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Findines of Fact The Planning Commission must make a finding as to whether or not the proposed sign standard adjustment at 3585 Lexington Avenue meets the criteria in the Sign Code to deviate from the sign regulations and if the relocation of the signage would adversely affect the surrounding neighborhood and the community as a whole. Staff offers the following nine findings for consideration: 1. The property is located in the B-2 Zoning District. 2. Arden Plaza is a conforming use in the B-2 Zoning District. 3. Portable signs that do not exceed six square feet are permitted without a permit. 4. Properties in Arden Hills are permitted to have two of these portable signs located within fifteen feet of their primary entrance. 5. The applicant is proposing to designate a specified area within fifteen feet of their primary driveway along County Road E for the placement of one permitted portable sign. 6. The sign would not be visible from residential properties. 7. Section 1260 of the Sign Code permits deviations from the Sign Code through the site plan review process. 8. The topography of the Arden Plaza site, the location of the office buildings, and the placement of the tenants significantly limits the visibility of the businesses from County Road E. 9. The proposed sign is for a conforming use in the B-2 Zone. 10. The sign would not have a negative impact on adjacent properties or the City as a whole. Resident Comments Staff has not received any letters, e-mails, or telephone calls from property owners or occupants in regard to this planning case. However, site plan reviews do not require a public hearing or public notice. Staff Recommendation The existing topography on the site, the location of the office buildings, and the orientation of the strip center drastically limits the visibility of the businesses from County Road E. This is a unique situation amongst the businesses in Arden Hills. A permanent solution would include the addition of a monument sign that adequately advertises the businesses located in the center and meets the requirements of the Sign Code. In discussions with the tenants and the property owner it became clear that this is a goal of any redevelopment that is to take place on the property, but that implementing a permanent solution is premature given the anticipated Master PUD application that will include a signage request. In the mean time the tenants have requested a City of Arden Dills Planning Commission Meeting -for May 6, 2009 1ilUetjo-iflet.uslai-denhillslPlanning(Planning Cases 12009W9-007 Arden Plaza Site Plan Review—Signage (pending)4150609 - PC Report -Arden Plaza Sign - Site Plan Rerzew.doc Page 4 of 6