CCP 08-25-2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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PLANNING REPORT DATE: August 13, 2009 CASE: SP2009-003 SUBJECT: Special Use Permit to allow an amendment to the existing Civic Campus Comprehensive Sign Plan governing allowed signage at the Public Safety Center, City Hall, and the Family Service Center APPLICANT: City of New Brighton REQUEST & BACKGROUND The City of New Brighton is requesting a Special Use Permit to allow an amendment to the existing Comprehensive Sign Plan governing allowed signage at the Public Safety Center (PSC), City Hall, and the Family Service Center (FSC). This request includes the following: • Allowance of signs that were erected unknowingly in violation of the 2005 plan, and • Addresses future signage needs (primarily with the FSC). This issue of civic campus signs in violation of the Comprehensive Sign Plan was a topic of discussion at a Council work session in June. Following that work session, the City Manager directed staff to resolve the issue. Staff then met to discuss which signs were in violation and how they came to be constructed. The FSC staff also discussed sign planning efforts they have been considering already and decided to include those in this amendment so that a future amendment wouldn't be necessary. Thus, not all signs allowed under the proposed amended Comprehensive Sign Plan are constructed or plan to be constructed in the immediate future. Rather, the proposed amended plan is a holistic approach looking into future needs. Section 9-041 (1) allows Comprehensive Sign Plan approval for scenic areas, shopping centers, and renewal areas. Section 9-041 (2) allows for special regulations under the Comprehensive Sign Plan that are "either more restrictive or less restrictive" than the general sign standards based by zoning district. Item C of this same section states that the intent of a Comprehensive Sign Plan is to "creatively and reasonably revitalize the area" and "be sensitive to and compatible with the unique physical circumstances" resulted with each project in a renewal area. Lastly, the general purpose of signage needs in a renewal area shall be "sound identification, reduction of clutter, and aesthetic enhancement". It was found in 2005 that the area along Old Highway 8 near the Public Safety Center, City Hall, and the Family Service Center were considered a renewal area. Further, based on the characteristics of the sites and the signage needs represented at the time, the Comprehensive Sign Plan attached as Exhibit H was approved and implemented. ATTACHMENTS A — Resolution B — Project Location Map C — Zoning Map D — Aerial Photograph E — Neighborhood Notification Map F — Photos of Existing Signs G — Sign Plan Comparison Matrix H — 2005 Comprehensive Sign Plan