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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – February 7, 2018 12 Commissioner Dixon stated he would like to see a sign code ordinance in place that would minimize the number of requests for sign code variances. Chair Thompson agreed it was the City’s goal to amend the sign code in order to have less sign variance requests. City Planner Bachler stated the Planning Commission could consider shifting the percentage from somewhere between 5 and 10 percent of the building elevation area. Commissioner Jones questioned how wall signage would be handled by the City when businesses choose to co-locate, such as Cub Foods and TCF Bank or Target and CVS. City Planner Bachler stated in these cases the amount of wall signage permitted for the elevation would need to be shared between the businesses. Commissioner Lambeth recommended the wall signage criteria have language that specifies clarity and visibility requirements from the freeway or other major roadway for both visual and safety purposes. City Planner Bachler reported the proposed changes should help address this, but that sign standard adjustments may still be needed in certain cases. Chair Thompson supported the City having more language in place to address dynamic display signs. She liked the idea of having dimmers in place. She questioned how the City would address dynamic display signs that were placed in windows inside an establishment. City Planner Bachler stated staff would have to investigate how to handle this further. Commissioner Gehrig stated he supported dynamic display signs with the understanding it would be difficult for the City to monitor the brightness and transition periods. Commissioner Jones stated his main concern with dynamic display signs was the duration or transition period. He explained gas stations already have dynamic display signs and he did not oppose these. City Planner Bachler recommended dynamic display signs only be allowed in commercial zoning districts and not residential. Chair Thompson did not believe projecting signs would be a good fit for Arden Hills except for the Town Center within TCAAP. The Commission was in agreement. Commissioner Jones asked if dynamic display should be considered for temporary trailer signs. City Planner Bachler stated currently the Sign Code prohibits portable signs. He noted sandwich board signs were allowed. Chair Thompson thanked staff for the detailed report.