07-08-2024 CC Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY OF ORONO RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL NO. 7492 2 3. The Property is within Tier 3 and hardcover is limited to 35 % according to the Stormwater Quality Overlay District. 4. Applicant has applied for the following variances: a. Permitted Sign Area b. Changeable Message Sign 5. In considering this application for variances, the Council has considered the advice and recommendation of the Planning Commission and the effect of the proposed variance upon the health, safety and welfare of the community, existing and anticipated traffic conditions, light and air, danger of fire, risk to the public safety, and the effect on values of property in the surrounding area. ANALYSIS: 1. “Variances shall only be permitted when they are in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the ordinance . . . .” The subject property currently contains a freestanding sign on the property. The existing sign is nonconforming, but permitted to remain and to be replaced. The proposal is to replace the sign with a new, modernized sign of the same size. The dimensions of the changeable copy area is also nonconforming for the existing sign The proposal will modify the manual changeable copy area to a digital display. The new sign is not increasing the nonconformity and therefore in harmony with the general intent and purpose of the ordinance. The new digital display will not impact neighboring residential properties. This criterion is met. 2. “Variances shall only be permitted . . . when the variances are consistent with the comprehensive plan.” The replacement of a nonconforming sign is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. The applicant has identified the necessary practical difficulties inherent to the land supporting their requests. The proposal will meet all other zoning requirements. This criterion is met. 3. “Variances may be granted when the applicant for the variance establishes that there are practical difficulties in complying with the zoning ordinance. ‘Practical difficulties,’ as used in connection with the granting of a variance, means that: a. The property owner in question proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner, however, the proposed use is not permitted by the official controls. The addition of a digital display sign for a place of worship is a reasonable improvement. The existing sign on the property is nonconforming as it relates to area and amount of changeable copy area and this will not increase with the proposed replacement sign. A digital display will allow Good Shepherd Lutheran Church to adequately present information to their congregation without impacting any residential properties. This criterion is met. 48