Adopt Ordinance #23-19 Amending Temporary Sign Regulations

The City Council approved the introduction of the ordinance on December 12. 

The City's Economic Development Authority (EDA) has been working on different ways to mitigate the effects of the Highway 10 reconstruction project on businesses in the area.  They reviewed several possibilities with temporary signage such as size, quantity, placement, permitting requirements, and duration. The recommendation the EDA made was to double the time allowed for temporary signage from up to 10 weeks to up to 20 weeks within the year.  All other requirements for temporary signage would remain in place.  

The EDA also discussed geographical boundaries for businesses to have the additional time.  They recommended just doing it city-wide.  

The City Attorney advised modifying Chapter 117 via ordinance rather than by resolution given the duration of the two-year construction project.  Ordinance #23-19 attached adds a temporary provision that expires at the end of 2025.  The construction project for the roadway is anticipated to be complete (or substantially complete) by late fall 2025.   

It should also be noted that staff plan on working with the Planning Commission in 2024 on reviewing the entire Sign Code regulations.

A public hearing notice was placed in the November 17 Anoka Union Herald Newspaper for the November 30, 2023, Planning Commission meeting.  

Alternatives to consider:
1. Adopt Ordinance #23-19 as recommended by the Planning Commission (attached ordinance).
2. Adopt Ordinance #23-19 as recommended by the EDA (doubling existing allowances only).
3. Adopt Ordinance #23-19 with modifications that the City Council sees appropriate.
4. Deny the Ordinance keeping the existing regulations in place.

As an EDA/City-lead initiative, funding for this project was through the course of staff's duties.  

The Planning Commission and the EDA recommend adoption of Ordinance #23-19 pertaining to temporary signs.  The Planning Commission's recommendation was to allow unlimited 8-week extensions of a sign that is in good repair during the construction period while the EDA's recommendation was simply doubling the current allowed timeframes.  The attached ordinance reflects the Planning Commission's recommendation.  

Motion to adopt Ordinance #23-19 amending Chapter 117 pertaining to temporary signs.

Roll Call Vote: 
Councilmember Olson
Councilmember Woestehoff
Councilmember Specht
Councilmember Musgrove
Councilmember Howell
Councilmember Riley
Mayor Kuzma