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TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Common Council FROM: Kelly Nieforth, Director of Community Development DATE: December 10, 2024 SUBJECT: Res 24-660 Approve Specific Implementation Plan Amendment for Drive-Through Sign at 525 South Washburn Street (Plan Commission Recommends Approval)

BACKGROUND

The subject area included in this request consists of a 0.99-acre commercial property located on the west side of South Washburn Street, north of West 9th Avenue. The surrounding area consists primarily of commercial uses along with a City water tower and fire station immediately to the south. The 2040 Comprehensive Plan recommends Interstate Commercial land use for the subject property and the adjoining parcels. On June 11, 2024, Common Council approved a General Development Plan and Specific Implementation Plan for a drive-through restaurant (Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers).

ANALYSIS

The applicant is proposing a 5.85’ tall, 32.85 sq. ft. drive-through sign on the rear (west) side of the restaurant building. For drive-through signage, code allows one primary board and one pre-sell board. The primary board is limited to 24 sq. ft. and 8 ft. tall and the pre-sell board is limited to a maximum area of 12 sq. ft. and 6 ft. tall. A Base Standard Modification (BSM) is required for increased drive-through sign area to 33 sq. ft., where code allows a maximum primary drive-through sign area of 24 sq. ft. According to the applicant, the increased sign area is needed as it is the standard drive-through sign size for Freddy’s restaurants and the smallest sign offered by their provider (Samsung). Staff is supportive of the requested BSM for increased drive-through primary board sign area as a pre-sell board will not be utilized for the drive-through. The sign ordinance allows a total of 36 sq. ft. of drive-through signage if a pre-sell board is included in addition to the primary board. Therefore, the proposed 33 sq. ft. primary board sign is a 3 sq. ft. reduction of total allowed drive-through sign area. Also, the drive-through sign will be on the rear of the building and significantly exceed the 25’ rear yard setback requirement, with a proposed setback of approximately 81’ from the rear property line.

FISCAL IMPACT

Approval of this may result in an increase in the assessed property value for the site. The applicant is anticipating spending approximately $14,335 on the proposed project.

RECOMMENDATION

The Plan Commission recommended approval of the requested Specific Implementation Plan Amendment with the findings and conditions on December 3, 2024. Please see the attached staff report and meeting minutes for more information.

Attachments RES 24-660 SIP Amendment - 525 S Washburn St

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