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<br />tall. Exceeding the maximum sign area by ~184% and exceeding the recently adopted height limit is not in harmony <br />with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance. <br /> <br />2. Is consistent with the City of Elk River comprehensive plan. <br />The property is guided as Highway Business where commercial businesses with signage are expected. The proposal is <br />consistent with the comprehensive plan. <br /> <br />Variances may be granted when the petitioner establishes that there are practical difficulties in complying with <br />the zoning ordinance. Practical difficulties means that: <br /> <br />3. The petitioner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the zoning <br />ordinance; <br />Signage that exceeds the sign size limits by 80% and the height standard by 12 feet is unreasonable. Significant <br />deviations from the established regulations can disrupt the visual harmony of the area, potentially creating an <br />imbalance in the aesthetics and functionality intended. <br /> <br />4. The plight of the petitioner is due to circumstances unique to the property not a consequence of the <br />petition's own action or inaction; and <br />The recent reconstruction of the interchange at Highway 169 and School Street is a unique circumstance to the <br />property. A freestanding sign meeting the 150 square foot size limit is still visible from Highway 169, and while plight <br />is unique, the request does not satisfy other standards for issuance of a variance at the requested size and height. <br /> <br />5. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality. <br />If approved, the proposed 276 square foot sign would be the largest, by square footage, freestanding sign in the area <br />and would alter the essential character of the locality. While nearby signs are at or near 50 feet tall, the combination <br />of height and sign area would not fit the character of the immediate area or the Highway 169 corridor through Elk <br />River. <br /> <br />Financial Impact <br />None <br /> <br />Mission/Policy/Goal <br />Ethical, efficient, and responsible. <br /> <br />Attachments <br />1. Location Map <br />2. Narrative <br />3. Sign Plans <br />4. Case Study <br /> <br /> <br />Page 8 of 31Page 281 of 389