4.1. PCSR 11-28-2023 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Request for Action To Item Number Planning Commission 4.1 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Public Hearings November 28, 2023 Zack Carlton, Community Development Director Item Description Reviewed by McDonald’s – 700 Dodge Ave. NW Chris Leeseberg, Senior Planner  Conditional Use Permit to amend the Planned Reviewed by Unit Development Agreement to raise the permitted sign height to 61 feet with electronic messaging, Case No. CU 23-22 Action Requested Recommend, by motion, approval of a PUD amendment limiting the freestanding sign height to 30 feet above the adjacent grade of Highway 169 (40-feet tall for current application). Background/Discussion The property is zoned Planned Unit Development (PUD) where changes to size regulations (“variances”) require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to amend the PUD agreement. The applicant is seeking a CUP to increase the height of the McDonald’s freestanding sign to 61 feet tall, due to the recent access and visibility changes resulting from the Highway 169 project. After receiving the application, and after the 169 corridor was opened for use, staff reviewed the visibility of existing signs in the areas where construction has been completed. The visibility of the subject sign has not changed while driving northbound, but southbound visibility has been limited due to the School Street overpass. The sign is still visible north of the pedestrian overpass (about 1/3 mile away) prior to the exit to School Street. Although the School Street (bridge) has a greater elevation than it did prior to the construction, the visibly to the sign from Highway 169, approximately a half mile away, has not changed as that portion of highway is the same elevation. The pole structure is obstructed but the actual sign at the top can still be seen. The adjacent ramp is at an elevation of 922 feet, the sign is at 912 feet, and the mainline highway is 913 feet. Staff proposes basing the sign height off the elevation of Highway 169. Existing signage along this corridor was limited to 30 feet prior to construction, and the recommended change would apply that same height standard, but base if off of the adjacent highway elevation. Applying that standard to this application, the sign height limit would be at an elevation of 952 feet or 40 feet tall. This is 30 feet above the ramp and 39 feet above the main line. The Elk River Vision A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity. Updated: January 2023