Consider Request for use of two (2), 200 Square Foot Temporary Signs on City-Owned Parcels to Promote Game Fair; Case of Charles Delaney

Mr. Charles Delaney with Game Fair has applied for a Temporary Sign Permit to display two (2) temporary signs on City-owned parcels to promote the Game Fair event (one would be on the lot with The COR monument sign south of the rail station and the other would be at 14165 Ramsey Blvd NW). Both of the temporary signs are 200 square feet in size (10' x 20') and each would be displayed for six (6) weeks (July 7 through August 18, 2014).

No notification is required.

City Code Section 117-465 (Temporary Signs) outlines the conditions in which temporary signs can be displayed, including the duration, location and size permitted. Each parcel (or business if on a multi-tenant site) is permitted six (6) weeks per calendar year to display temporary signs (plus an additional four [4] weeks if there have been no sign code violations over the past twelve months) and temporary signs must be located entirely on private property (cannot be placed within the public road right-of-way). Temporary sign size is limited to fifty (50) square feet.

As noted previously, the two (2) signs exceed the square footage permitted by City Code. Mr. Delaney has stated that he has two (2), 200 square foot temporary signs that he would like to display on City parcels to promote the Game Fair, which will be held the second and third weekends of August. The Game Fair is a large community event that typically brings a large volume of attendees into the City. Mr. Delaney received City Council approval last year to display these same signs. 

This request is being handled as part of Staff's regular duties.  A $25.00 Temporary Sign Permit Fee is required from the applicant.

City Code does not provide flexibility for Staff to authorize a deviation from temporary sign size. On occasion in the past, a special event permit has been a mechanism to authorize a slightly larger than permitted temporary sign. However, the Game Fair operates through an approved conditional use permit and therefore, no special event permit is needed. In lieu of a special event permit, City Council could, by way of motion, approve this request should they wish to authorize the overage.

Motion to authorize the display of two (2) 200 square foot temporary signs on City-owned parcels to promote Game Fair, contingent upon compliance with all other temporary sign regulations, such as duration, location and obtaining the necessary permit, and providing written authorization from the property owner of the parcel the signs will be located (if not on City-owned property).