01/17/2006 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday,January 17,2006 6:00 o'clock p.m. (#06-3173 INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT ZONING STANDARDS, CONTINUED) Shouting suggested a total signage amount be speci�ed. Bremer commented it is difficult for her to envision what five percent of the total building size would be. Shouting stated that one option would be to put a limit on the maximum amount of the sign but that they be allowed a larger sign than 32 square feet if there is a single tenant. There were no further public comments regarding this application. Bremer closed the public hearing at 7:14 p.m. Jurgens stated he believes that number two under C on the off-street parking needs to be revised to make it a little clearer. Bremer indicated she would like Mr. Johnson's comments to be addressed. Bremer stated she agrees there should be a provision for existing structures and that the definitions for automobile service center and outside sales should be revised slightly. Bremer stated parking islands is an interesting issue,noting that Morrie's is a unique use and that she would not have a problem making an exception for that type of use. Winkey inquired what would happen if the use would change. Leslie noted Morrie's currently operates under a conditional use permit. It was the consensus of the Planning Commission that if the use would change,parking islands would be required. Grittman stated he perceives that most of Morrie's parking area is outdoor storage and not parking, and pointed out the landscape island is a parking requirement and not a storage requirement. Bremer stated sign size is an outstanding issue and that she is unsure whether the Planning Commission can make the requested changes. Bremer noted the City does periodically review the City's sign ordinance. Bremer stated she can see where a bigger sign would be helpful and that she would be willing to set some sort of maximum that would be greater than 32 square feet. Bremer stated the City Council would need to look at that more carefully. Gaffron stated the signs the City has approved recently far the dental office, the school, and Morrie's all meet the standards that have been established within the past year for monument signs. Gaffron stated the 32 square feet does seem small for a monument sign and that Staff should probably take a look at that. Leslie inquired whether the vehicles that are being repaired are licensed or unlicensed vehicles or both. Johnson stated both. PAGE 9