Planning Commission Minutes 07-01-2008r~
MINUTES
MONTICELLO PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, July 1st 2008
6:00 PM
Commissioners Present: Rod Dragsten, Charlotte Gabler, Lloyd Hilgart and William Spartz
Commissioners Absent: Barry Voight
Council Liaison Absent: Susie Wojchouski
Staff: Angela Schumann, Gary Anderson
1. Call to order.
Chairman Dragsten called the meeting to order, declared a quorum and noted the absence
of Commissioner Hilgart and Council Liaison Wojchouski.
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2. Consideration to approve the minutes of Apri130~', 2008, and June 3'~, 2008.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER SPARTZ TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF APRIL
30TH, 2008. MOTION SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HILGART. MOTION
CARRIED, 4-0.
3. Consideration of adding items to the a eg nda•
NONE.
4. Citizen comments.
NONE.
5. Continued Public Hearing - Consideration of a recLuest for Variance from Chapter 3, Section
9 of the Monticello Zoning Ordinance regulating Signs. Applicant: Scenic Sign
Schumann reported that the applicant has withdrawn their request at this time. The
applicant's request for variance related to the Liberty Tax wall sign, which was placed on the
building located at 141 E. Broadway. The sign was originally recommended for approval by
DAT. Schumann noted that the applicant placed the sign, based on a miscommunication that
they had received approval. However, upon application for sign permit (after the sign was
already placed), it was determined that based on the total existing building signage, the new
sign may have required a variance for excess square footage. It was believed that there was
an existing CUP for comprehensive sign plan and that this sign exceeded the amount allowed.
• Upon further research, Schumann reported that staff could find no record of an existing
CUP for the building. For that reason, a new CUP will be processed in August.
Planning Commission Minutes - 07/01/08
Schumann stated that in a preliminary review of application materials, it has been
determined that no variance for sign size is required with the Conditional Use Permit.
No further action was required.
6. Public Hearing -Consideration of a request for Amendment to the Monticello Zoning
Ordinance, Section 3-9, re ug_ lating signage for the purpose of promoting or selling a
development project. Applicant: City of Monticello
Schuman presented the staff report, stating that City of Monticello staff is requesting that
the Planning Commission consider a request to amend the sign ordinance for the purpose
of adjusting the permitted versus conditional nature of development signage.
Currently, the ordinance requires a conditional use permit for "signs for promoting and/or
selling a development project" for commercial and industrial developments as follows:
Essentially the ordinance allows one or more signs based on the amount of acreage and
then sets specifications for timing of removal.
Schumann indicated that staff believes that this type of use is actually more appropriate
as a permitted use. Construction and individual property sale signs are already allowed
under permitted uses. The use of signage for the sale of development properties use
would be consistent with those provisions, based on the size and scale of typical
development projects. Amending the code to allow these types of signs as permitted uses
streamlines the process for those seeking to promote or market their development project.
Schumann noted that signs of this nature exist in many locations throughout the
community without conditional use permits, as many developers are unaware of this
requirement.
Staff is suggesting a move of the clause to the permitted section of the ordinance, 3-
0[B] 1.(j) to make the adjustment from conditional to permitted use. Schumann indicated
that staff is also recommending one change to the ordinance language itself, which would
delete the requirement that these signs be reviewed and renewed annually by the City
Council; they would instead be subject to an annual review by the Zoning Administrator
is appropriate for a permitted use activity.
It should be noted that these signs must still be processed through the City's sign permit
application through the Building Department. The Building Department will be working
to permit those signs already in existence, many of which have never received sign
permits.
Hilgart asked if the City would work with developers and builders to make sure signs will
be appropriate. Schumann indicated that the Zoning Administrator would have ability to
review and comment on that matter and on overall maintenance.
• Schumann noted that using semi-trailers as signage is not permitted as a stand-alone use.
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Planning Commission Minutes - 07/01/08
Spartz asked about signs in existence already. Schumann stated that they would work on
those to ensure that permits are obtained.
Gabler asked about the 90% specification. Schumann explained that as this is
commercial/industrial, it would be percentage of land developed. Gabler asked if City
would ask for sign plans. Schumann stated that formal sign plans are only required with
conditional use permits.
Dragsten asked about illumination. Schumann stated that these signs would be required
to follow lighting provisions of the code. Dragsten also clarified where the amendment
would be placed within the code.
Spartz asked if this is supported by staff as consistent with current regulations.
Schumann stated that it is consistent with the individual property sales signs, it is just on
a larger scale. Schumann also noted that the Commission will want to be sure to wrap
this discussion and amendments into the overall sign ordinance amendment.
Chairman Dragsten opened the public hearing. Hearing no comments, Chairman
Dragsten closed the public hearing.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HILGART TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE
AMENDMENT TO THE MONTICELLO ZONING ORDINANCE, SECTION 3-9 AS
• PROPOSED, BASED ON A FINDING THAT SIGNAGE FOR THE PURPOSE OF
PROMOTING OR SELLING A DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IS CONSISTENT WITH
PERMITTED USE SIGN ACTIVITIES.
MOTION SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER SPARTZ. MOTION CARRIED, 4-0.
7. Public Hearing - Consideration of a request for Conditional Use Permit for a Sign Promoting
or Selling a Development Project. Applicant: Nelson Building & Development
Schumann explained that in the previous item, the Planning Commission was asked to
consider an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance which would allow signs for the
purpose of selling and/or promoting a development project as a permitted use. Should
the City approve the proposed amendment, the following item becomes void.
Both of the requests will be forwarded to the City Council for final decision, but the
Planning Commission is asked to review and recommend on this item, should the Council
deny the first item.
Schumann provided the report on the request, stating that Nelson Building &
Development is requesting a conditional use permit to allow the placement of two 100
square foot development sale signs on the privately-owned commercial development
portion of Otter Creek Crossings.
Planning Commission Minutes - 07/01/08
As noted previously, the type of sign requested is currently allowed by conditional use
permit for commercial and industrial developments pursuant to terms described in the
ordinance.
Schumann explained that the two signs proposed by Nelson Development meet the
maximum square footage requirements based on the total acreage of the development
property (38.17 acres). Up to two signs totaling a maximum of 200 square feet are
allowed by ordinance.
Schumann noted that the ordinance requires that the signs be set back half the distance of
the required setback provisions for the district. In this case, the property is zoned B-4.
The B-4 District has a zero setback requirement. Therefore, these signs will be required
to be setback equivalent to the drainage and utility easement in place at those locations.
If the ordinance amendment or conditional use permit is approved, the applicant will be
required to apply for a sign permit through the Building Department.
Chairman Dragsten opened the public hearing. Hearing no comments, Chairman Dragsten
closed the public hearing.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER SPARTZ TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A SIGN PROMOTING AND/OR SELLING A
DEVELOPMENT PROJECT FOR NELSON BUILDING & DEVELOPMENT,
CONTINGENT ON THE CONDITIONS LISTED IN EXHIBIT Z, BELOW, BASED
ON A FINDING THAT THE PROPOSED SIGNAGE MEETS THE ORDINANCE
REQUIREMENTS.
The development signs proposed shall be setback equivalent to the drainage and
utility easement.
2. The applicant is required to apply for and receive a sign permit for the proposed
signage.
3. In compliance with the provisions of the code, the signage is to be removed after
95% of the project is developed.
MOTION SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HILGART. MOTION CARRIED, 4-0.
Adjourn.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER SPARTZ TO ADJOURN. MOTION SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER GABLER. MOTION CARRIED, 4-0.
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