Adopt Ordinance #22-19 Amending Sign Code to Allow Off-Premise Digital Billboard Signs

The purpose of this case is to consider an ordinance amendment to the Sign Code which would allow Off-Premise Digital Billboards.

The City Council, Planning Commission and EDA have all reviewed and provided input at various stages of this consideration.  The EDA has also supported terms of a lease with a private company to construct a digital billboard on City owned land.  A separate case is on the Council Agenda for June 14, 2022 to consider the terms of the lease, and if approved, would be contingent on the adoption of Ordinance #22-19.

The Planning Commission and City Council were both provided an opportunity to give direction on the code language prior to the Planning Commission holding a Public Hearing on the amendment.  Additionally, the Planning Commission held an open house for the public to attend to ask questions and learn more about what the ordinance amendment would allow.  The Open House was scheduled for 5:30-6:30 pm immediately prior to the Planning Commission meeting.  Three residents attended the open house and indicated they generally do not like digital billboards and find them distracting.  There were no public comments received during the Public Hearing.

Staff recommendation to the Planning Commission was to recommend City Council approve Ordinance #22-19.  At the time of the Planning Commission meeting, staff was uncertain of language within the proposed ordinance which would require all digital billboards to reserve a minimum number of hours per month for the purpose of community and public service messages.  The City Attorney has since indicated this language is acceptable.

An excerpt of the Planning Commission minutes are attached to this case.

The City Council introduced the case on June 14, 2022.  Councilmember Woestehoff did ask question about whether a digital billboard would be allowed within a PUD district.  Further discussion on this will occur as language may be amended for better clarity.

The open house was advertised in the May/June edition of the Ramsey Resident and on the City's Facebook page.

The Public Hearing was advertised in the City's Official Newspaper, the Anoka County UnionHerald.

Alternative 1: Adopt Ordinance #22-19.

Alternative 2: Adopt Ordinance #22-19 with recommended changes.

Alternative 3: Deny Ordinance #22-19.

Planning Commission recommends denying Ordinance #22-19.

Motion to waive the City's Charter requirement to read the ordinance aloud and adopt Ordinance #22-19.