Directional Sign Amend. PC Report

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IIJ!t: cf f or the city that vivr1 s ii)r° you • interoffice MEMORANDUM To: Janice Gundlach, City Planner From: Grant Wyffels, Director of Public Works clews/ Subject: Draft Ordinance relating to Directional Signage for Institutional Uses Date: May 10, 2006 I have reviewed the draft ordinance relating to directional signage for institutional uses. This draft ordinance appears to be in conflict with the Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices(MN MUTCD)which has been developed to establish standards for the use of traffic control devices in the State of Minnesota and directed by Minnesota Statutes. The purpose of traffic control devices(any traffic sign),as well as the principles for their use, is to promote highway safety and efficiency by promoting orderly movement of all road users on streets and highways throughout the nation. The MN MUTCD clearly states that traffic control devices or their supports shall not bear any advertising message that is not related to traffic control. The only exception to this standard is for tourism- oriented directional signs,which does not generally apply to New Brighton. There are three different classifications of signs: Regulatory(i.e. stop,speed),Warning (i.e. turn ahead, narrow road), and Guide Signs. Attached are some examples of appropriate Guide Signs as depicted in the MN MUTCD. Any unauthorized traffic control sign or other sign or message placed on the right-of-way by a private organization or individual constitutes a public nuisance and should be removed. This would apply to both churches and schools. Removal of any unauthorized signs located on City right-of-way is enforced by public works. Removal of any unauthorized signs located on County or State right-of-way is enforced by the respective agency. I recommend against amending the City Zoning Code to allow directional signage for private or non-profit organizations as it would be in clear conflict with the MN MUTCD. I recommend keeping the ordinance as it already exists, and continue to enforce our practice to remove any unauthorized signs located on City right-of-way.