Adopt Resolution #21-087 for a 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 Planning Commission met on March 4, 2021 and held a formal public hearing for the project. 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. No additional notification is required or was provided for this meeting.

The Subject Property is about thirty-three (33) acres in size and located in the R-1 Residential (MUSA - 80) (80 foot wide lots) and R-2 Residential (MUSA - 50) (55 foot wide lots). The site is south of Alpine Drive, and west of Puma Street.  The property abuts the Capstone Riverstone North Development, which is Planned Unit Development (PUD) for detached, single-family , and other surrounding properties include the golf course to the south and Northfork to the north, which are R-1 Residential (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, and increases from the standards are allowed by 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.

Planning Commission Meeting - April 8, 2021
The Planning Commission voted 7-0 recommending approval to the Ramsey City Council for Resolution #21-087 for a Conditional Use Permit for Oversized Area Identification Signs on the Subject Property at their regular April 8, 2021 meeting.

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: Adopt Resolution #21-087 for a 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. 

Alternative 2: Deny Resolution #21-087 for a Conditional Use Permit. 

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

Planning Commission 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 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.