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COMMUNI'T Y � GO of CWRONv e,INSTITUTE DISCUSSION The City is in the process of reviewing the current standards regulating signage. Last month, the Planning Commission briefly reviewed the existing ordinance, examples of signs in Pequot Lakes, and surrounding communities' ordinances/examples. It was suggested by the Planning Commission that any modifications to the sign ordinance should include the following: • Uniform sizes and colors • Quaint • Informative • Address changing technology • Ensure an equal playing field for all businesses • Do not need glitz and glam • Could be more progressive The economic development committee and local business groups have been invited to the April meeting to provide input on changes to the sign ordinance. Sign ordinances for the City of Nisswa and the City of Lanesboro, Minnesota are attached as examples of sign ordinances from City's of similar character. The City of Nisswa sign ordinance is somewhat lengthy because it has a different set of standards for each zoning district. The ordinance explicitly does not allow "illuminated blinking and flashing signs...," like the ordinance Pequot Lakes currently does. Only 32 sq. ft. of free standing signage is allowed in the Central Business District of Nisswa, while 96 sq. ft. or 64 sq. ft. (depending on the speed limit of the adjacent road) is permitted in Pequot Lakes. According to Nisswa's ordinance, each business is allowed to cover 5% of a building fagade (up to 100 sq. ft.) with signage, while commercial businesses in Pequot Lakes are allowed to use up to 10-15% of their fagade for signage. The sign ordinance for the City of Lanesboro is very concise. It regulates signage by the type of sign, not which zoning district the property is in. The ordinance allows business identification signs not over 40 sq. ft., temporary real estate signs, memorial signs, official signs (traffic control, parking, etc.), political signs not exceeding 20 sq. ft., temporary construction signs, temporary signs or banners authorized by the City Council, and signs at apartment buildings not exceeding 25 sq. ft. All illuminated signs, billboards signs and signs with an area greater that what is allowed require a conditional use permit. The existing Pequot Lakes ordinance also requires a CUP for any signage that is not specifically allowed. Existing Pequot Lakes Sign Ordinance: Section 17-7.1 SIGNS 1. Purpose. The purpose of these standards is to protect the general welfare and safety of the City by providing a policy of aesthetic development to prevent signs from intruding on the rural and residential character of the City; to provide