03-14-2011 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, March 14, 2011 7:00 o'clock p.m. • 8. LAND USE APPLICATION/DEVELOPMENT AND WETLAND SIGNAGE Curtis stated with the adoption of the City's wetlands protection ordinance in 2005, the City began requesting buffer edges to be identified on surveys and physically identified on each property with a marker or sign. In order to have consistency in the signs within the City, Staff is suggesting having signs made to have on hand for purchase by developers and property owners. The signs will be brown in color, may display the City logo, and would indicate the wetland buffer boundary as well as direct interested parties to the Planning Department or the City's website for more information regarding wetlands and wetland buffers. Curtis displayed samples of the proposed signs. The City follows the requirements outlined within MN Statute 462.357, Subdivision 3, and City Code Section 78 -98 regarding notification of land use applications - variances, CUPS, rezoning, etc. In addition, the City also provides applicants with an 18" x 24" sign to display at the subject property to allow for identification of the property in question. The small signs are made of a thick plastic and the applicants are asked to display the sign at the property. Applicants can dispose of the signs following Council action as they see fit as the signs are not re -used. For smaller projects, such as a single - family home, the smaller signs are adequate. Occasionally a larger project such as a subdivision or commercial development may necessitate a larger sign for property identification. The City does not currently have any large signage on hand. Staff would • like to have approximately five 2'x 4' signs made. Public Works staff would attach the signs to metal sign posts to use for larger development projects. Public Works staff would store the signs while not in use as well as deliver the signs to the sites when necessary. These signs would be re -used. Staff is suggesting a brown background with clear, bold lettering. The signs would contain no graphics, have a General statement regarding a land use application or development and direct interested parties to contact the Planning Department. The development signs would be re -used and the wetland buffer signs would be a pass - through cost as they will be purchased by developers and property owners. Replacement of the wetland signs would be necessary after approximately 10 years as the signs will fade. Staff recommends the large development signs and wetland buffer signs as designed. Bremer commented she likes the brown color. McMillan stated her only concern is whether the sign is too big. Curtis stated it may appear big, but when it is located out in a field, it does not appear that large. Curtis indicated the brown color would help the sign blend in and that the size could be reduced somewhat. Staff would like to have the sign big enough to contain some basic information. Bremer stated she would be fine with reducing the size. McMillan asked whether it would be expensive to have the City's logo placed on the signs. • Curtis indicated it would be included in the cost. - Page 8 of 22