10.2. SR 12-05-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City code provides signage opportunities for each district based on the potential impacts to surrounding properties, the need for visibility and wayfinding, and community aesthetics. Religious signage is no different, and due to their typical location within residential areas, signage is kept below that of commercial areas. All uses have opportunities for signage, and staff does not recommend increasing the signage available for religious institutions. Staff s research into what other cities allow, specific to religious institutions, did not show anything considerably different than what we currently allow. Cities outline height and area requirements, some are larger/taller than ours, but nothing significantly different. One exception staff noted was from the City of Minneapolis which exempts religious symbols from size limits when attached to buildings (wall signs), but notes they cannot be illuminated. Symbols and Signage During the variance review, there was a discussion regarding symbols and whether or not a religious symbol should be exempt from the sign ordinance. The following definition and scope, outlined in the city code, may cause confusion in regards to symbols. All symbols, including religious symbols, are considered a sign as stated in the definition. The city regulates many types of symbols (signs) used by businesses to advertise their location and to draw people in. A few samples are shown on the attached Symbol Exhibit. The purpose of a cross on/over a church is no different than golden arches on/over a restaurant. Staff suggests that all symbols be regulated as signage and to modifying the language of Section 30-852 to more clearly iterate that the content of all signs will not be regulated by Subdivision II. Signs in the city code, which is the intent of Section 30-852(b). Section 30-1. — Definitions. Sign means any device, structure, fixture, or placard using graphics, symbols, and/or written copy designed specifically for the purpose of advertising or identifying any establishment, product, goods, or services. Section 30-852. — Purpose, scope, and findings of subdivision. (b) Scope. This subdivision shall not relate to building design, nor shall this subdivision regulate official traffic or government signs; the copy and message of signs; window displays; product dispensers and point of purchase displays; scoreboards on athletic fields; flags of any nation, government, or noncommercial organizations; gravestones; barber poles; religious symbols; commemorative plaques; the display of street numbers; or any display or construction not defined as a sign in section 30-1. Bell Towers — Accessory Structures City code permits bell towers as an accessory structure in residential zones and a church may apply for a permit to construct one in accordance with these regulations. Staff does not recommend any changes to the current accessory structure regulations. The permitted height for a bell tower is as follows: Zoning District R -1a R -1b R -1c R -1d R2 -a R2 -b R-3 R4 Accessory Structure - Height Maximum 115 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 C:\Users\jjohnson\Desktop\Packet 12-5-2016\Laserfiche\10.2 sr Religous Symbol Staff Report.docx