PUBLIC HEARING: Consider Request for Conditional Use Permit for an Oversized Area Identification Sign for the Preserve at Northfork (Project No. 19-147); Case of BK Land Development LLC

The City has received an application from BK Land Development LLC (the "Applicant") for a Conditional Use Permit to construct and maintain two (2) ground signs on the property located at the Preserve at Northfork development (the "Subject Property").  The request is for two (2) ground signs identifying the development. Per City Code standard, the Subject Property is allowed 2 ground signs identifying the development, each at 32 square feet. The Applicant has proposed two signs, one at 20 square feet and one at 42.25 square feet.

The City attempted to send a mailing via Standard US Mail to property owners within 350 feet of the Subject Property, as noted in the Anoka County Property Records, notifying them of the public hearing.

The Subject Property is about thirty-three (33) acres in size and is zoned R-1 (80 foot wide lots) and R-2 (55 foot wide lots). The site is south of Alpine Dr, and west of Puma St.  The property abuts the Capstone Riverstone North Development, which is zoned PUD, and other surrounding properties include the golf course to the south and Northfork to the north, which are R-1: Rural Developing.

Per City Code, residential districts are allowed one area identification sign per vehicular access to a development, with an allowed area of thirty-two (32) square feet for each sign. One of the proposed signs will exceed the size requirement of thirty-two (32) square feet by approximately 10.25 feet. Having a ground sign is very typical for suburban developments, but deviations from the standards require a Conditional Use Permit. The request for a Conditional Use Permit appears to be reasonable and the proposed signage would be similar in nature to other developments around the City.

City Code Sections

• Section 117-518 Residential type districts
  • Area identification signs. One sign per vehicular access to a development, not to exceed 32 square feet in area is permitted.

Note that deviations from signage are processed via Conditional Use Permit (CUP) which require approval by the City Council. Conditional Uses are interpreted as being allowed in the district so long as certain conditions are met, and the City can place conditions on the approval. Signage requests are not processed via variances, which are held to a more strict requirement per Statute.
 

Alternatives

Alternative 1: Recommend approval of the Conditional Use Permit to deviate from the sign standards to allow for two signs, one at approximately 42.25 square feet, on the Subject Property. Staff supports this alternative.

Alternative 2: Recommend denial of the Conditional Use Permit. Staff does not support this alternative.

The Applicant is responsible for all costs associated with this application.  

City Staff recommends the City Council approve a Conditional Use Permit to the Preserve at Northfork to exceed signage standards for an area identification sign on the Subject Property.

Motion to recommend that the City Council adopt Resolution #21-087 approving a Conditional Use Permit to the Preserve at Northfork to exceed signage standards for an area identification development signs on the Subject Property.