06-14-2021 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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AGENDA ITEM Prepared By: J. Barnhart Reviewed By: Approved By: 1. Purpose. To consider variances for signage at Orono Station and direct staff to draft a resolution approving or denying the requested variances: the number of free standing signs, monument sign area*, sign copy area, changeable copy area*, canopy signage area, and lighting of the canopy. *The code regulated monument sign area and changeable copy as a function of the sign area, if the Council approves the sign copy area, the requested area of the monument structure and the changeable copy are conforming. 2. MN§15.99 Application Deadline. The application was received on April 21, 2021 and considered to be complete on that date. The 60-Day review period has been extended and will expire on August 19, 2021. 3. Background. The applicant is working on behalf of the owners of the property, who recently purchased the existing ‘mall’ and gas station. The new owners are rebranding the gas station to a Marathon station, and with that, additional/ updated signage is proposed. For this property, a number of sign variances have been approved in the past. Additionally, two sections of the city code regulate signage for gas stations. A summary of the request, and the applicable regulations. A full analysis of the applicable regulations, variances, and proposal are summarized in the attached, Exhibit D. The existing freestanding sign on the west property line of the property will remain as is. 4. Planning Commission Vote and Comment. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on May 17th. Following the public hearing, the Planning Commission voted 7-0 on a motion to approve the requested variances. The members of the Commission felt that the changing character of Wayzata Blvd, including competition in Long Lake, supported larger signs. The Commissioners did not feel the sign area was too large, and supported Marathon’s signage plan. Planning Commission minutes are attached as Exhibit B. Sign Description Proposed Allowed Note Wall sign, including new "Orono Station" sign 105 140 Wall signs are permitted up to 140 sq ft per Resolution 4420 (Conforming) Canopy sign 3 totaling 38.1 40 Resolution 4420 permitted 2 Canopy signs, totalling 40 sq ft Lighted Canopy façade Yes No The canopy façade may not be lit, per Section 78-1478 Free standing sign Monumument structure area 141.66 143.69 This is 147% of the proposed sign area, below the 150% maximum Sign copy area 95.79 The current sign is 63 sq ft, Resolution 4420 allowed 59 sq ft # of free standing signs 2 2 Resolution 2073 allowed a second free standing sign Height 20 22 Section 78-1373 allows up to 22 feet high Setback from Wayzata 5 5 Secton 78-1478 allows for a 5 foot setback Changeable Copy 20.16 This is 21% of the sign area, below the 35% limit. Counting the pricer, the changeable copy is 31%. Item No.: 21 Date: June 14, 2021 Item Description: LA21-000035 – Darrin Rosha o/b/o Orono Station West, LLC, 2160 W. Wayzata Blvd – Sign Variances Presenter: Jeremy Barnhart, AICP Community Development Director Agenda Section: Community Development Report