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Planning Commission Minutes September 26, 2023 8. Motion to Adjourn Regular Meeting Page 6 Moved by Commissioner Booth and seconded by Commissioner Rydberg to adjourn the regular meeting of the Planning Commission at 7:41 p.m. Motion carried 6-0. The work session opened at 7:47 p.m. in the Uppertown Conference Room due to technical difficulties in Council Chambers. 9.1 Accessory Structure Sizes Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Planning Commission that they were in support of the proposed accessory structures size chart as proposed in the staff report. The commission understood there will still be variance requests that will be submitted, but this will be easier for property owners to understand. 9.2 Signage Along US Hwy 169 Post -Construction Mr. Carlton presented the staff report. He asked for feedback from the Planning Commission for potential changes to the ordinance regarding signage regulations for: height and area, where to measure height, location (abutting 169\how far back), additional signs to, or just leave regulations as is. Mr. Carlton stated these regulations only affect the zoning ordinance, noting at least half of the properties along Highway 169 are Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) which willrequire PUD amendments. He noted the need for guidelines when those PUD amendments come in. The commission discussed how relevant signs are today using GPS and would the blue state highway department signs be more meaningful. They also discussed local advertising signage regulations versus highway traffic signage regulations. They discussed cluster signage, which draws the eye in and reduces sign pollution, and the feasibility opportunities to find spaces for monument signs. Debbie Rydberg representing the Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce explained how businesses can get their information on the blue state highway department signs, the businesses contract with a subcontractor who works with MnDOT but only on roadways designated as freeways. Highway 169 will not be declared a freeway until 2025. The blue signs will include restaurants with more than 20 seats, accommodations, and gas stations. Mr. Carlton suggested a sign overlay district to create the parameters of where the signage could be allowed and detail regulations on placement and sign size. Staff will continue to work on information gathering and preparing next steps for future meetings. rI 011RII 11ATURE