Adopt Resolutions #15-11-272 and #15-11-273 Approving a Conditional Use Permit to Exceed Sign Size and Height Restrictions at 8035 Riverdale Dr. NW; Case of Ramsey-Arbor Properties, LLC.

The City has received an application from Ramsey-Arbor Properties, LLC., requesting a conditional use permit (CUP) to exceed sign size restrictions for their parcel located at 8035 Riverdale Dr. NW (the "Subject Property"). The Subject Property is located directly adjacent to the Armstrong Boulevard Interchange project. The Applicant desires to construct a 225 square foot (450 square foot gross aggregate surface area) sign to a height of seventy-five (75) feet without the required monument style base material.

In accordance with State statute, Staff attempted to notify property owners within 350 feet of the subject property of the public hearing via Standard US Mail. The Public Hearing was also noticed in the Anoka County Union Herald, the City's official newsletter for public notices.

The request will result in a multi-tenant sign that is taller and larger than the requirements for being located in the Armstrong Boulevard Interchange Overlay District. The existing Armstrong Boulevard Interchange Overlay District allows for signs up to fifty (50) feet in height and 150 square feet of surface area (300 square feet of gross aggregate surface area, e.g. double sided sign) and requires a monument style base of materials consistent with that the of the principal building to a minimum height of six (6) feet. Due to the location of the site, which is immediately adjacent to the Armstrong Boulevard interchange, a taller sign could be warranted due to the height of the overpass bridge. This process was contemplated when the overlay district was established. It was intended to allow signs taller than fifty (50) feet in height, but allowed the Planning Commission and City Council to have final approval authorize as opposed to an administrative process.

This Conditional Use Permit would supersede the current CUP, which allowed for multiple ground signs on the property. Under this new CUP, both the new sign and the existing smaller sign with frontage on Riverdale Dr. would be allowable. This case may also set a new precedent for additional, taller signs within the Armstrong Boulevard Interchange Overlay District. This process, required by City Code, simply allows the Planning Commission to review the request on a site specific nature, attach reasonable conditions, and provide an enforcement tool in the event the proposed use is not being used consistent with City Code.

Alternatives

Alternative 1: Adopt Resolutions #15-11-272 and #15-11-273 approving a Conditional Use Permit for a new seventy-five (75) foot high and 225 square foot sign as well as the existing smaller sign on Riverdale Drive. The proposed signage appears reasonable in size. The proposed location of the sign is not within the vision clearance triangle nor within any easement. Staff supports this option.

Alternative 2: Deny the request. Staff does not support this option.

All costs associated with reviewing the application are the responsibility of the Applicant.

The Planning Commission recommends approval of a conditional use permit to exceed the square footage and height limitation for a ground sign in the Armstrong Boulevard Interchange Overlay District without incorporating additional design elements such as a monument style base finish consistent with the exterior finish of the principal building to a minimum height of six (6) feet.

Motion to adopt Resolution #15-11-272 approving Findings of Fact #0957 and Resolution #15-11-273 relating to Ramsey-Arbor Properties, LLC's request for a conditional use permit to exceed sign size restrictions established in City Code.