01-10-24 EDC Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION – OCTOBER 25, 2023 5 Commissioner Gronquist said it’s confusing when you look at it as a whole, but a business is only looking at what applies to them. If they change to zoning, she was concerned that people will apply for property rezoning in place of sign code variances. Senior Planner Fransen noted that Shoreview has the same regulations for businesses, office parks, and industrial uses, all based on a percentage of the elevation and the size of the building. While Shoreview has six sign districts, four of the districts have the same regulations. Senior Planner Fransen summarized that she was hearing simplicity was ideal, making it easy for a business to identify what would be available, and consistency. There was interest in percentage based on the elevation and based on the size of the building. Commissioner Williams asked if basing the signage area permitted on elevation might make it more confusing for businesses. Commissioner Cupery explained how building elevation and square footage are different. Elevation is like the face of the building from one perspective and the square footage is the area covered by the building. Discussion ensued regarding square footage, elevation, and potential PUDs. Commissioner Williams mentioned that square footage and elevations might be more confusing. He said that the building size could limit the permitted signage on a property that is large compared to a small building. Commissioner Gronquist noted that having a minimum standards total sign area could ensure that a smaller building is still permitted a decent total sign area if building elevation is used in the signage calculation. Commissioner Brausen mentioned how he has navigated the city code in the past as a business owner. Commissioner Williams discussed equity in sign process. He challenges for new immigrant businesses. He mentioned that the sign code should be understood by everyone and to consider translation services and support for individuals who need guidance. Commissioner Brausen stated he thinks percentage of the building, up to a certain size, is the way to go to make it fair to everybody. Commissioner Cupery agreed that fairness is important. Commissioner Brausen shared that with a PUD, that when you rent a spot, the size of the sign has already been determined by the landlord. Commissioner Gronquist agreed, and said signage usually has to be approved first by the landlord.