05-25-2004 BA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Board of Adjustments Minutes Page 4 May 25,2004 Commissioner Offerman asked if the office condominiums were owned or rented. Ms. • McPherson stated that they are owned. Commissioner Offerman asked who owns the common space. Ms.McPherson stated that there is an owner's association similar to a residential townhouse association and that the common space is shared. Chair Ropp opened the public hearing. Jerry Oliver,2645 Garland Lane,Plymouth,MN,representing the Scottish Rite organization,stated that there are three buildings with three units in each building. Mr. Oliver stated that the organization is gift-leasing the space from the owner at$1 per year. He reviewed the scope of the clinic's volunteer services in working with children with speech and language disorders,and autism. He noted that their office has received 62 calls for assistance from parents in the surrounding area. Mr.Oliver stated that they have received approval of the proposed sign from the owner of the property. There being no further public comment,Chair Ropp closed the public hearing. Commissioner Stevens expressed his concern that a precedent would be set for other tenants in similar situations to request signs. He stated he opposed the request. Commissioner Pederson stated that he agreed with Commissioner Stevens. He stated that he appreciated what Mr.Oliver and his organization was doing,but that he could not support approval. He asked staff if it would be possible to allow an additional monument sign which would identify all the other tenants. 4111 Ms.McPherson stated that unfortunately the original owner did not install an identification sign and the lots have since been sold to others. She suggested an alternative would be to go back to the owner and request two monument signs,one for each street frontage,so that the tenants of the buildings could be identified. Ms.McPherson explained that an ordinance amendment would be required to allow two signs for parcels with two street frontages. Chair Ropp asked for clarification of this process. Ms.McPherson stated if this variance is denied,it will go to the City Council on appeal. At that time,the City Council could direct staff to draft an ordinance amendment for the multi-tenant signage,or the applicant could request the ordinance amendment. Commissioner Anderson concurred that the request does not meet the variance criteria and that consideration of an ordinance amendment to allow a second monument sign would be appropriate if the owner is willing. Commissioner Pederson asked if the applicant could request a variance for a second monument sign,since this alternative appears acceptable to the Commissioners. Ms. McPherson stated that it would be difficult to justify a hardship for a sign variance and that State Statute requires proof of hardship. She stated that the ordinance amendment would be more appropriate. Commissioner Lemke stated that he was not in favor of the variance and that the location proposed by the applicant was not the proper place for a multi-tenant sign. He felt a multi- tenant sign should be placed at 183rd Circle and Line Avenue. • Chair Pederson stated that the applicant is not the owner of the lease space. Ms.McPherson suggested that the owners could meet and come to an agreement on the signage.