HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-08-17 OPH Ltr to Fun Sisters Re Signage CITY Ot-
OAK PARK HEIGHTS
14168 Oak Park Boulevard No. • P.O. Box 2007 • Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 -2007 • Phone: 651/439 -4439 • Fax: 651/439 -0574
August 17, 2007
Patsy & Daryl Skisa
The Fun Sisters Boutique
14612 60th St. N.
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082
Re: Signage @ 14612 60th St. N. , Oak Park Heights, MN 55082
Dear Patsy & Daryl:
I am writing to follow up my July 17, 2007 letter to you and as to my August 1,
2007 telephone conversation with Daryl.
Per my letter of July 17th, I noted my notifying Daryl of the sign design issues he
stopped in to visit me about in April. I let him know that the pylon sign could be
used but that the background could not be white if it was to be illuminated and
advised him that the contractor installing the signs was to be licensed and that a
permit for each sign was required. I requested that the signs be removed or
permits applied for and compliance met no later than August 15, 2007.
I received a call from Daryl on August 1, 2007. Prior to our being cut off, Daryl
informed me that your landlord advised you that a permit was necessary for the
signs. He also informed me that he believed the signs were installed by Sign -a-
Rama of Maplewood, MN, who also had informed you that they had installed
signs in the area and that a permit was not required.
As I advised Daryl on April 10, 2997 and at the time of his visit to City Hall, permits
are indeed required for signage and installers are to be locally licensed to
perform installation services. Sign -a -Rama of Maplewood has been licensed with
us in the past and has also pulled a permit in the past; presently they are not
licensed with the City to perform installation services.
I began discussing, with Daryl, possible solutions to the white background of your
illuminated sign and suggested he contact your sign company to determine an
affordable solution to remove the illumination of the white background of the
sign face so that it would comply with local ordinance requirements. It was at
this time, we lost our connection.
Tree City U.S.A.
When Daryl did not call back, I called his cell phone number and left a detailed
message at 9:38 a.m. as to the sign installers license status and what change was
needed to achieve compliance and reiterated the need for a permit for the two
signs installed and the need for the installer to obtain a local contractor license.
The requirements left in my message were no different than those that were
outlined in my July 17, 2007 letter to the both of you, which I have enclosed with
this letter for your convenience.
As of this date, I have not received a call back from my August 1, 2007 voice
message left with Daryl after our being disconnected and have not received
any additional communication as to the signage or its installation, nor have I
received a permit application for their installation.
These signs remain in place without a permit and continue to be in violation of
City of Oak Park Heights Zoning Ordinance 401, which regulates temporary
"special event" and permanent signage. Once again please be reminded that
violations of City ordinances are considered to be misdemeanor offenses.
Once again, I request you comply with my requests for corrective measures to
the sign and to obtain the necessary permit and your installer to obtain the
necessary license for work. By 4:30 p.m. September 17, 2007 the signs must
either be removed or have permits issued for them and meet compliance as
noted within my communications. Failure to respond will leave little alternative
but to seek remedy to the situation via the issuance of a citation that can be in
excess of $700 per day.
I ask that you contact me immediately if you have any questions regarding my
request or wish to discuss them.
Sincerely,
O2
J ie Hultman
Planning & Code Enforcement Officer
City of Oak Park Heights
Direct Dial: 651.351.1661
Email: jhultman @cityofoakparkheights.com
Enclosures
pc: Joseph Kohler, Property Owner
Eric Johnson, City Administrator
Mark Vierling, City Attorney
Jim Butler, Building Official