5.1 BASR 11-12-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Variance Request for Little Lambs Christian Learning Center Little Lambs Christian Learning Center is requesting a variance to place a sign on the property of Central Lutheran Church, as we are a Learning Center within the church. We do not have separate signage on the property and find it is necessary for informational/directional information of our location. Currently under Section 30-866 of the City Code, Little Lambs would be allowed to hang signage from the building that it is housed in that does not exceed96 square feet. The best placement for this signage would be placed on the north end of the building facing School Street but to be legible from School Street, Little Lambs would need to remove two large pine trees and one large maple tree on the northwest corner of the lot, altering the landscape of Central Lutheran Church and School Street. This would not compliment the vision of Community Image in the Comprehensive Plan of Elk River. The sign Little Lambs is proposing is much smaller at 12 square feet than what Section 30-866 allows and would be more pleasing to the eye. Therefore, Little Lambs feels strongly that the proposed sign would be in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance. Little Lambs has multiple entrances on Central's property so directional signage is important to our current and new families, and the community searching for a Learning Center. By allowing Little Lambs the signage variance will support the Vision Statement of Elk River and the Comprehensive Plan through generating safety and ascetically pleasing sight line. School Street is a busy road any given day, specifically in the mornings and evenings during the school year. A directional sign will allow families awareness of Little Lambs entrance, providing a safer environment for all who use School Street from Jackson Street to Proctor Street. Little Lambs does not believe a sign this size will alter the essential character of the locality but rather enhance the area by not placing a larger signage on the Central Lutheran Church building.