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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — JUNE 24, 2024 9 Applicant has stated that with the pandemic occurring within 5 months of starting operations, infrastructure projects were put on hold and the signage project was not a priority. With the discontinuance of the nonconforming sign, the freestanding structure cannot be used except in conformity with the sign code provisions. The Applicant may either propose a new sign that conforms with the sign code provisions for Sign District 6 (i.e. reduce height and sign area of cabinet) or apply for a sign standard adjustment through the Site Plan Review process for flexibility as a new freestanding sign. The Applicant submitted several applications for new signage at the Subject Property on May 1, 2024. The sign plans including new wall, window, and freestanding signage. The wall signs were found in compliance with the Sign District 6 requirements and permits were issued. Staff identified that an additional step would be needed for the proposed freestanding sign given the discontinued nonconforming use of the former sign. Community Development Director Jagoe reviewed the site data, reviewed the Plan Evaluation and offered the following Findings of Fact. 1. The Subject Property is located in the I-1 Zoning District and is guided as Light Industrial and Office in the Land Use Plan. 2. The Applicant has submitted an application for Site Plan Review to install signage on an existing freestanding structure for the Subject Property. 3. Sign Standard Adjustments to the requirements and standards for the height, number, type, lighting, area, and/or location of a sign or signs established by this Chapter may be approved with a Site Plan Review or a Planned Unit Development process as described for in Section 1320 and 1355 of the Zoning Code. 4. Flexibility through the Site Plan Review process has been requested for the height, sign area, and sign face quantity for a freestanding sign on the Subject Property. 5. The proposed signage plan does not conflict with the general purpose and intent of the I-1 Zoning District or the Comprehensive Development Plan for the City. 6. The application is not anticipated to create a negative impact on the immediate area or the community as a whole. 7. The proposed plan will not produce any permanent noise, odors, vibration, smoke, dust, air pollution, heat, liquid, or solid waste, and other nuisance characteristics. 8. A public hearing is not required for Site Plan Review. Community Development Director Jagoe explained the Planning Commission reviewed this application at their June 5, 2024, meeting. At that time, they recommended approval of Planning Case 24-012 to install signage on an existing freestanding structure along Lexington Avenue at 4061 Lexington Avenue N with conditions by a 4-1 vote. The Planning Commission suggested that the Applicant incorporate landscaping plans into the sign proposal. The following are motion language options for the City Council to consider. Councilmember Holden asked if there was illumination in this sign. Community Development Director Jagoe reported the sign was internally lit. Councilmember Holden indicated she had some concerns regarding the landscaping. She explained this was a corner that has a great deal of snow storage and salt. She questioned where there was space to put landscaping given all of the easements that were in place around this sign.