5.1. PCSR 03-13-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Case File: OA 07-03 PUD Amendment Page 3 Mississippi Ridge LLC As previously mentioned the commercial lots within the Mississippi Ridge PUD are allowed one monument style sign, 10 feet in height, 100 square feet in area. If this development were zoned C-3 these parcels would be allowed one 150 square foot sign 35 feet in height. If the property has more than 300 feet of frontage (as this property does) then two of these signs are permitted. It appears the PUD agreement was established to enhance this development, beyond the established area requirements. Building materials, signage, lighting are more restricted than other, generally zoned areas of the City. The addition of a second sign, while taken at face value. is not terribly egregious, it is inconsistent with the original PUD agreement. There has been some concern on the Planning Commission and City Council level regarding the reduction of standards with PUD agreements, most notably the recent Elk Ridge Center development. Staff's alternative to the proposal -The applicant is requesting a deviation from the PUD agreement that is consistent with the sign ordinance, but not consistent with the PUD agreement. As an alternative to this second sign, the Ordinance does permit a development identification sign that would accomplish the same goals as the proposed sign. The development sign could include sign panels for the bank, Super America and Lot 4, or other lots within the development, provided signage is limited to 16 square feet, but can be 24 feet in height. If a development sign is provided then it would seem appropriate to allow each lot to have a monument sign that meets the design guidelines. Similar commercial developments in the city have a development sign and a monument sign. However, although staff views this alternative as the better solution to the signage goals in Mississippi Ridge, staff is uncomfortable recommending approval at this time due to the sign moratorium that the City Council currently has in place. The moratorium prohibits the issuance of building permits fox new or existing advertising signs and electronic changeable copy, as defined by the Elk River Code of Ordinances. The proposed sign is considered an advertising sign by definition (off premise sign for Lot 4) and has time and temperature proposed. Recommendation It is inappropriate to recommend approval for this sign until the Planning Commission and City Council have completed their work relative to the sign moratorium. Therefore, Staff recommends denial of the ordinance change, pending completion of the moratorium study. Respectfully Submitted Sheila Cartney Senior Planner S:\PLANNING\Case Files\2007\OA\OA 07-03 Mississippi Ridge signage\PC report 3 13 07.doc