8.3. SR 06-03-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City of Elk River REQUEST FOR ACTION TO ITEM NUMBER Mayor and City Council 8.3 AGENDA SECTION MEETING DATE PREPARED BY General Business June 3, 2013 John Cunningham, Fire Chief ITEM DESCRIPTION REVIEWED By Sign Ordinance Cal Portner, City Administrator REVIEWED BY ACTION REQUESTED • Review and discuss current ordinance language pertaining to prohibited signs. • Direct staff for further action, if any, regarding revisions to city ordinance(s). BACKGROUND /DISCUSSION The city's Code Enforcement Division, under the direction of the fire chief, is responsible for enforcing city ordinances pertaining to, among other things, zoning, quality of life, aesthetics, exterior maintenance and signage. The division works closely with planning and other city staff to ensure that city ordinances are applied equally and fairly without prejudice. In addition to addressing complaints from citizens and businesses, the division also proactively addresses public safety concerns, such as snow removal, and prohibited activity such as illegal signage, blight, and other community -wide concerns. Recently, staff and some Councilmembers have fielded questions regarding the enforcement of signage within the city limits, particularly regarding garage sales, special events, and other activities. In accordance with § 30 -859 of the Elk River City Code, the following types of signs, in part, are illegal: ■ Signs attached to trees, utility poles, public benches, or streetlights, or placed on any public property or public right -of -way. Signs placed on vehicles or trailers which are parked or placed for the primary purpose of displaying the sign, except for portable signs or lettering on buses, taxis, or vehicles operating during the normal course of business. Any sign placed within 30 feet of any intersection that may obstruct motorist or pedestrian visibility. Staff regularly assists residents and businesses in finding legal alternatives for posting signs and announcements, including, when required, providing applications for permits, which require further review and consideration. Much of the city's enforcement activity, however, often involves signage located in the public right -of -way and signs placed in /near an intersection, both of which are prohibited under city ordinance. Similarly, state statutes (160.2715 and 173.15) regulate signs in the right -of -ways for "limits of any highway" and "interstate system of highways." City ordinance does not provide for any exceptions, such as for garage or rummage sales. PO W E RED 9 y N: \Public Bodies \Agenda Packets \06 -03- 2013 \Fina1\x8.3 sr sign ordinance F.docx 4AURE]