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STAFF REPORT Item: Sign Ordinance Background: The Staff recently received a request to place an entrance sign to a new subdivision development.The Ordinance allows residential directory signs, so long as they meet the provisions set forth in Section 7.1,Subdivision E: 1. Signs shall not be internally or externally light,but may be reflective. 2. No sign shall be larger than 3 square feet,except for a permitted home occupation where 6 square feet is allowed. 3. Only one sign per parcel shall be allowed. Under the Ordinance as it currently exists,the standards residential subdivision sign would not be allowed, as they are typically larger than 3 square feet in size and usually are externally lighted. The Staff has researched sign ordinances from other communities to see how they address this type of signage and has found that many communities allow "Area Identification Signs" in residential districts,following specific standards. Other communities typically define Area Identification Signs as follows: A sign to identify a common area containing a group of structures, or a single structure on a minimum of five acres, such as a residential subdivision, apartment complex, industrial park, or shopping center, located at the entrance or entrances of the area. The City of Maple Grove contains the following language in their Ordinance regarding area identification signs: 1. Only one freestanding sign or monument containing a sign may be erected on a lot, which sign shall not exceed 35 square feet or be higher than eight feet in height. 2. Any such sign or monument shall be erected only on a corner lot at the intersection of local or collector streets with collector or arterial roadways and only on property that is a part of the residential development identified therein. 3. The owner of the property on which the monument or sign is located shall be responsible for maintenance of the monument or sign pursuant to the requirements of this chapter unless the city is provided documentation to the contrary showing the person who is responsible. The City of Watertown contains the following language in their regarding this type of signage: Sec.48-12 Association Identification Signs Association Identification signs shall be permitted for the purpose of establishing a common neighborhood or complex identification when there exists an owner's association that provides for the maintenance of the sign or structures. Such signs shall be extensively landscaped with trees, plantings, and natural features, with approval by Planning Commission and City Council. Such signs may incorporate fountains, fences, or similar features. Association Identification sign dimensions shall be regulated in accordance with the sign regulations table as provided herein,however,the maximum area shall be 32 square feet. City of Pequot Lakes Staff Report 4-1 October 19,2oo6