05-17-2021 Planning Commission Packet

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• Date Application Received: April 21,2021 Date Application Considered as Complete:April 21,2021 8ZLOAio 60-Day Review Period Expires: June 20,2021 To: Chair Kirchner and Planning Commission Members Adam Edwards, City Administrator ikESHO'1" From: Jeremy Barnhart,AICP, Community Development Director Date: May 17, 2021 Subject: #LA21-000035, Darrin Rosha o/b/o Orono Station West, LLC, 2160 Wayzata Blvd West, Variances from sign ordinance Public Hearing Application Summary: The applicant is requesting variances from the sign ordinance to support a rebranding of the existing gas station. The variances include the number of free standing signs, monument sign area, sign copy area, changeable copy area, canopy signage area, and lighting of the canopy. Staff Recommendation: Planning Department Staff recommends approval of the number of free standing signs, and the number of canopy signs. Staff does not support the sign area proposed,and the lighting of the canopy. If the sign area is not approved,staff does not support the changeable copy,or the monument sign area. Practical Difficulties Analysis Applicant Submittal Information:The applicant suggests that the unique use of the property(a mall with several different land uses), the limited frontage, and the variance history of the property are practical difficulties supporting the requested variances. Finally,the applicant has provided supporting documentation regarding Practical Difficulties attached as Exhibit B, and should be asked for additional testimony regarding the application. Planning Staff Practical Difficulty Analysis: Regarding practical difficulty, Staff finds there are some practical difficulties supporting the second free standing sign because of the unique mall use of the property. • The sign area of the structure (66"x 209") is 95.79 sq ft,greater than allowed by precedent (63 sq ft), ordinance (45 sq ft),and proposed ordinance (45 sq ft). There are no practical difficulties to support a variance of this magnitude. • The monument sign area of 141.66 sq ft (240"x 85") is less than 150%of the sign area proposed,though in excess of the 67.5 sq ft anticipated as a maximum monument sign area. If the City approves the sign area variance,this variance is moot. • The changeable copy of the sign, excluding the fuel prices is 21%of the proposed sign area,within the 35% maximum, but in excess of the 16 sq ft anticipated by ordinance. If the City approves the sign area variance,this variance is moot. • The uniqueness of the lot,on a curved part of the road, and the shape of the canopy supports variances for the additional canopy signs. •