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6.3 The application materials also indicated that the desired location for the sign is in the southeast corner of the Hamline Shopping Center property, generally near the corner of Hamline Avenue and Terrace Drive. Because of concern for traffic safety, Community Development staff believes that the proposed sign should be excluded from the required Traffic Visibility Triangle. The site plan included with this report as Attachment C illustrates the Traffic Visibility Triangle and a suggested location for the sign that appears to be consistent with the applicant's request. 6.4 Normally, a sign would be required to be set back 15 feet from a property line. Because a sign would have to be installed in the existing parking lot if the 15 -foot setback is required in this case, Community Development staff recommends allowing the proposed temporary sign to be erected between the Hamline Avenue right -of -way and the eastern edge of the parking area. 6.5 At the time of writing this report, two comments from the public had been received; one indicating support and one in opposition with the opinion that such an off -site sign would be "tacky" and that Centennial Gardens can adequately advertise in the traditional media — like newspapers, apartment guides, etc. — without the need for the proposed sign. 7.0 PUBLIC HEARING 7.1 The Planning Commission conducted the public hearing on May 7th. The applicant testified at the hearing for the need of the sign; no one from the public testified. 7.2 Commissioners had questions about the proposed sign, including whether would be illuminated and how it would be removed once the ground was frozen. The applicant informed the Commission that the sign would not be lighted and, since it would not have footings in the ground, the sign would be easy to remove. 7.3 Although the Planning Commission recommended requiring that the sign be limited to to feet in height, Planning Division staff would recommend further reducing the maximum height to S feet to be consistent with the normal parameters for this kind of apartment leasing sign. 7.4 Some members of the Planning Commission made it clear that they were only comfortable recommending approval of such an IUP when — as in this case — it is related to significant improvements that are in the City's interest to support. PF98 -913 RCA 951998.doc Page 3 of 4