Sign Code Update - Discussion

The Sign Code is intended to work in tandem with Zoning and Building Codes to regulate all types of signage in the City of Ramsey. The current Sign Code is split between two documents: Chapter 117 of Ramsey City Code, and the COR Design Framework. These separate Codes have been updated for various issues and topics over the years, but sign regulations have not had a major overhaul since 1994, with a smaller restructuring in 2008. The existing Code is hard to navigate, has many inconsistent and undefined terms, has some complex and burdensome regulations, and lacks other necessary regulations to address new types of signage. Behind the scenes, City Staff have met weekly to discuss various aspects of the existing Code and determine what should be kept, modified, or deleted in the proposed Code. These meetings include representatives from the Building Inspection and Economic Development divisions of Community Development, and they center around the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities of the existing Code while addressing Ramsey's vision for the future.

The goals of updating the Code are the ease of use by property owners, developers, businesses, and staff:

• Consistency in terms and definitions
• Clear purpose and intent of the sign code
• Clear distinctions between what sign types and sizes are allowed in each zoning district
• Consistency with how the Sign Code is interpreted and administered
• Reorganization of Chapter 117 and the COR Framework language to eliminate redundancies and contradictions
• Streamline processes
• Create an improved Sign Code that is easier to read and understand for all users.

Over the past few months, starting in September 2024, the Planning Commission has also had several meetings discussing various topics and sections of the Sign Code. Feedback has been incorporated into the draft Code. Staff intend to meet with City Council at an upcoming work session before formally introducing the Sign Code Ordinance to gain clarity on the City's vision for certain regulations and processes for reviewing and approving various types of signage.

The attached draft is color-coded to show where the language came from for transparency.

• Existing text to be retained is noted in black font.
• New text to be added is noted in blue font.
• Text that is rephrased or restructured, but that retains the general intent of current regulations, is noted in gold font.
• Text that is proposed for deletion is noted in red strike-through font.

Much of the language is retained from the existing Code, with some rearrangements and consolidations of duplicated language. There is also a substantial amount of new language added to the Code. These sections were created by City Staff and cross-referenced with various Codes of nearby cities. There are several portions that are proposed for deletion. The current draft has several parts shown in a red strike-through font for transparency that Staff did not propose to keep certain portions of Code language. The final Ordinance that will be presented to City Council on April 22nd will be in black typeface with all deleted text removed for clarity.

As was the case with the Zoning Code update in 2023, most properties will not experience any negative impacts as bulk standards will remain essentially the same or become slightly less restrictive. Some properties may experience changes that will result in an existing sign on the property being considered "legal nonconforming." This designation allows the sign to continue operating as-is, while ensuring that any expansion or intensification of the sign follows the new Code requirements.

The primary questions needing answers from City Council include the following:

1. Should temporary signs require permits to enforce location and duration of placement?
2. Should the City create a separate type of permit for temporary signs intended to be placed in the right-of-way? (Examples include directional signage for a short-term special event, such as Game Fair or Parade of Homes.)
3. How should City Staff approach code enforcement for temporary signs? (proactive, reactive, or a combination method)

A public hearing notice was published in the Anoka County UnionHerald to advertise the March 27th Public Hearing held by the Planning Commission. Additionally, Staff wrote a Ramsey Resident article, which can be found on Page 10 of the March/April edition, explaining the reasons for updating the code and stating the public hearing date.

The Sign Code Update is being handled through Staff's normal duties. All work has been done in-house without the use of consultants, aside from assistance by the City Attorney.

At their regular meeting on March 27th, Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend approval of the Sign Code Update. The final draft code will be updated with City Council's consensus and input after the Work Session.

Provide consensus and feedback on the Sign Code Update.