CCP 01-29-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION ~ JANUARY 3, 2001 2 additional sign be permitted as it was for the previous tenant. She noted staff could not find a a. record of a sign permit for the previous tenant or any variances granted in the past at this .. location. She noted currently, Metro Community Credit Union has a temporary banner sign in the location where the permanent sign application was denied. Ms. Chaput noted that application was not made for this temporary sign nor are bamler signs permitted in the City by the Sign Ordinance. Ms. Chaput noted in order to grant a variance, findings of fact must be identified to prove that an undue hardship exists, according to Section IX of the Sign Ordinance. According to the criteria, staff can make the following findings: 1. Hardship. The case could be made that the physical structure of the building creates the need for two wall signs to make the business more visible at this location. However, a hardship is defined by the physical characteristics of the land (specifically topography or the shape of the parcel of land) that creates a need for a variance from the Ordinance. A hardship can not be based on economics, by State Statute. The circumstances of this tenant are not unique at this location. The property can still be put to a reasonable use without the granting of a variance for an additional wall sign. The business continues to be visible in its location from Lexington Avenue with one wall sign. Also, granting a variance is not in keeping with the intent of the Ordinance to, "...encourage effective and orderly communication by reducing clutter..." and ". ..for an attractive and orderly environment by reducing visual clutter.. .". It can be determined that no undue hardship exists, creating the need for a variance. . 2. Materially Detrimental. The granting of this variance would not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to the property or zone. However, if permitted, other businesses within the mall with only one exterior entrance would also have the right to apply for a variance, adding to the number of wall signs on the overall building, not meeting the intent ofthe Sign Ordinance. 3. Special District Regulations. The Metro Community Credit Union is located within the B-2 Zoning District. The regulations of this section do not apply to this district. Ms. Chaput indicated staff recommends denial of Planning Case #00-34, variance for a second wall sign for Metro Community Credit Union, located at 3533 N. Lexington Avenue, for the following reasons: 1. Undue hardship does not exist because the application does not meet the spirit and intent of the Ordinance; the circumstances of the request are not unique to the property; and the property can still be put to a reasonable use without the granting of a variance. Ms. Chaput reviewed the placement and arrangement of the signs at Arden Hills Plaza and asked for comments from the applicant. Sherrie Canges, representative of the Metro Community Credit Union, noted the sign was being requested for the north entrance due to the fact it would allow those entering the mall from the . east visual location of the credit union. Commissioner Galatowitsch asked how long the credit union has been at this location. Ms. Canges stated the credit union has been at this site since July of 2000.