3B - Variance for a Sign Exceeding the Height Limit

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Section 7.1 contains performance standards for signs within the City. Subdivision 5(A) contains the following applicable language: i. All signs on a property must be coordinated to create an overall appearance in regards to size and color. ii. Sign area is calculated as the total area of signage and shall include all area bound by a rectangle that encompasses the markings that comprise the sign. For two-sided signs, each side shall be counted. iii. Up to io% of any principle structure fagade area which directly abuts and lies generally parallel to the road right-of-way or to a publicly traveled roadway may be dedicated to signage. a. The permitted sign area may be split up into several signs or used for one sign. b. Any attached sign that protrudes from a structure two (2) feet or less will be counted as part of the building fagade signage. c. For commercial buildings that are entirely set back more than loo feet from the edge of the roadway, 15%of the fagade area may be covered. d. Farsade area may be transferred from one side to another so long as the area used as signage never exceeds io%of the side it is on. e. No credit is given for facade area not directly abutting and lying generally parallel to the road right-of-way or to a publicly traveled roadway. iv. Each property is allowed on freestanding sign so long as the sign can meet the setbacks and its placement does not obstruct the sight or pedestrian corridors. a. On all freestanding signs,both sides of the sign are counted to determine the sign area. b. Buildings located in a 45-mile-per-hour speed zone or higher are allowed up to 96 square feet of freestanding sign that shall not exceed 15 feet in height. c. Buildings located in a less than 45-mile-per-hour speed zone are allowed up to 64 square feet of freestanding sign and, for multi-business buildings, are allowed an additional 8 square feet for each business after the first. The sign may not exceed io feet in height. d. For corner lots, one freestanding sign conforming to these standards is allowed on each roadway. e. Any attached sign that protrudes from a structure more than 2 feet will be considered a freestanding sign. Section 11.7 contains provisions regarding the review of variance applications and directs the Planning Commission to make a decision on a variance request with consideration for the following factors: i. The strict interpretation of the Ordinance would create undue hardship, and 2. The strict interpretation of the Ordinance would be impractical because of circumstances relating to lot size, shape, topographic, or other characteristics of the property not created by the land owner, and 3. The deviation from the Ordinance with any attached conditions will still be in keeping with the spirit and intent of the Ordinance, and 4. The variance will not create a land use not permitted in the zone, and 5. The variance will not alter the essential character of the locality,and 6. The variance is not for economic reasons alone, but reasonable use of the property does not exist under the Ordinance. Staff Findings: The Staff provides the following findings of fact for consideration by the Planning Commission: City of Pequot Lakes Staff Report 2-2 May 17,2007