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FINDINGS <br />1. The Property is zoned C3 (Highway Commercial) where freestanding signs are <br />allowed according to the standards outlined in City Code 5 30-871. <br />2. City Code § 30-871(c) outlines the standards for one freestanding sign, not to exceed <br />156 square feet with a maximum height of 30 feet. <br />The Applicant submitted a Variance application, Case No. V 24-08. The Application <br />was deemed complete and scheduled for review by the Board of Adjustments and <br />City Council. <br />4. The Application requests a variance to exceed the allowed square footage of signage <br />in the C3 Highway District. <br />5. Variances must comply with the standards as outlined in � 30-635. <br />City Code § 30-635 provides for analysis and findings required to be the grant of a <br />variance. The Application and proposed sign do not meet all required findings in <br />City Code § 30-635(b)(1)-(2) and (c)(1)-(3) as provided below: <br />City Code § 30-635(b): <br />(1) The variance is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the <br />ordinance. <br />The purpose and intent of the sign ordinance is to balance the advertising <br />needs of the business community against adverse effects on the public. The <br />maximum sign size for commercial districts (C3) is 150 square feet. The <br />Applicant requested total signage of 276 square feet. A sign that exceeds the <br />maximum sign area by approximately 184% disrupts the visual harmony of <br />the area, and creates an imbalance in the aesthetics and functionality <br />intended. Accordingly, the requests total sign area is not in harmony with the <br />general purpose and intent of the ordinance. <br />(2) The variance is consistent with the City of Elk River comprehensive <br />plan. <br />The property is guided as Highway Business where commercial businesses <br />with signage are expected. The proposal is consistent with the <br />comprehensive plan. <br />City Code § 30-635(c): <br />(1) The petitioner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not <br />permitted by the zoning ordinance; <br />Signage that exceeds the sign area limits by approximately 184% is <br />unreasonable. Significant deviations from the established regulations disrupt <br />the visual harmony of the area and create an imbalance in the aesthetics and <br />functionality intended. <br />P O W E N E d B I <br />NAWREI <br />Page 65 of 159 <br />