets or acijiICcnt property, thereby creating a nllisance or safcdy hazarcL There shaJl be 110 !lashing signs permitted. Setback :md Height Requirements: The following minimum setbacks and maximum heights shall be rcq1,l.ircd for Retail 'Name Plate Signs. Minimum Setback from Public Right of Way 13' Minimum Setback OthcrYards 10' Maximum Height 25' Sign Administration 1. Compliancc. No sign shall be erected. inS'l41lIed, constructed or painted in the dty, except in compliance with current ordinance. 2. Pennit Applications. The application for a sign permit shall be made upon forms provided by the city and :;h:dl S'l41te or havc attachcd the following information Name Address and telephone number of applicant and owner of the sign Location of building, structure or lot to which or upon which the sign is 'to attached or erected Posilion of the sib'" or othcr advcrtising structUres in relation to nenrby buildings or strUctures. A scaled drawing or photograph of the plans and specifications and method of construction or attachment to the building or in the ground. Copy of stress shc:clS and calculations showing the structure is designed for dead load and wind velocity in the amount required by the City Building Code and ifrcquestc:d by the city building official. Name of person/Contractor erecting the structure. r Page 1 of 1 me:;/A:\lVl VL--vv-'~.Jr\.J VI../VL/ I..VV 1 I, .~I,' Page 1 of 1 me:IIA.:\lVl VL-uU::>~.Jr\J UL./UL.I L.UU 1 I" Page 1 of 1 me:!/!\.: \LVI VL-VV<+~.Jru V.i./V.i./ .i.VV 1 Page 1 of 1 me: III\.: \lVi v l.--V H~~.Jr\J VJI L.L.I L.VV 1 - I Page 1 of 1 me:! / 1-\.: \LVI v L-UU~;::' .JYu UL,/UL,/ L,UU I ANGLE IRON FRAME, SKINNED WITH .090 ALUMINUM AND "TEX-COATED" TO APPEAR LIKE A STUCCO FINISH . 12'-6" -- --------1 28"---i 28" --j 8'-0" .. FOUNTAIN HILLS~~ . INTERNAllY ILLUMINATED CHANNEL lETTERS. BURGUNDY FACES, RED NEON, BLACK RETURN AN~ TRIMCAPS Bi.-N2-K . -, 14" 111.5" ~- T 116" I _l 110"16" _1' ~- CUSTOM FRAMED SIGN CABINET WITH l' X 8' INDIVIDUAL ACRYLIC PANELS. SIGN TO BE INTERNAllY IllUMINATED WITH HIGH OUTPUT FlOURESCENT lAMPS. FI I ~ATE I PROJECT SCALE 3/8" = 1'-0" DRAWN BY KB THIS DRAWING IS THE PROPERTY OF, ACTioN Plus SiqN CoMPANY 6955 146T1i STREET ApplE VAllEy, MN 55124 612.891.4444 . 612.891. 44J3 FAX ~ SIGN COMPANY SALESREP. CUSTOMER APPROVAl ADDRESS DATE DATE [