4.12 SR 08-05-2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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a To Board of Adjustments Meeting Date June 25, 2024 Item, Description Variance: Freestanding Sign Size (Height and Area), 18823 Freeport St. NW - Holiday Gas Station Item Number 5.1 Prepared By Chris Leeseberg, Senior Planner Reviewed by Zacl< Carlton Action Requested Deny, by motion, the sign size variance for the following reasons: I . The general purpose and intent of the ordinance is not met. 2. Installing a sign that exceeds the commercial zoning district limits by 80% and taller than the recently establiishedl sigh height ordlinance is not reasonable. 3. The interchange at Highway 169 and School Street is not a unique circumstance to the property as a 150 square foot sign would still be visible. 4. A sign, that is 276 square feet would be the largest and tallest sign in the area and would alter the essential character of the area. Background/Discussion The property is zoned Highway Commercial (C3) which limits the height of freestandling signs to 40 feet above the adljacent highway and the size of freestanding signs to 150 sq.ft. The applicant is requesting a variance to exceed the allowed height and size of signage by 126 sq.ft. (144 sq.ft. main sign, 132 sq.ft. gas pricing, 276 sq.ft. total). During construction of the interchange at Highway 169 and School Street, the existing freestanding sign on the property was removed and has not yet been replaced. The applicant completed a "flag test" to evaluate the proposed sign height and area. This information is attached. During the recent sign ordinance amendment discussions, the commission endlorsedl a minor increase in the allowed heights for signs but were not supportive of an increase in sign sizes during those discussions. The approved amendment limits sign heights to 40 feet above the adjacent highway grade. Variances may be granted when the petitioner establishes that the variance satisfies all five of the criteria described below. The variance is: 1. Is in harmony with the general purpose aindl intent of the ordinance, and The purpose and intent of the sign ordinance is to balance the advertising needs of the business community against adverse effects on the public. The maximum sign size for commercial districts (0) is ISO square feet and 40 feet The Elk River Vision A welro�wiwcopwlll"Ivlt' P itea ah1d sg5h-i�ed resaw-e-e fiVncss, exrrr,5fional se� -I ire' and copwll,wlity I IP 10 1 1 R 1 01 1 NAAM4flpp 59