08/17/2015 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday,August 17,2015 6:30 o'clock p.m. Barnhart stated if a business was to provide signage for city, community, nonprofit or charitable organizations,the City would let them advertise for five times per year up to 50 calendar days. Staff would propose adding a section where a permit can be issued to city,community, nonprofit or charitable organizations for temporary signage to be placed on another person's property with their permission. Barnhart stated the idea is to cover some church events, city events, or nonprofits that do not own property but would like to place signage advertising their event. Barnhart noted the ordinance does not give the Council the authority to issue an interim use permit if an interim use permit or temporary sign permit had been issued in the previous 24 months to that property, with city, community, nonprofit or charitable organizations being exempt from that provision provided they obtain a permit. Berg asked how this relates to Parade of Home signs and builder signs. Barnhart stated the Parade of Homes is a private organization and an argument can be made that it is a for profit organization. Barnhart indicated they can apply for a conditional use permit every four months. Barnhart stated the City is becoming more aggressive about illegal signs in the right-of-way. Lemke stated 60 days seems like a long time. Barnhart stated Staff felt 60 days was better than 90 days. Lemke asked if 30 would be better than 60. Barnhart stated if someone is going through the expense and trouble of an interim use sign, it is not for a garage sale but something bigger, but that the time limit can be reduced if the Planning Commission felt it appropriate. Leskinen asked if another vehicle could be used since the City does not have an interim use. Barnhart stated it could be a staff issued permit or a permit issued by the City Council. Barnhart stated the goal of the permit is to gain public input. Barnhart stated interim use permits is an effective tool and might be worth exploring further. Leskinen stated the Planning Commission has had some discussions in the past regarding interim uses and that she likes the idea of creating this exemption or this opportunity to make it easier for the charities and nonprofits to be able to advertise without having to jump through too many hoops. Leskinen stated in her view there also needs to be some public input on signs within the right-of-way since there can be sight line issues, which could create a safety condition. Landgraver asked if the Navarre Bike Event is a 501(c)(3). Barnhart stated it is not. Landgraver noted the ordinance links it to a 501(c)(3). Landgraver asked who will be checking that and whether it applies to all 501(c)(3)organizations. Page 41 of 43