06-19-1995 Planning Commission Minutes

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• • MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON JUNE 19, 1995 ( #8 - 2024 James Wilson - Continued) There were no public comments. Mabusth said neighbors called in support of this application. Berg moved, Rowlette seconded, to approve Application #2024 for a conditional use permit with conditions 1 and 2 as noted. The number of employees is limited to 4, Any further expansions would need to be reviewed. Ayes 7, Nays 0. (#9) #2426 NEW HORIZON CHILD CARE, 875 WAYZATA BLVD. - VARIANCES - PUBLIC HEARING 9:53 -10 :10 P.M. The Certificate of Mailing and Affidavit of Publication were noted. New Horizon was represented by Sharon Bergen. The Application is for a height and signage area variance. The child care facility is in a residential zone but use permitted through a conditional use permit. Surrounding uses of property were reviewed. The signage is limited to 12 s.f and would not be easily seen. New Horizon is asking for additional signage. The topographical conditions require that travelers be alerted to the child care center's location. The entrance is to the east and the facility is to the west. There is a drop in elevation adjacent to road. The nearest residence is 400'+ away. The property is adjacent to the Luce Line. The Applicant is asking for a illuminated 6x6 New Horizon sign located near the facility. An entrance pylon would not be lit but would be 4x4' in size and 17.8' high. These signs are both two- sided. Mabusth said she was not aware that the signage was two-sided. The Applicant said this could be changed if needed. Nolan commented that the height of the signs was an issue. The need to know who is there and how to get there is needed but these dimensions seemed too high. The Applicant said the grade of the area required the height variance. At present, parents of the children are finding it difficult to see the entrance. Commissioners discussed the height and from where the grade level needs to be established. Schroeder was concerned over the need for a sign for safety reasons and then the reason of advertising only. He suggested the Applicant speak with the highway department about a "blind spot" or "watch for children" sign if they were concerned with safety. Peterson said his children had gone to this center. It was his opinion that the sign and driveway were terrible. Peterson was not in favor of a big commercial lit sign next to the natural Luce Line trail. 12