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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – OCTOBER 20, 2014 5 <br /> <br />property. The existing Sign Code divides the City into nine separate Sign Districts based on land <br />use classification and type of frontages. Generally, properties in commercial districts with <br />frontage on major arterials are permitted more signage than similar commercial properties on <br />collector streets or properties in industrial and residential areas. In comparison, the TRC bases <br />permitted signage on the size of the building and length of property frontage, as well as on land <br />use classification. Permitted wall signage is determined by calculating the linear feet of the <br />building’s frontage multiplied by a certain ratio. Similarly, the allowed sign copy area on <br />freestanding signs is determined by applying a ratio to the linear feet of property frontage along a <br />street. <br /> <br />City Planner Streff stated that as proposed, the TRC sign standards would permit certain sign <br />types currently prohibited under the Arden Hills Sign Code. The TRC allows for the use of <br />building projecting signs, roof signs, and tenant blade signs. The existing Sign Code prohibits <br />both projecting signs and roof signs. Once adopted, for development in TCAAP, the TRC will <br />supersede any regulations found in the Arden Hills Code, including restrictions on certain sign <br />types. <br /> <br />Staff reviewed the comments received from the Council to date regarding sign standards. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden expressed concern with the fact that I-35W and Highway 10 were being <br />viewed the same as Highway 96 with regard to sign standards. She indicated that the speed limit <br />was different between these roadways, along with the volume of traffic. She recommended that <br />the Highway 96 signs be reduced to 70% of what would be allowed along I-35W and Highway 10. <br /> <br />City Planner Streff reported that staff had flagged this portion of Code and would be reviewing <br />the highway monument signs for Highway 96 in further detail. He reviewed the sign sizes that <br />would be allowed along the Spine Road and Highway 96. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes did not want to see sign standards vary too greatly from the current City <br />sign standard. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant stated that he was not in favor of allowing tenant canopy signs. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung commented that he would not support building projecting signs in the <br />neighborhood transition, retail mixed use, neighborhood or the overlay district. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden recommended that the sign code address proper and appropriate sign <br />building materials. <br /> <br />City Planner Streff commented that staff would review this matter further. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden indicated that the Council may have to review the current City sign <br />standard after decisions were made on the TCAAP Sign Code in order to keep requirements <br />consistent. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes recommended that roof signs not be allowed. She suggested that <br />monument signs not be too large.