The applicant is requesting a variance to allow for a 6-foot high ground low profile sign with 35.33 square feet of sign display area, 16 square feet of which will be an electronic message center (EMC). The city’s sign code would allow for a 5-foot high ground low-profile sign with 24 square feet of sign display area, 12 square feet of which could be an EMC. The existing ground low profile sign and EMC meet the requirements of the city’s sign code.

On July 7, 2006, a permit was issued for the existing monument sign and EMC.

On February 18, 2020, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on this variance request. One email (attached) expressing concern was received; however, no members of the public spoke at the public hearing. After asking questions clarifying the extent of the variance being requested, confirming that the sign would not be visible from residential properties, and confirming that the sign would be subject to the general EMC ordinance, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the variance.

The proposed monument sign would require a one-foot height variance and an 11.33 square-foot display area variance. While the proposed sign is larger than what the ordinance allows, the unique nature of the applicant’s use requires a larger EMC component than would ordinarily be allowed. The proposed variance is the minimum required to provide an adequate EMC display area, and is not a significant departure from the ordinance’s standards. The proposed sign does not pose a safety risk. For these reasons, staff is recommending that the City Council approve the requested sign variance.

A full discussion of the variance request can be found in the attached staff report.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the variance request to allow a 6-foot-high ground low-profile sign with 35.33 square feet of total display area of which 16 square feet may be an electronic message center, subject to the Conditions of Approval and adopt the attached Findings of Fact and Decision.