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Planning Commission Minutes <br />February 27, 2024 <br />Page 6 <br />others, such as School Street and Elk Hills Drive. He asked if it makes better sense to target the areas that <br />are most impacted. Commissioner Johnson stated our residential areas are closer to the highway than in <br />other communities and changes to sign heights will affect those residential parcels. He is opposed to <br />changing the sign height unless the business is directly impacted by the Highway 169 improvements. <br />Mr. Carlton stated the presented graphic tries to get at that and tries to create a standard across the entire <br />corridor short of picking PIDs. He felt this was the best way to apply to as many situations as possible. <br />Chair Larson -Vito opened the public hearing. <br />Debbi Rydberg — Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce — stated she appreciated the comment from <br />Commissioner Johnson, and noted if the business isn't impacted, they won't spend the money. She <br />appreciated having a consistent ordinance that gives the appearance of fairness for all businesses. <br />There being no one else to speak, Chair Larson -Vito closed the public hearing. <br />Commissioner Rydberg stated by increasing sign heights, you allow the businesses an opportunity to give <br />the PUDs with monument signs an opportunity for additional advertising. He stated he suspects the <br />overflow of light pollution to neighborhoods won't be in a greater amount than what is already there, noting <br />they are protected by berms. <br />Commissioner Johnson disagreed. <br />Chair Larson -Vito asked if considerations have been made on potential impacts to neighborhoods. <br />Mr. Carlton stated there are city ordinances outlining lighting limits for potential impact to neighborhoods. <br />He noted unless they are requesting a full changeable copy sign, a future application won't be required to <br />apply for a CUP but the city can ask for light outputs, lumens, and measures of foot candles when the <br />permits are applied for to control any impacts. <br />Commissioner Rydberg stated he understands lights can be directed to prevent impacts, addressing some of <br />those concerns. <br />Commissioner Johnson doesn't see lighting controls spelled out in the sign ordinance. <br />Mr. Carlton stated lighting is spelled out in other areas of the code. <br />Commissioner Rydberg felt the city can address some of those concerns if the property is open without any <br />berm protection and has a direct impact on a nearby neighborhood. <br />Commissioner Johnson agreed and appreciated Ms. Rydberg's comments about the costs businesses incur <br />for increasing their advertising signage. He wants to level the playing field for all businesses and doesn't <br />wish to allow for taller signs just because some businesses can afford it. <br />Commissioner Mauren stated he visited the neighborhood that will be affected by the McDonald's sign and <br />noted by adding 10 additional feet the residents will see the sign in their front windows. He wants to remain <br />conservative for those residents who have come to expect a similar neighborhood when they moved in. H( <br />feels the elevation of the mainline is a good compromise but notes there is still an imbalance along with <br />rpa I I R I I II <br />NATUREI <br />