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<br />At the June 7, 2007, meeting with Clear Channel, City Staff invited Clear Channel to a Council <br />work session to discuss the sign issue. Marvin Liszt of Bernick and Lifson and Tom McCarver <br />of Clear Channel will be attending the July 9, 2007, work session to give a brief presentation on <br />the electronic billboard and to answer questions from the Planning Commission and City <br />Council. Mr. Liszt has submitted a letter explaining why they believe the sign is a legal use <br />within Arden Hills (Attachment 2A-4). The City Attorney will be in attendance at the meeting. <br /> <br />Billboards in Arden Hills <br /> <br />There are two billboard structures within Arden Hills, both of which are located in the <br />northeastern comer of the Interstate 35W and 694 intersection and both are owned by Clear <br />Channel (Attachment 2A-I). The two billboard structures host a total of four sign faces (two <br />signs facing east and two signs facing west). Only one of the sign faces is of the electronic <br />message board type. The other three sign faces are traditional static billboards. The Sign Code <br />does not pernlit the construction of entirely new billboards in the City. <br /> <br />Sign and Zoning Code Regulations <br /> <br />For your reference, the Clear Channel sign pennit application was denied for the following <br />reasons: <br />. Section 1230.02 Subd 8 of the Sign Code prohibits new permanent off-premise signs, <br />including billboards. Due to this provision, the Clear Channel billboard is a legal, <br />nonconfornling use. Altering or enhancing a nonconfornling use is prohibited (Section <br />1280.01 Subd 4). <br />. Section 1240.02 Table I of the Sign Code limits lighting options for freestanding signs in <br />Sign District 7 to external lighting only. Section 1210.01 Subd 6. of the Sign Code <br />defines external lighting as "[illumination} by means of external light fixtures directed at <br />the sign." The proposed sign is using a lighting source other than external lighting. <br />. Section 1320.13 Subd 6.G.3 of the Zoning Code states that "Any billboard located in the <br />GB District may be expanded, altered, relocated or otherwise modified solely upon <br />written approval of the City, provided the expansion, alteration, relocation or <br />modification is authored by the City of Arden Hills in connection with a transaction <br />which will result in a net reduction in the number of billboards or in the aggregate sign <br />face area of the billboards, located within the GB District." The provisions of this <br />section have not been met. <br /> <br />Although a sign pennit has now been submitted, Section 1270.01 Subd. 2 of the Sign Code states <br />that the following activities require a sign permit: <br />A. Replacing the sign copy. <br />B. Removing the sign for the repair of the cabinet or any part thereof. <br />C. Changes made to the size, height or bulk of the sign or addition of illumination. <br />D. Changes in poles, structural supports, bases or shrouds, footings or anchor bolts, moving <br />the sign to a new location, or replacement of the interior or exterior cabinet frame, except <br />the sign face. <br /> <br />\\Mc(ro-incl.lIs\ardenhill.sll'lmminglCiry COllllcil MClllos\2007\Clear Chal/lle! Electronic BiIlboard\070907 - CC Report ~ Clear Chal/llel <br />Electronic Billboard. doc <br /> <br />Page 2 00 <br />