3(a) Ordinance Amendment Regarding Offsite Signs

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May 24, 2018 To: Planning and Zoning Commission From: Sign Committee Mayor Nancy Adams City Council member Scott Pederson Lisa Kaneski, Dairy Queen Sarah Hanson, Optimum Cleaning Chris Monroe, Pequot Lakes Chamber Commission, Thank you for the work you have done on drafting an amendment to the City of Pequot Lakes sign ordinance. This Committee appreciates the work the Commission has done and the special meetings it has held to expedite the process. The Committee would like to offer the following suggested changes to the ordinance cuRently under consideration: 1. Amendment to Section 17-17.1 SIGNS A(1)Size: Amend the last line to say: Construction shall be on a monopole, double post or multiple posts. If more than finro posts are used in the construction, a landscape design to conceal the posts must be submitted with the permit request. Explanation: The Committee believes that aesthetics and having a professional sign inviting people to Pequot Lakes is essential. It also recognizes that allowing for only one or two-post construction increases the cost of signage and could make it cost prohibitive for the City and the business community. The Committee suggests that requiring appropriate landscaping to conceal multiple posts would result in professional signage that is not cost prohibitive. 2. Amendment to Section 17-17.1 SIGNS A(6) Lighting: Amend to say: All exterior illumination of advertising devices shall not interFere with traffic safety. Explanation: The Committee believes that traffic safety is most important when developing an ordinance to govem off-premise signs. It also understands the importance of illumination, so the sign can be seen and fulfill its intended purpose of drawing people to Pequot Lakes. Downward directional lighting can become intrusive and take away from the content of the sign itself. If the lighting does not cause any safety concems to those traveling on the highway, the Committee believes lighting that shines directionally downward or upward should be allowed. Thank you for considering the Committee's suggested changes.