PUBLIC HEARING - 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.  The City Council will consider the lease in June in conjunction with the ordinance amendment.

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 Public Hearing was scheduled for 5:30-6:30 pm immediately prior to the Planning Commission meeting.  Feedback from the open house will be provided during the public hearing.

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: Recommend approval of Ordinance #22-19

Alternative 2: Recommend approval of Ordinance #22-19 with changes

Alternative 3: Recommend denial of Ordinance #22-19

Staff recommendation is to approve Ordinance #22-19.

Motion to recommend City Council approve Ordinance #22-19.