01-02-1989 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Agenda

Home Browse Search

Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Planning Commission Meeting, February 1, 1989 Page 5 CASE #88-37; VAR. Planner Bergly reviewed his report of 2-1-89 relative SIGN HEIGHT, 3920 to the application for a sign height variance from NORTHWOODS, AMER. American Family Insurance Company, 3920 Northwoods Drive. FAMILY INSURANCE The Planner stated the applicant is requesting a 35 ft. height variance; the ordinance allows signs 16 feet in height. Bergly reviewed the variances approved for this site relative to sign length and setback. He explained his report was based on his observations of the site after placing a 15 ft.surveyors rod in the location of the proposed sign at the site location. The Planner concluded there is no apparent hardship related to the requested variance at the height proposed; a height variance of four to six feet may be appropriate to allow the sign to appear to be approximately the same height above the exit ramp as the Emerald Inn sign. Commission was referred to the Board of Appeals Minutes of 1/28/89 recommending denial of the requested variance; the Board determined the height requested was excessive and no hardship was identified. Duane DeBower, representing American Family Insurance Company, requested the sign for visibility in order that customers can easily identify the location. Member Martin questioned if the denial of the application were recommended, would the applicant request Commission consider a lower height variance for the sign. DeBower advised he would consider a lower height variance than requested. • Member Petersen advised Commission had denied a similar request from Shaw Lumber. Member Winiecki referred to the Emerald Inn Sign which is located on a 23-ft. pylon and the sign is approximately 30 ft. in height. She commented the American Family sign is highly identifiable and customers are referred to the location for a specific reason. McGraw moved, seconded by Petersen, that Commission recommend to Council denial of Case #88-37, Sign Height Variance, 3920 Northwoods Drive, American Family Insurance Company, based on the fact there is no identifiable hardship. Motion carried unanimously. (9-0) Commission directed staff to forward a letter to Opus Corporation requesting the real estate sign be removed or relocated to conform to the required 15-ft. setback, as recommended by Planner Bergly. CASE #89-01; VAR. Planner Bergly reviewed his report of 2-1-89 relative SIGN SETBACK, PRES. to the application for a sign setback variance and sign HOMES, 3220 LAKE permit approval. JOHANNA BLVD. Bergly explained Presbyterian Homes is requesting a front yard setback variance to erect an "institutional" sign at the entrance to their facility on the southwest corner of Lake Johanna. A 10 ft. setback is required and a two ft. is Council is proposed. The institutional sign also requires Commission review and Council approval before issuance of the sign permit. The Planner stated the two existing signs near the entrance to the facility will be removed, as they do not provide adequate street identification for the use. Bergly noted the facility has tried to provide adequate signage without requesting a variance. He reviewed the site conditions, the steep slope, the hedge and the fencing which provide little opportunity for sign location.