Consider Amendment to Temporary Signage Regulations During Hwy 10 Ramsey Gateway Project

The purpose of this case is to review options for amending temporary signage regulations during the Ramsey Gateway Highway 10 Project.    Ramsey businesses and residents have seen the impacts of the the Anoka Solution project (lane shut downs, access changes and detours).  Once the Ramsey Gateway project commences in full force in 2024, the impact to Ramsey businesses will be more direct due to access issues at each interchange location and along the future frontage road systems.  Work has commenced on the lane widening project on Hwy 10 and the construction of Riverdale Drive out toward Lano Equipment which has created some inconveniences for certain businesses.  In 2024, work will commence on the Sunfish Lake Blvd Interchange . In 2025, work will commence on the Ramsey Blvd Interchange and the frontage road between Sunfish Lake Blvd and Ramsey Boulevard.

During business visits, staff has heard from multiple businesses that they are concerned about access and visibility during the upcoming construction project in Ramsey.   Businesses located along Bunker Lake Boulevard and near the Sunfish and Ramsey Interscetions are concerned about access when the Sunfish Lake and Ramsey Boulevard interchanges are closed.  Businesses have asked if it would be possible to have more flexibility to advertise during the Ramsey Gateway Highway 10 Project to help with the potential negative impacts of the Hwy 10 construction project.

The purpose of this case is to determine if the EDA has an interest in providing temporary flexibility for signage for businesses impacted by the Hwy 10 project.  If the EDA is interested in making temporary changes, the parameters of the temporary regulations should be outlined.  Items such as geographical location, number of signs, cost and duration should be discussed.  

Not required

The staff has listened to a number of businesses and believe that allowing flexibility during the Ramsey Gateway Portion of the Hwy 10 project will have a positive benefit for Ramsey businesses.  Allowing for more temporary signage / advertising also would acknowledge some businesses' concerns and is something that the City can point to as an action item to help our businesses during this difficult time. Staff is not suggesting changing the type or placement of allowed signage, only the duration and frequency.  MN DOT will be putting up some general signage relating to access to business districts but nothing business specific.  The City is in the process of working with Bolton and Menk, Anoka County, MNDOT and other organizations to put together a communication plan that will keep our businesses ahead of the upcoming construction improvements and impacts.  Ramsey wants to make sure that our businesses have time to plan for upcoming closures, access modifications and other construction impacts. Staff believes that including a Hwy 10 Update, sharing final construction plans and project timing would also be a good topic for the upcoming Business Network Meeting in January / February of 2024.  

Current temporary sign regulations include the following items:

• One permit per year per site (Up to 2 signs per parcel at one time on 3 on Multi Tenant properties)
• 6 weeks every year (can be extended to 10 weeks if no code violations)
• Landowner permission required
• No off-site signage
• $25.00 cost for sign permit
• Up to 50 square feet per sign

Changes to consider for temporary sign regulations:

• Sign Type: Temporary signs ONLY.
   
• Number of Signs: No change
   
• Permit Cost: No changes suggested.
   
• Duration:  Extend from 6 to 10 weeks to 12 to 20 weeks (double)
       -Longer, Shorter?
   
• Timeframe: March 1, 2024 - December 31, 2025
       -Longer, Shorter
   
• Location: Generally, businesses along and south of Bunker Lake Blvd between businesses along and north of Riverdale Drive (See Options 1 thru 3)

     Do we need to call out residential area in the COR?
     Do we need to expand, reduce area?
 
If it is determined that the EDA is supportive of temporarily amending the temporary sign regulations, direction to staff on parameters need to be communicated so a draft document/resolution or ordinance can be developed and brought back to the EDA and/or CC for further review.  

Alternatives:
1) Provide parameters to amend Temporary Sign Regulations during Ramsey Gateway Hwy 10 Project
2) Provide a recommendation to not amend temporary sign regulations during Ramsey Gateway Hwy 10 Project
3) Something else

No changes to the fee structure are being proposed so there is no cost for this temporary sign regulation implementation.

Staff recommends that temporary regulations for temporary signs be implemented during the Ramsey Gateway Hwy 10 project from March 1, 2024-December 31, 2025.
 

Motion to direct staff to draft document / resolution / ordinance for temporary sign regulations (with EDA recommended parameters) during Ramsey Gateway Highway 10 Project and to bring back to the EDA for a formal recommendation to the City Council.