3.1. BASR 09-23-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Memo to Board of Adjustments September 23,2003 Page 2 411 Existing Conditions The business has an existing freestanding sign located in front of the business. Access to the site is via a frontage road off of 173' avenue,which is approximately 1000-feet east of the business. Access to the site has been restricted with the closing of the crossover at the location of Napa Auto Parts and the Saxon dealership. Overview As was stated by the applicant's narrative,they would like to install a second freestanding sign east of the business (on a separate property on an existing sign pole) closer to the intersection of Highway 10 and 173'd Avenue. The sign will be approximately 250-feet away from the existing sign. The applicant feels that with the closing of the crossover on Highway 10 as well as the construction of the large concrete retaining wall,the visibility and access to the business has been adversely affected. The property in which they want to place the sign is currently owned by the applicant's family. They feel that with the additional signage, customers and public will better be able to identify the access to the site at the intersection of Hwy 10 and 173'd Avenue. Staff would concur that access has been altered to the site,yet the placement of the second sign would have very limited effect on the indicating the access location, as the sign is only about 250-feet away from the existing sign which is still some 700-feet away from the intersection. The current sign is highly visible from Highway 10 in both directions. • Some possible alternatives might be that the applicant could work with MnDOT to provide one of the "blue signs" that help direct motorists to specific businesses,if possible increase the height of the existing sign or look into using one of the billboards along Highway 10. Analysis In order to grant a variance from the literal interpretation of the ordinance,the following five conditions must be met: 1. Literal enforcanent of the orzlinancewill cause undue hardship. Literal enforcement would not cause undue hardship, as it would not prevent the applicant from advertising the business. 2. The hardship is caused by special conditions and ciyrwnsta ca,which are peculiar to the property and the structure involved and which are not characteristic of or applicable to,other lands or structure in the same area. Other businesses are located on sites that are only accessed by a frontage road. 3. The literal application of the provisions of this ordnance woulddeprite the petitioner of rights enjoyed by other properties in the same district under the teens of this ordinancz S:\PLANNING\Case Files\2003\V 03-03 Riverview Sports\V 03-03.DOC