Discussion:
SITE INFORMATION
Applicant: Albrecht Sign Company
Property Owner: Village Green
Location: 1364 Eagle Creek Blvd.
Current Zoning: Multiple Family Residential (R3)
Adjacent Zoning: North: Medium Density Residential (R2)
South: Neighborhood Commercial (NC)
East: Medium Density Residential (R2)
West: Multiple Family Residential (R3)
Comp. Plan: Medium Density Residential
Lot Size: 3.69 Acres
INTRODUCTION
Albrecht Sign Company has made an application for a sign adjustment to replace an existing area identification sign with a new sign which exceeds the maximum allowed sign area. The maximum allowed sign area for an area identification sign is 24 square feet, the proposed sign equals 38.25 square feet. The subject property, 1364 Eagle Creek Blvd., is located on Eagle Creek Boulevard across from the Eagle Pointe Condominiums, directly east of the Top Star Market gas station, off of the intersection of Marschall Road and Eagle Creek Boulevard.
The applicant has provided a descriptive narrative, site plan and elevations for this proposal. There are two identical signs being proposed for two contiguous parcels which make up the White Pines apartment complex. These proposals will have identical discussions and be heard at the same time, but will have separate resolutions as they are on two separate parcels.
BACKGROUND
The White Pines apartment complex was constructed in 1999 and identification signs were constructed alongside them. The 1364 addressed structure is completely hidden from view from Eagle Creek Blvd. while the 1324 building is more prominent from the street. All other types of signage in Residential zones for uses like apartment buildings are not permitted, leaving the area identification sign as the only means for the complex to be identified to passing travelers.
The current signage are freestanding signs held up by poles; the sign at the 1324 address utilizes wood poles and the sign at the 1364 address utilizes poles with a brick veneer, the sign faces are identical. The proposed replacement signage will be more cohesive as they will be identical to each other and better match the coloring and scale of the structures which they are identifying. The proposed signage will utilize beige and white coloring alongside a stone base to more closely match the buildings which they are identifying. The proposed signage will also be an aesthetic improvement as they will be utilizing a stone monument base with a striking white finish for the sign face. Currently the signs are green and beige painted wood panels held up by the previously mentioned poles. The proposed signage will measure at 9 feet in width by 4 feet 3 inches in height for a total of 38.25 square feet, this exceeds the maximum allowed size for an area identification sign by 14.25 square feet. The proposed signs will have internal LED lighting to be visible at night. The increased size of the signage is more than justified by the superior materials, coloring and design than the existing signage on site.
The applicant has worked with staff and made multiple revisions to the original design; lowering the height to the permitted 6 feet and minimizing the size of the sign face from nearly 50 square feet in the original design down to 38.25 square feet currently. With the current speed limit on Eagle Creek Blvd. being 50 M/PH, a slightly larger sign is needed to better identify the structures to passing motorists, who can be traveling at higher speeds than most other streets in Shakopee which are predominantly residential.
FINDINGS
The criteria required for the granting of a sign adjustment are listed below with staff findings.
Criteria #1 There are site conditions that require a sign adjustment to allow the sign to be reasonably visible from a street immediately adjacent to the site;
Finding #1 The speed limit on Eagle Creek Blvd is 50 M/PH, which is much higher than many other streets lined with residential structures. This high-speed limit requires a higher level of visibility for signs than the 24 square feet that is permitted for area identification signs in residential zoning districts.
Criteria #2 The sign adjustment will allow a sign that relates in size, shape, materials, color, illumination and character to the function and architectural character of the building or property on which the sign will be located;
Finding #2 The proposed sign will utilize superior materials than the existing signs. The proposed sign will be monument style with a stone base and a white and beige painted sign face. This will better match the color and style of the current structure than the existing signage.
Criteria #3 The sign adjustment will allow a sign of exceptional design or a style that will enhance the surroundings or that is more consistent with the architecture and design of the site; and
Finding #3 The proposed sign is of exceptional design utilizing superior materials and a monument design. The proposed sign is in scale with the larger apartment structure it is identifying, colored to match the structure on the site and is overall more in harmony with the structure on the site than the existing signage.
Criteria #4 The sign adjustment will not result in a sign that is inconsistent with the purpose of the zoning district in which the property is located or the current land use.
Finding #4 The proposed signs are 38.25 square feet. Maximum allowed size for area identification signs is 24 square feet.The proposed sign is not inconsistent with the purpose of the zoning district or the current land use. A high-density apartment which is zoned for multiple family residential on a parcel which is over 3 acres in area is appropriate for a larger identification sign than what is permitted by code.