PCP 04-05-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . ~ /f\~ HILLS MEMORANDUM DATE: March 29, 2006 PC Agenda Item 4.B TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: James Lehnhoff, City Planner SUBJECT: Sign Moratorium Back2round At the March 13, 2006, City Council meeting, the Council voted to approve a one-year sign moratorium while Staff develops a revised sign ordinance. Recent court cases in Minnesota and around the country regarding billboards and other forms of advertising have prompted us to review the Arden Hills sign ordinance to ensure that it is conformance with State statutes, is constitutional, and is meeting City needs. . In order to help make the moratorium a smooth transition for residents and business, the following exceptions are in the moratorium: 1. Signs in commercial and industrial areas may still be refaced provided that the new facing is not any larger than the previous face. Re-facing refers to changing the message on the sign and not (he sign structure itself. This process would still require a permit. 2. Residential areas can post a sign that is six square feet or less in size without a permit. A primary reason for this provision is to allow residential properties to post a for sale sign without the need for a permit. 3. New temporary signs may be posted with a permit for up to 90 days or upon termination of the moratorium, whichever is earlier, subject to certain provisions listed in the moratorium. The moratorium has been enacted for up to one year. If the moratorium is needed for more than one year, it can be extended after a public hearing is held; however, we anticipate reviewing and adopting a new sign ordinance within next few months. Upon adoption of a new sign ordinance, the moratorium will be lifted. When the sign ordinance update is ready for public comment, it will be brought to the Planning Commission for review. No action is required at this time. . The sign moratorium is attached. Page I of 1