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City of <br /> Elk=' Request for Action <br /> River <br /> To Item Number <br /> Mayor and City Council 8.2 <br /> Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by <br /> General Business February 18, 2014 Zack Carlton,Planner I <br /> Item Description Reviewed by <br /> Discuss Ordinance Changes to Allow Billboards as Jeremy Barnhart,Deputy Director, CODD <br /> a Conditional Use in the I-2 Zoning District Reviewed by <br /> Action Requested <br /> Provide direction regarding a possible ordinance amendment permitting billboards as a conditional use in <br /> the I-2 zoning district. <br /> Background/Discussion <br /> During the January 21, 2014, City Council meeting,the city attorney presented his findings about <br /> changing the minimum lot size in the I-2 district for billboards. The city attorney stated the ordinance <br /> could not be amended to change the minimum lot size for a specific use. <br /> The Council discussed alternative options that would allow billboards in the I-2 district as a use other <br /> than the principle use of the property. The city attorney noted that billboards could be classified as a <br /> conditional use in the I-2 district,permitting their construction on parcels where a principal use is already <br /> established. The City Council directed staff to research a potential amendment and provide examples of <br /> how nearby municipalities handle billboards. <br /> Municipal Comparisons <br /> As requested, staff researched nearby cities and how they regulate billboards, summarized in the <br /> attachment. Neighboring cities (Big Lake, Otsego,and Ramsey) prohibit billboards in all zoning districts, <br /> and Sherburne County permits billboards as a principal use, similar to Elk River. <br /> Anoka permits billboards in one industrial zone,Rogers permits them as a conditional use in one <br /> industrial zone with a 20.5 year time limit, and Monticello and St. Michael both prohibit billboards in all <br /> zoning districts. Monticello further requires existing billboards to obtain an annual permit in addition to <br /> requiring their removal upon platting or subdividing the parcel, or devoting the property to another <br /> principal use. <br /> We also looked at four cities a bit further from Elk River and on major highways. Of these four,three <br /> permit billboards along major highways with one requiring City Council approval before installation. <br /> Existing Language and Result <br /> Billboards are permitted in the C-3,I-1, and I-2 districts as a principal use on a parcel. Elk River currently <br /> has 39 billboard structures displaying 61 faces, mostly along Highway 10 between Elk River and Ramsey. <br /> P a w E R E U 6 Y <br /> NaA f RE] <br />