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4.0 PROJECT SPECIFICS: 4.1 Grace Church Roseville desires replacement of two existing ground signs on the premises. One of the ground signs is located within the County Road B2 right-of-way, while the other ground sign lies 3 feet from the property line adjacent to Hamline A venue. 4.2 Both signs would be replaced with metal ground sign 7 feet tall and 6 feet wide and comprised of a lettering area not exceeding the 50 square feet required by Section 1009.04B of the city Code (see attached sign). 4.3 The two signs identify the church and school and each is generally located near an access for the premises. The sign that lies along County Road B2 must be moved outside the street right-of-way, which new location will be further east and in front of the new addition (currently under construction). The sign that lies along Hamline Avenue would be replaced in the same location or three feet from the western property line. 4.4 Both sign locations have existing topographic issues to overcome. Most notably, the grade change along Hamline Avenue (dropping down to parking lot) makes it nearly impossible to place a sign at the required setback and maximum height, without compriSing the signs visibility and placing it within an existing parking space. Similarly, the C6"unty Road B2 sign has grade issues (rising from the property line to structure/parting lot) that limit placement, and the required storm water pond takes up an ideal location. Existing mature trees also complicate matters for both locations. 4.5 Section 1009.03M requires ground signs to be set back Y2 the distance of a pylon sign or 15 feet from a property line. 5.0 STAFF FINDINGS: 5.1 Section 1013.02 states: Where there are practical difficulties or unusual hardships in the way of carrying out the strict letter of the provisions of this code, the city council shall have the power, in a specific case and after notice and public hearings, to vary any such provision in harmony with the general purpose and intent thereof and may impose such additional conditions as it considers necessary so that the public health, safety, and general welfare may be secured and substantial justice done. 5.2 Under State Statute 462.357, subd. 6 (2) provides authority for the city to "hear requests for variances from the literal provisions of the ordinance in instances where their strict enforcement would cause undue hardship because of circumstances unique to the individual property under consideration, and to grant such variances only when it is demonstrated that such actions will be in keeping with the spirit and intent of the ordinance. "Undue hardship" as used in connection with the granting of a variance means the property in question cannot be put to a reasonable use if used under conditions allowed by the official controls, the plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner, and the variance, if granted, will not PF3446 - ReA 121602 - Page 2 of 4