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Planning Commission Minutes 3/27/90 Page 10 e Wally 0 Dell - felt because of the access onto both the private drive and then back onto Main street in order to get proper circulation creates a situation that puts this particular parcel in a hardship. Steve Schiminski of Circle C Foods was not against the request but was asking for the same consideration if this variance was granted for an increase in his signage. Carol Mills representing the board of the Guardian Angels was opposed to the request. Ms. Mills indicated the good will with the Darkenwalds has been destroyed with the removal of the trees on the west corner of their property. Removing the buffer between the properties has created a hardship for the residences. We feel that signage should not be allowed beyond the current ordinance. Ms. Mills submitted a petition from the residents opposing this request. Chairman Kimball requested that this be submitted as part of the public recorq. Chairman Kimball closed the public hearing. COMMISSIONER MORTON MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL DENIAL OF THE VARIANCE REQUEST BASED ON THE FAILURE TO MEET THE FIVE STANDARDS FOR A VARIANCE. COMMISSIONER JOHNSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. e 16. Ordinance Amendment/Si~n Ordinance/by City of Elk River/P.H. Steve Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator, introduced this item. Mr. Rohlf suggested freestanding signs in the C-3 zone and billboards be addressed first, as most of the people present were here for this part of the sign ordinance. Mr. Rohlf indicated he was convinced that our current sign ordinance, which limits freestanding signage in the C-3 zone to 20 ft. in height and 64 sq. ft. in size, was too restrictive. This was discussed by staff and the Commission. General comments were taken at this time. John Darkenwald felt the sign ordinance was too restrictive to attract national companies to Elk River. We are loosing our best prospects because of the restrictive sign ordinance. Paul Bell (Sneaky Petes) felt the sign ordinance was too restrictive. He indicated we can not compare metropolitan areas with Elk River. Mr. Bell indicated its important to stay competitive with neighboring cities and allow businesses to advertise. Charlie Houle (Houle Oil) indicated he understood the need to regulate the sign ordinance, but felt other factors should be looked at, such as the number of tenants on a premise. -- James Rogeness (JR Tech Automotive) agreed with Mr. Houle that the number of tenants on a premise should be considered when reviewing this sign ordinance. e