PL 05/03/2006 - 30891�.
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CITY OF FRIDLEY
PLANNING COMMISSION
May 3, 2006
CALL TO ORDER:
Commissioner Savage called the regular meeting of the Planning Commission to order
at 7:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
MEMBERS ABSENT:
OTHERS PRESENT:
Larry Kuechle, Diane Savage, Brad Dunham, Leroy Oquist
Dean Saba, Barbara Johns, David Kondrick
Stacy Stromberg, City Planner
Brian Bona, 5333 University Avenue NE
APPROVE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES: - April 5th, 2006
MOTION by Commissioner Kuechle, seconded by Commissioner Dunham to approve
the minutes as presented.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, COMMISSIONER SAVAGE DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED UNAMINOUSLY.
PUBLIC HEARING:
1. Consideration of a Saecial Use Permit. SP #06-05, bv Brian Bona to allow a
free-standina electronic reader board siqn, aenerallv located at 5333
Universitv Avenue NE.
MOTION by Commissioner Oquist, seconded by Commissioner Dunham, to open the
public hearing.
UPON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, COMMISSIONER SAVAGE
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING OPENED AT 7:33
P.M.
Ms. Stromberg, City Planner, presented a request from the petitioner, Brian Bona,
owner of Bona Bros. Automotive Services, who is requesting a special use permit to
allow a free standing electronic changeable message sign at his business, which is
located at 5333 University Avenue. The petitioner is proposing to construct an 80
square foot free standing sign on the north side of his property, of which 30 square feet
will be used for the electronic message sign.
Ms. Stromberg reviewed the history of the property that was originally developed as a
�-., service station in 1955. In 2000, that building was demolished. In 1999, the subject
property was granted a special use permit to allow an automobile service station in a C-
2, General Business zoning district. At the same time a variance was also granted to
^ reduce the setback from the adjacent residential district on the east side of the property
from 50 feet to 25 feet. The existing building was then constructed in 2000 as Bona
Bros. Automotive Services. In 2003, a special use permit was granted to expand an
automotive service station, and as a result an addition to the building was constructed in
2004.
Ms. Stromberg stated that electronic changeable signs are an approved special use in
any zoning district, except residential, provided the message doesn't change more often
that once ever 45 seconds. The sign also needs to be in conformance with the sign
requirements for zoning district, in which the properly is located. The subject property is
zoned, C-2, General Business, which requires that all free standing signage per
development combined, can not exceed 80 square feet in size. The proposed pylon sign
is 80 square feet, with the electronic message portion of the sign being 30 square feet.
The petitioner also owns and operates the gas station south of the subject property, this
property, however, is a separate parcel from the subject property. Because each
property is its own parcel, with its own PIN number, each property is entitled to have
their own free standing 80 square foot sign.
Ms. Stromberg stated that City Staff recommends approval of the special use permit as
electronic changeable signs are an approved special use in the commercial zoning
district, provided the sign complies with Code requirements, subject to stipulations.
Ms. Stromberg stated City Staff recommends that if the special use permit is granted,
the following stipulations be attached.
^ 1. Petitioner shall obtain sign permit and current sign erector license prior to
installing any signage on site.
2. Message on L.E.D. sign shall not change more often than authorized under
Section 214.07 of the Fridley City Code.
3. Message on L.E.D. sign shall never flash or have motion that may distract
vehicular traffic in the area.
4. The proposed free standing sign shall be 10 feet from any property line or
driveway.
5. Petitioner shall adhere to city code requirements for temporary signs.
Commissioner Kuechle questioned how many electronic reader board signs are
currently in the City of Fridley.
Ms. Stromberg replied that this is the third request so far this year for an electronic
reader board sign, which is higher than usual, and estimated that the City has less than
a dozen electronic reader board signs.
Commissioner Dunham questioned if the owner has thoughts of installing an additional
sign on the gas station property.
Ms. Stromberg replied that there is already a sign at the gas station.
Commissioner Savage encouraged Staff to revisit the code requirements regarding
electronic reader board signs.
^ Mr. Bona, 5333 University Avenue, stated that he understood the sensitivity with City
Staff regarding electronic reader board signs and agreed with their concerns. Currently
,--� the property does not have a lot of signs on the property and they have tried to create a
subdued atmosphere. With that in mind, Mr. Bona does not think this request is
unreasonable. The L.E.D. sign he is requesting is limited to project light and viewers
must be directly in front of the sign to see the message. If persons are standing 45
degrees to the left or right, the message would be hard to view. This sign would be
designed tastefully.
Commissioner Savage complimented Mr. Bona's property and was impressed with the
overall look. She was surprised with the request to install an electronic reader board
sign and questioned the reason for an electronic reader board sign and what kind of
message would be displayed on the sign.
Mr. Bona replied that the business may advertise specials or that they have an Asian
car specialist on duty. The message would be changed either weekly or monthly. This
electronic reader board sign would be like a salesman on the comer for the business.
Commissioner Savage questioned if Mr. Bona had a problem with any of the
stipulations.
Mr. Bona replied that he did not have a problem with the stipulations and reiterated that
the sign would be done tastefully with landscaping.
Commissioner Savage stated that the subject property was a striking piece of property
that fits well with the neighborhood.
^ MOTION by Commissioner Oquist, seconded by Commissioner Dunham, to close the
public hearing.
UPON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, COMMISSIONER SAVAGE
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 7:40
P.M.
Commissioner Kuechle stated that he was in favor of the application as the request is
within the guidelines of the City and complies with the regulations for permitted special
use.
Commissioner Oquist agreed with Commissioner Kuechle and that the sign would be
developed tastefully.
Commissioner Dunham concurred with the others and would recommend approval of
the request.
MOTION by Commissioner Kuechle, seconded by Commissioner Oquist, to approve the
request for a Special Use Permit, SP #06-05, by Brian Bona, to allow a free-standing
electronic reader board sign, generally located at 5333 University Avenue NE with the
following stipulations:
1. Petitioner shall obtain sign permit and current sign erector license prior to
^ installing any signage on site.
2. Message on L.E.D. sign shall not change more often than authorized under
Section 214.07 of the Fridley City Code.
�--� 3. Message on L.E.D. sign shall never flash or have motion that may distract
vehicular traffic in the area.
4. The proposed free standing sign shall be 10 feet from any property line or
driveway.
5. Petitioner shall adhere to city code requirements for temporary signs.
UPON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, COMMISSIONER SAVAGE
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Receive the minutes of the Aaril 10. 2006, Parks and Recreation
Commission Meetina.
MOTION by Commissioner Oquist, seconded by Commissioner Kuechle to receive the
minutes of the April 10, 2006 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, COMMISSIONER SAVAGE DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED UNAMINOUSLY.
3. Receive the minutes of the March 14, 2006 Environmental Qualitv and
Enerqv Commission MeetinA.
MOTION by Commissioner Kuechle, seconded by Commissioner Dunham to receive the
minutes of the March 14, 2006 Environmental Quality and Energy Commission Meeting.
^ UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, COMMISSIONER SAVAGE DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED UNAMINOUSLY.
4. OTHER BUSINESS:
UPDATES: Two Stooges electronic reader board sign was approved by the City
Council and the Sign Code text amendment will be going to the City
Council on Monday, May 8, 2006 for a public hearing.
The May 17, 2006 Planning Commission meeting is cancelled.
ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION by Commissioner Dunham, seconded by Commissioner Oquist to adjoum.
UPON UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, COMMISSIONER SAVAGE DECLARED THE
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:43 p.m.
RespectFully Submitted,
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Krista Monsrud
Recording Secretary
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CITY OF FRIDLEY
SIGN-IN SHEET
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