11-28-2023 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Minutes November 28, 2023 Page 2 Steve Lawrence from SML Electrical — the applicant on behalf of McDonald's — recommends the sign height be at least 45' to allow for more visual separation from the view through the chain length fence and concrete barrier. There being no one else present to speak on this item, Chair Larson -Vito closed the public hearing. Commissioner Mauren asked a question about the height request and where it was being measured. He asked if they should consider sign grouping. He felt by recommending a height for this application might be setting a standard for another sign request. Mr. Carlton stated grouping signs is possible, but it brings challenges regarding their locations, property ownership, sign maintenance, etc., and the commission could discuss that possibility and more during the work session item later that evening. Commissioner Johnson stated he felt by looking at the pictures, it seems both the northbound view is the same, visibility wise, and southbound the view almost seems better with the trees removed. He indicated he does not see any reason to change the sign height for this specific applicant and use and does not think the road construction affected any visibility of the sign. He stated the commission needs to look at all the properties along Highway 169 to come up with a common standard before approving one single property. He felt they also need to look at other communities that have highway frontage and where they base the height from. He drove Highway 10 to Anoka and the Anoka McDonald's sign is less than 30' and is still visible. Commissioner Booth asked if the Planning Commission can ask the City Council for a moratorium until a decision can be made regarding sign height. Mr. Carlton stated the Planning Commission needs to act upon the application before them, separate from any moratorium or future sign height ordinance amendments are decided. The Planning Commission can make a recommendation to the City Council for a moratorium but ultimately the City Council will decide the length of time for a moratorium if they choose. Chair Larson -Vito asked if the commission should postpone action for a month. The Planning Commission discussed postponing action on this item until next month to allow the commission addition time to discuss formulating the new standards that will be a precedent for future ordinance amendments, variances, and PUD amendments along Highway 169. Moved by Commissioner Booth and seconded by Commissioner Keisling to postpone action on the request by McDonald's to amend the PUD Agreement to raise the sign height to 61' until the December 19, 2023, Planning Commission meeting. Motion carried 7-0. N"AYUREI