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PLANNING REPORT <br /> DATE: May 12, 2006 <br /> CASE: ZA2006-006 <br /> SUBJECT: Zoning Code Amendment Related to Directional Signage <br /> APPLICANT: City of New Brighton <br /> REQUEST&BACKGROUND <br /> The Commission held a public hearing on April 18, 2006 to discuss a Zoning Code amendment <br /> related to directional signage for institutional uses. This amendment was drafted in response to a <br /> letter received from Christ the King Lutheran Church. During the public hearing the Planning <br /> Commission raised the following concerns: <br /> • How would the City's proposed standards conform to the Minnesota Manual of Uniform <br /> Traffic Control Devices? <br /> • Are the proposed setback, area, and height requirements too restrictive? <br /> • How can the City ensure uniform design for all signs? <br /> • Will this create problems of sign clutter throughout the City? <br /> In response to the concerns raised at the last meeting, staff contacted a MnDOT representative <br /> responsible for signing and markings within the Metro District Traffic Office and also met with <br /> the Director of Public Works. Staff learned that the Minnesota Manual of Uniform Traffic <br /> Control Devices (MN MUTCD) was adopted to ensure that all municipalities use signage <br /> standards. While MnDOT recognizes that municipalities have the authority to place whatever <br /> signage they deem necessary within their right-of-ways, everyone has to conform to state law. <br /> MnDOT doesn't permit directional signs for institutional uses within the metro area, nor does <br /> Ramsey County permit these signs (although not enforcing these rules if these signs appear). <br /> The intention of the proposed ordinance was to rely on the Director of Public Works to ensure <br /> the design and placement of all signs meet uniform standards. The City Code/Zoning Code <br /> currently does not allow this type of signage. Attached as Exhibit A, is a Memorandum from <br /> Grant Wyffels,the Director of Public Works regarding a proposed ordinance change. <br /> Based on the information researched and the concerns of the Director of Public Works, staff <br /> finds that the current ordinance prohibiting directional signage within City rights-of-way should <br /> not be changed. <br /> Staff has contacted the church and alerted them about our recommendation. If the church <br /> withdraws their proposal, no formal action is needed. In the event the church wants to move <br /> forward, staff would recommend that the Planning Commission deny the request. <br /> ATTACHMENTS <br /> A—Memorandum from Grant Wyffels, Director of Public Works & Attachments <br /> B—4-18-06 Planning Report& Attachments <br /> RECOMMENDATION <br /> Withdraw the Zoning Ordinance amendment request. <br /> dritta 66u,eueuf.. <br /> Janice Gundlach, City Planner <br />