08-03-1988 Planning Commission Agenda-Minutes

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Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Planning Commission Meeting, August 3, 1988 Page 4 - Commission CASE ��88 23 (Cont d) Moved b Meur seconded b Piotrowski, that Commiss o Y Y Y recommend to Council approval of Case #88-23, a 12 ft. • Rear Yard Setback Variance to construct a three-season porch at 1377 Eide Circle, Gerald Dreyling, based on the hardship identified as the unusual lot depth and configuration and the fact the requested variance does not negatively impact the adjacent properties. Motion carried unanimously. (6-0) CASE #88-24; VAR. Planner Bergly reviewed the request for variances for SIGN HGT. & SETBACK height and front yard setback for a free-standing 4797 HWY 10, SCHERER business sign from Scherer Brothers Lumber Company. Bergly advised the plan for redeveloping the lumberyard site was approved by the City in April 1987. Setback variances from the Hwy. 10 right-of-way were allowed that directly impact the current request; parking and the storage building were permitted with no setback (20 ft. parking and 50 ft. building setbacks are required) . He advised that the site plan was approved with literally no reasonable front yard area to locate the sign except where proposed; the applicant cited the right-of-way width, the distance to the travel lanes on Highway 10, and the extensive visual and physical improvement of the site conditions are principal reasons for the variances. Bergly referred Commission to the Board of Appeals minutes of 7-21-88 recommending approval of the 20 ft. front yard setback variances, due to the shortage of open space for signage on the parcel in the front yard and the fact the previously granted setback variances appear to set a precedent for recommending approval of this request. The Planner explained the Board of Appeals had voted unanimously to recommend denial of the 9 ft. sign height variance and had suggested the applicant move the sign further south on the site to provide more visibility. Bergly noted in the Board of Appeals minutes the applicant had subsequent discussions with the Board Chair and suggested a compromise solution involving a 4 ft. sign height variance rather than a 9 ft. variance. The applicant had stated the sign at the 20 ft. height would be comparable to the Big Ten Supper Club signage and would still provide sufficient visibility for motorists traveling along Hwy 10. Commission questioned if the sign would be internally or externally lighted; the applicant advised it would be an internally lighted sign. Larry Leitschuh, representing Scherer Brothers Lumber, stated he agreed with the Board of Appeals recommendation to relocate the sign to the more southerly area of the site near the driveway. There was discussion relative to how the sign height measurement is determined; Planner Bergly reviewed the Sign Ordinance and explained the 16 ft. height measurement includes the top of the sign pylon. Leitschuh explained another tenant would be occupying space on site and signage for the tenant would be placed on the same sign pylon, below the Scherer sign. Commission members generally favored the sign setback variance. Member Probst expressed concern relative to the sign height variance and Member Piotrowski was of the opinion the sign height variance was unnecessary. Member McGraw commended Scherer for the renovation of the site; he favored the sign height variance. Member Meury stated the 20 ft. height variance should be sufficient and the sign would be screened from the Arden Manor residential site by buildings on site. Probst moved, seconded by Piotrowski, that Commission recommend to Council approval of the 20 foot Sign Setback Variance as requested, Case #88-24, 4797 Highway 10, Scherer Brothers Lumber Company, based on the fact the previous site plan approval set precedent for sign placement. Motion carried unanimously. (6-0