HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-09-03 Planner Report northwest associated consultants, inc.
PLANNING REPORT
TO: Oak Park Heights Mayor and City Council
FROM: Martha Greenwald /Curt Gutoske
DATE: 3 September 1987
RE: Greenbrier Sign Variance
FILE NO: 798.02 - 87.09
BACKGROUND
The owner of Greenbrier Office building, located at 14791 North 60th Street,
has filed a request for a variance from the setback requirements pertaining
to freestanding signs. The owner wants to replace an existing sign in poor
condition with a new sign at the same location. The current sign is set
back 17 feet from the property line, in the front yard of the property. The
new sign would measure 5 feet by 12 feet and would be internally lit. The
subject property is located in the "B -2" zoning district (see Exhibit A).
CONSIDERATIONS
1. Current Setback Standards. The sign ordinance specifies that signs must be
set back a distance of at least one -half the minimum front yard setback, which
is 40 feet in a B -2 District. In this case, the sign would have to be set back
at least 20 feet. The existing sign is set back 17 feet, and the applicant
wants to replace the existing sign in the current location. He argues that a
variance is merited because conformity with setback requirements would force him
to place the sign in the parking lots.
The existing sign is legally nonconforming.
2. Standards for Evaluating Sign Variances. The ordinance states that a conforming
sign may not be changed to another nonconforming sign. It also states that a
variance can be permitted if there is a demonstrated unique hardship caused by
topographical or some other site limitation.
The applicant is attempting to change a legally nonconforming sign to another
nonconforming sign.
The applicant states that compliance with setback requirements would place the
new sign in the parking lot. The site plan submitted does not bear this out
(see Exhibit B). The sign could be placed back an additional three feet, on the
4601 excelsior blvd., ste. 410, minneapolis, mn 55416 (612) 925 -9420
` Oak Park Heights Mays_ et. al.
3 September 1987
Page Two
boundary between the paving and the grassy side yard, with no apparent ill
effect. This would bring it inta conformance with ordinance standards.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the requested variance in front yard setback for a
new freestanding sign on the Greenbrier Office property be denied. It has
not been demonstrated that by placing the sign 20 feet or more back from
the front yard any unique hardship will occur.
The area of the proposed new sign conforms with ordinance requirements. In
order to construct an illuminated sign, an electrical permit will be required.
CC: LaVonne Wilson
Frank Leier
Lyle Eckberg
Mike Dvorak
Greenbrier Sign Variance
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