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CITY OF ORONO <br /> PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,May 15,2017 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Olson moved,Schwingler seconded,Application No. 17-3925,City of Orono,Text Amendment: <br /> Small Lots/Setbacks,with the recommendation that Sections 2-5 be stricken and that the language <br /> pertaining to the side yard setback adjacent to an unimproved right-of-way remain. <br /> VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 0. <br /> 3. 17-3934 Jim Kirkland on behalf of North Shore Marina, 1955 Shoreline Drive, Variances, <br /> 7:03 P.M.—7:09 P.M. <br /> Jim Kirkland,Applicant,was present. <br /> Curtis stated the subject property is a marina which has had an existing free standing pylon sign <br /> identifying their site since the late 1980's/early 1990's.At this time the applicants wish to remove the <br /> outdated pylon sign and replace it with a new low-profile stone monument sign in a different location. <br /> This new sign will be 40 inches tall and is proposed to be set back three feet from the property line where <br /> a 10-foot setback is required and 60 feet from the lake where a 75-foot setback is required. A hardcover <br /> variance for the 75-foot area is requested to permit the 15 square foot footprint of the sign where no <br /> hardcover is permitted. <br /> A variance to the sign ordinance is also requested to permit a 16-inch clearance from the grade. The code <br /> requires a minimum of 20 inches of clearance from grade for the sign copy area and the applicants are <br /> proposing 16 inches of clearance.The 20-inch requirement is to facilitate placement of plantings around <br /> the sign. <br /> Hennepin County has submitted comments relating to the sign location and have expressed no concerns. <br /> To date,no additional public comments have been received. <br /> Staff finds the site's size and orientation squeezed between Shoreline Drive and the lake serve as practical <br /> difficulties supporting both the setback variances as well as the hardcover variance. Additionally,the <br /> width of the shoulder supports the installation of the low-profile monument sign within the required <br /> setback. Although the sign will be three feet from the property line,it will be ten feet from the"curb"and <br /> 20 feet from the fog line on Shoreline Drive.The ground clearance requirement conflicts with the <br /> applicant's desire to have a low-profile sign. A fence located at the same setback could be 42 inches tall <br /> and the sign is proposed at 40 inches. <br /> Planning Staff recommends approval. <br /> Thiesse asked if the City would be assuming any risk by allowing the sign closer to the road. <br /> Curtis stated she is not aware of any and that the City Engineer and Hennepin County are aware of the <br /> request. <br /> Thiesse asked why the applicants only want it 16 inches from the ground. <br /> Curtis indicated the applicants would like a low profile sign and that they do not need the sign to identify <br /> the site. <br /> Jim Kirkland,North Shore Marina, stated they are just looking to have a more updated sign. <br /> Chair Thiesse opened the public hearing at 7:07 p.m. <br /> Page 5 of 23 <br />