07-22-2003 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

. . . Planning Commission Minutes July 22, 2003 Page 6 Staff report presented by Director of Planning Michele McPherson. Wash-N-Fill Properties requests an amendment to the Planned Unit Development Agreement for Elk River Crossing in order to allow additional wall and canopy signs and an illuminated canopy. Ms. McPherson explained that the applicant is changing the brand of gasoline from Conoco to Exxon, and feels that the additional canopy signs are critical for business and product identification. Staff recommends approval of the two additional canopy signs and wall signs, but does not feel does not feel the illuminated canopy is required. Chair Pederson opened the public hearing. Mr. Dave Kroona, owner of the site, introduced Kevin Koenig of Croix Oil. Mr. Koenig noted they are an Exxon supplier Mr. Koenig explained why the additional signage is needed Chair Pederson explained that in the original approval of the site plan, lighting of the canopy was not allowed because of the potential impact on the apartment buildings across the street. Mr. Koenig stated he did not feel the lighting of the stripe in the canopy would cany across the street. Commissioner Offerman asked what type of lighting is proposed for the canopy. Mr. Koenig stated that a flat lense-type lighting would be used. Commissioner Offerman asked what type of material would be used for the canopy. Mr. Koenig stated that it would be a flexible canvas-like material, similar to an awning. Commissioner Offerman asked if the ordinance prohibited backlit canopies. Director of Planning Michele McPherson stated that the proposed downtown ordinance would prohibit backlit canopies, but that the standard sign ordinance does not prohibit them. Chair Pederson asked if an amendment has already been requested for this site. Ms. McPherson explained that that an amendment was previously approved to allow one sign on the canopy. Mr. Koenig stated that he felt that the signage on the site is virtually invisible, due to the large Home DepotlWal-Mart freestanding sign. He explained that the overall height of the canopy would be reduced from 48 inches to 36 inches and that the white band will not be illuminated by direct lighting. Mr. Koenig noted that there will also no longer be lighting on the dispensers. Chair Pederson stated that in the original approval of the site plan, the applicant stated that he would build an upscale convenience store and that he did not want to see any changes to the building that would reflect otherwise. Chair Pederson stated that he felt there were other options for the applicant to draw attention to the site. There being no further public comment, Chair Pederson closed the public hearing. Commissioner Offerman stated that he would support granting the request. He stated that he felt the proposed signage would be pleasing to the eye and felt the signage is needed to draw attention to the site. Commissioner Anderson asked if the applicant would still replace the canopy if lighting of the canopy was not approved. Commissioner Anderson stated that he felt the new canopy would draw attention during the daytime hours. Mr. Koenig stated that he will go ahead with changing the canopy.