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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes – Wednesday, May 07, 2008 Page 3 Associate Planner Bryan Lloyd reviewed staff’s analysis of the request for an Interim Use Permit (IUP) to allow Centennial Gardens Apartment complex to install a sign at the adjacent Hamline Shopping Center property through October of 2008, in accordance with City Code, Section 1012.09 (Interim Uses). Mr. Lloyd advised that the IUP request is prompted by the Centennial Gardens apartment complex being subject to significant vacancies related to ongoing renovations, with the applicant believing that installing a sign in the proposed location during the next several months would assist apartment seekers in discovering Centennial Gardens during the most active apartment-searching months. Staff recommended APPROVAL of the request by Centennial Gardens and the owners of the property at 2797 – 2833 Hamline Avenue, to allow a temporary sign based on the comments and findings outlined in Sections 5 and 6, and subject to the conditions detailed in Section 7 of the project report dated May 7, 2008. Discussion included the extent of renovations at the apartment complex; criteria for sign removal enforcement by December 31, 2008 and suggested earlier removal of the sign if vacancies are filled before year-end; arrangements between the shopping center and apartment owners; maximum height and design of sign; original site plan submitted by the applicant versus the plan created by staff for presentation tonight; traffic visibility triangle considerations; location restrictions for sign placement; clear definition of the public rights-of-way; sign permit application process; and whether the sign would be illuminated. Further discussion related to sign materials (wooden); applicable code enforcement issues if the sign is to be illuminated; seasonal timing for removal of the sign footings; economic advantages in interests in filling vacancies in this complex; definitions of billboards versus signs; prohibitions of the location of the sign, not the sign itself; and past similar IUP’s for signage. Applicant, Mike Swenson Mr. Swenson advised of his firm’s purchase of the property in July of 2007, and ongoing cosmetic rehabilitation of the complex, with existing tenants given the choice to stay or leave during renovations. Mr. Swenson noted that the current lack of curb appeal during the renovation process, and the tenants who chose to leave during renovations, had prompted the requested IUP to make the complex and vacancy status more noticeable to Hamline Avenue traffic. Mr. Swenson anticipated that by fall, most of the vacancies would be filled. Discussion among commissioners and Mr. Swenson included the type of improvements (i.e., new windows; new front facades on building exteriors; updated swimming pool area; new decks; new landscaping) in an amount exceeding $2 million; advantages of summer advertising; and the applicant’s intent for the sign installation and removal. Mr. Swenson advised that the sign would be on a pedestal for easy removal; and that there was no intent to light the sign. Mr. Swenson invited commissioners to stop by to visit and view a model apartment. Chair Bakeman closed the Public Hearing, with no one appearing to speak. Commissioner Doherty advised that he would support the IUP due to the significance of the scale of the renovations being undertaken at the complex. Commissioner Doherty opined that, if not for the redevelopment of the property, and the City’s interest in that rehabilitation of multi-family housing in the community, he would not be supportive of permitting the sign simply to enhance marketing of the rentals. MOTION Member Bakeman moved, seconded by Member Doherty to RECOMMEND APPROVAL of the IUP requested by Centennial Gardens and the owners of the property at 2797 – 2833 Hamline Avenue, to allow a temporary sign based on the