7.4. SR 10-17-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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(R1-b) zoning district and is a permitted institutional use. The property was purchased by Elk River Alliance Church in 2006, and the existing freestanding sign was approved and constructed in 2009. City ordinance outlines signage for this property in Section 30-879 of the city code as follows: For permitted nonresidential uses, such as churches, synagogues, and schools, in residentially zoned areas, one on- premises freestanding sign and one wall sign, not to exceed 96 square feet in total sign area. Where a zoning lot has in excess of 1,000 linear feet of combined street frontage, the total sign area shall not exceed 192 square feet with no more than 96 square feet per sign. Freestanding signage shall not exceed 20 feet in height. Applicable Regulation (The applicant’s responses are italicized with staff’s notes after.) Variances may be granted when the petitioner establishes that the variance satisfies all five of the criteria described below. The variance is: 1. Is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance, and The cross at the top of the tower will be light with LEDs and will provide an efficient and understated symbol indicating the location of the church. This is not a large obstructive sign that you might see at a fast food restaurant, but a nicely lit symbol to help attract practitioners to the church. The new tower and lit cross with the height that has been requested serves several purposes without being obtrusive to the surrounding neighborhood. Additional Sign The intent of the sign ordinance is to provide standards for effective use of signs for both the economic vitality and aesthetics of the community and neighborhood. Depending on the size and location, an additional sign may or may not alter the aesthetic of the community. In this case, this is the only residentially-zoned property with an institutional use along 185th Avenue that has signage. The intent of the ordinance is to limit the number of signs, for permitted nonresidential uses, in a residentially zoned district. The general purpose and intent of the ordinance is not met with the addition of a second free standing sign. Sign Height The intent of the sign ordinance also protects the health and welfare of residents and neighbors while maintaining consistency in neighborhoods. The height requirements outlined in the ordinance (i.e., 20 feet) can be met while providing adequate wayfinding signage. This is the goal of the variance request. Providing additional height beyond what is permitted by ordinance does not protect the health and welfare of residents or consistency of the neighborhood as the taller sign, which inherently is a beacon, will be more visible from neighboring properties compared to a shorter, compliant sign that may not be. The intent is to limit the height of signs, for permitted nonresidential uses, in a residentially zoned district. When the City Council approved the 20-foot height limit, they determined the height was an appropriate height for permitted nonresidential use signs in a residential district. The general purpose and intent of the ordinance is not met with a sign exceeding the allowed height by more than three times the permitted height. 2. is consistent with the City of Elk River comprehensive plan. We feel that all things considered the additional free standing tower will not alter the essential character of the locality or detract from the look and feel of the neighborhood additionally it would enhance the draw of the church to new and future attendees to help build a stronger community in the Elk River area.