06-12-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY OF ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, May 15,2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. 3. 17-3934 Jim Kirkland on behalf of North Shore Marina, 1955 Shoreline Drive, Variances, 7:03 P.M. — 7:09 P.M. Jim Kirkland, Applicant, was present. Curtis stated the subject property is a marina which has had an existing free standing pylon sip identifying their site since the late 1980's/early 1990's. At this time the applicants wish to remove the outdated pylon sign and replace it with a new low -profile stone monument sip in a different location. This new sign will be 40 inches tall and is proposed to be set back three feet from the property line where a I 0 -foot setback is required and 60 feet from the lake where a 75 -foot setback is required. A hardcover variance for the 75 -foot area is requested to permit the 15 square foot footprint of the sign where no hardcover is permitted. A variance to the sign ordinance is also requested to permit a 16 -inch clearance from the grade. The code requires a minimum of 20 inches of clearance from grade for the sign copy area and the applicants are proposing 16 inches of clearance. The 20 -inch requirement is to facilitate placement of plantings around the sign. Hennepin County has submitted comments relating to the sign location and have expressed no concerns. To date, no additional public comments have been received. Staff finds the site's size and orientation squeezed between Shoreline Drive and the lake serve as practical difficulties supporting both the setback variances as well as the hardcover variance. Additionally, the width of the shoulder supports the installation of the low -profile monument sign within the required setback. Although the sign will be three feet from the property line, it will be ten feet from the "curb" and 20 feet from the fog line on Shoreline Drive. The ground clearance requirement conflicts with the applicant's desire to have a low -profile sign. A fence located at the same setback could be 42 inches tall and the sign is proposed at 40 inches. Planning Staff recommends approval. Thiesse asked if the City would be assuming any risk by allowing the sign closer to the road. Curtis stated she is not aware of any and that the City Engineer and Hennepin County are aware of the request.