5 Sign Variance Giant PandaCffYOF
CHANHASSEN
7700 Market Boulevard
PO Box 147
Chanhassen. MN 55317
Administration
Phone: 952.227.1100
Fax: 952.227.1110
Building Inspections
Phone: 952.227.1180
Fax: 952.227.1190
Engineering
Phone: 952.227.1160
Fax:. 952.227.1170
Finance
Phone: 952.227.1140
Fax: 952.227.1110
Park & Recreation
Phone: 952.227.1120
Fax:. 952.227.1110
Recreation Center
2310 Coulter BmJlevard
Phone: 952.227.1400
Fax: 952.227.1404
Planning &
Natural Resources
Phone: 952.227.1130
Fax: 952.227.1110
Public Wod=
1591 Park Road
Phone: 952.227.1300
Fax:. 952.227.1310
Senior Center
Phone: 952.227.1125
Fax: 952.227.1110
Web Site
v##:.ci.chanha~.mn.us
TO:
Todd Gerhardt, City Manager
FROM:
Bob Generous, Senior Planner
DATE: April 28, 2003
SUB J:
Sign Variance for Installation of Wall Signs on Three Sides of the
building at Hi-Way 5 Centre
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This item was tabled from the April 14, 2003 due to the issue regarding the
screening of the rooftop equipment. Staff has attempted to provide some
alternatives in relation to the screening of the rooftop equipment. As a general
role, we encourage rooftop equipment to be located as near the center of the roof
as possible. This permits even small parapet walls to screen large equipment by
lengthening the site distance angle. After the fact screening is alway8 difficult if
not unfeasible to achieve.
Staff has developed three dLff~t alternatives to potentially address the
screening issue including painting the rooftop equipment, extending the parapet
wall, or installing an equipment enclosure structure.
Staff met with Jill Ramsey on April 22, 2003, to review the alternatives. While
her preference is not to screen the equipment since this has been an existing
condition for the last six years, she did say that painting the equipment the color
of the parapet wall would be an acceptable corn!re)raise. She was opposed to the
extension of the parapet wall and 8damantly opposed to ins~on of a
mechanical equipment enclosure. She stated that they already have had problems
with leaks in the roof and this alternative would only acerbate it. She was also
concerned that Mr. Pan would suffer financially from these screening
requirements, which should have been borne by the original owner of the
business.
Painted: (Staff recommends that ff this option is chosen, the color be the same as
the parapet wall.)
This option is the least costly of the three screening options.
Blends the equipment with the building, Tan.
The City of Chanhassen · A growing community with clean lakes, qLality schools, a charming dovmtown, thriving busing, winding trails, and beautiful parks. A grot place to live, work, and play.
Todd Gerhardt
April 28, 2003
Page 2
Con:
Paint peels over time.
Equipment can still be seen directly.
Makes the equipment stand out even more, Blue.
Extend Parapet Wall:
Pro: Completely screens view of equipment from west, only.
Con:
Must be engineered if parapet is higher than four feet high.
Must be lengthy to provide screening to northwest and southwest.
Cost is believed to be only slightly lower than enclosure option.
Would not match the rest of the building's architectural detail, i.e., would look out
of place, since this type of detail is not present on other areas of the building.
Mechanical Enclosure:
Pro: Completely screens equipment.
Con:
Most expensive option, estimated in excess of $2,500.
Would require cutting into roof structure.
Retrofitting more difficult than instaUation with initial consuu~on.
APPLICABLE REGULATIONS
Several sections of the code address screening of mechanical equipment:
Sec. 20-116 (c). Architectural standards.
(c) All rooRop or ground-mounted mechanical equipment and exterior trash storage areas
shall be enclosed with materials compatible with the principal smacmre. Low profile, serf-
contained mechanical units which blend in with the building architecture may be exempt
from the screening requirement.
Sec. 20-916. Rooftop screening.
All roof-mounted equipment on buildings located within thc business, office, and industrial
districts shall provide for screening which is consistent with the exterior of the principle
struck.
Sec. 20-1067. Height and roof design.
Building heights shall be limited to three (3) stories or forty (40) feet in the Highway 5 Corridor
District. Otherwise building heights shall be consistent with the standards of the underlying
zoning district. Measurement of the highest point shall exclude antennas for television and radio
Todd Gerhardt
April 28, 2003
Page 3
reception, but shall include architectural details (e.g., parapet walls), transmission antennas,
satellite dishes and transmission equipment, microwave-transmission equipment, and other
nonstructural building elements.
Pitched roofs should have a minimum roof pitch of one (1) rise to four (4) feet of run. Flat roofs
should be defined with an ornamental parapet or cornice. Average parapet height shall not
exceed fifteen (15) percent of the height of the supporting wall and maximum parapet height at
any point shall not exceed one-third (1/3) of the support wall.
Mechanical equipment, satellite dishes, and other utility hardware, whether located on the roof or
exterior of the building or on the ground adjacent to it, shah be screened from the public view
and with materials identical to or-strongly similar tO building materials or by heavy landscaping
that will be effective in winter or they shall be located so as not to be visible from any public
way. Use of parapet walls or pitched roof elements to screen equipment is encouraged. In no
case shall wooden fencing be used as a rooftop equipment screen.
Each building shall contain one (1) or more pitched elements (pitched roof, awnings, entries,
etc.).
Sec. 20-1454 (9). ArehitecUmfl design standards.
(9) Mechanical equipment, satellite dishes, and other utility hardware, whether located on
the roof or exterior of the building or on the ground adjacent to it, shall be screened from the
public view and with materials identical to or strongly similar to building materials or by
heavy landscaping that will be effective in winter or they shall be located so as not to be
visible from any public way. Use of parapet walls or pitched roof elements to screen
equipment is encouraged. In no case shall wooden fencing be used as a rooftop equipment
8Cl'~n.
RECOMMF. NDATION
City Council action includes approval of one motion:
'Whe Chanlmssen City Council approves a sign variance for Hi-way S Centre to permit
wall signage on three sides of the building (north, west and south).
The Planning Commission recommended that a condition of approval be that the use of window
signs be prohibited for the south unit. In addition, a Council member has recommended that a
condition of approval be that the roof top equipment be screened.
ATFA~NTS
1. E-mail from Jill Ramsey dated April 23, 2003.
Todd G~rhardt
April 28, 2003
Page 4
2. Memorandum from Bob Generous to Todd Gerhardt dated 4/14~03
3. Planning Commission ~Fmutes of March 18, 2003
4. Planning Commission Staff Report
Page 1 of 1
Generous, Bob
From: jill ramsey [ramseymj~}msn.com]
Sent: Wednesday, Apdl 23, 2003 1:22 PM
To: BGenerous ~} CI.Chanhassen.MN.US
Subject: Meeting of April 22. 2003
Bob,
This letter Is In regards to our meeting yesterday concerning the screening of the rooftop unit.
As we discussed, my first choice would be to do nothing with the unit. The unit was Installed In
1998 and at no time since then has the City contacted me with concerns about It's
apperance. However, knowing that the City Is adament about the screening condition being
attached to the approval of Mr. Pan's Giant Panda sign, the most viable option you presented to
me would be to paint the unit for the following reasons:
1. We have had previous problems with leakage from the roof Into the retail spaces. As you
explained to me, screening the unit would require cutting Into the roof. This could create further
Issues with leakage. We have been dealing with the roof Installer and roof lining manufacturer on
the existing problems and are not willing to potentially create further problems that could nullify
the warrenty on the roof.
2. Screening the unit will be an undue financial burden to Mr. Pan. As we discussed, the unit was
Installed five years ago by the previous Giant Panda owner. It would be unfair to Impose costs of
several thousand dollars to Mr. Pan.
3. After viewing the potential solutions you presented to me, painting the unit the color of the
existing building parapet walls would be the most visually appealing choice. Surrounding the unit
with walls draws more attention than leaving the unit as It presently exists.
Thank you for the time and attention you have given this matter. I would like to have copies of
the slides you presented to me for my files.
Sincerely,
.1111 Eamsey
! appreciate the time
4/23/2O03
C 0F
CHA HASE
7700 Market Boulevard
PO BOx147
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Administration
Phone: 952.227.1100
Fax: 952.227.1110
Building Inspe~tlon=
Phone: 952227.1180
Fax: 952.227.1190
Engineering
Phone: 952.227.1160
Fax: 952.227.1170
Finance
Phone: 952.227.1140
Fax: 952.227.1110
Park & Recreation
Phone: 952.227.1120
Fax: 952.227.1110
Recreation Crater
2310 Couitrer Boulevard
Phone: 952.227.1400
Fax:. 952.227.1404
Planning &
Natural Ruources
Phone: 952.227.1130
Fax: 952.227.1110
Public Works
1591 Park Road
Phone: 952.227.1300
Fax: 952227.1310
Senior Center
Phone: 952.227.1125
Fax: 952227.1110
Web Site
;,,,,,w,,.ci.chanhassen.m n.us
TO:
FROM:
Bob Generous, Senior Planner
DATE: April 14, 2003
SUB J:
Sign Variance for Installation of Wall Signs on Three Sides of the
Building at Hi-Way 5 Centre
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The applicant is requesting a variance m keep the wall signage on the south
elevation of the building, "Giant Panda" and a logo depicting a panda bear, which
was permitted in error. While the signage complies with the sign code, it did not
comply with the conditions of site plan approval, which moved signage from the
south to west building elevation.
One of the conditions of approval of the Highway 5 Centre site plan was that wall
signs shall be located on no more than 2 street frontages. The sign ordinance
requires that wall signage be installed only on elevations with street frontage. In
this case, the building abuts West 79t~ Street and TH 5. Therefore, wall signage
would be permitted on the north and south elevations. Since the tenant spaces
face the west, the owner requested to give up signage along the southern elevation
in remm for gaining signage along the west elevation.
While staff had recommended denial of the sign variance, three viable alternatives
were presented for consideration. The Planning Commission recommended
approval of alternative 3 which approved the sign variance with the condition that
window signage be prohibited in the Southern unit. The Planning Commission
felt that removal of the signage would be a hardship.
(The tenant has already removed the window signage.)
RECOMMENDATION
City Council action includes approval of one motion:
'*rhe Chanhassen City Council approves a sign variance for Highway 5 Centre to
permit wall signage on three sides of the building on the basis that the permit was
issued on January 28, 2003, and the sign was installed prior to staff notifying the
applicant, and subject to the following condition:
The applicant must eliminate the use of window signs for the south uniL"
The City of Chanhmen · A growing community,#ith clean lakes, quality schools, a channing downtown, thriving businesses, winding trails, and beautiful parks. A grot place to live, work, and play.
Todd Gerhardt
April 14, 2003
Page 2
PLANNING COMMI~ION UPDATE
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on March 18, 2003, to review the req~ sign
variance:
CONSIDER TUE REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE FOR SIGNAGE LOCATED AT 463
WEST 79xa STREET~ GIANT PANDA~ MIKE RAMSEY.
Bob Generous presenteA the staff report on this issue.
Public Present:
Nnme Address
Paul Punt
Peng Pan
Jill Ramsey
8014 Dakota Avenue
760 West Village Road, #106
6362 Oxbow Bend
Lillehaug moved, Claybaugh seconded that the Planning Commlnnion re~gnmends approval of the
sign variance for Highway 5 Centre to permit wall ~nage on three sides of the building on the
basis that the permit was issued on January 28, 2003, and the sign was installed prior to staff
notifying the applicant, and subject to the following condition:
1. The applicant must eliminate the use of window signs for the south windows.
All voted in favor, except Sacchet who opposed, and the motion carl'led with a vote of 4 to 1.
Commissioner Sacchet opposed the motion because he thought the no window signage should apply to
the whole building.
Chairwoman Blackowiak stated the City Council summary as follows: Staff recommended denial of this
issue. Planning Commission by a 4-1 vote recommended approval to option number 3 which excludes
any window signs on the Giant Panda on the south tenant locatiom Reasoning was that the signage was
done in good faith. That the permit was issued and the error was not discovered until after the sign was
installed, so based on that we feel that it was not the apglicant's fault. It also looks cleaner without the
window lettering, and they are neighbors to too many people, or specifically Villages PUD fight across
the street which has many 3 signed buildings, but not here. If it were in a different location I would
probably say you know strictly follow the rules but in this case, because they have so many neighbors
directly to the south that have 3 and 4 signs, or 3 sided signs or 4 sided signs, that it is justified. And also
Uli's connmnts regarding the timing issues were very i .m!x~'tant in our decisiom Commissioner. Slagle
stated the assmnption was made that the applicant was not aware of the prior denial of this southern
elevation. Commissioner Sacchet's point was he thought no window signage should apply to the whole
building because the owner did know of prior denials for a sign on the south elevatiom Commissioner
Claybaugh Mghlighted the point he made earlier that he believe it's a unique ~ insofar as that it
really truly does not have any street frontage, and not in order to justify this particular signage but
possibly something to address with respect to the signage stature and ordinances in the furore.
April 14, 2003
Page 3
1. Planning Commission Minutes of March 18, 2003
2. Planning Commission Staff Report
Planning Commission Meeting - March 18, 2003
CoNSmER ~ REO~ FOR A VARIANCE FOR SIGNAGE LOCATED AT 463 WEST
79TM STRE_ET~ GIANT PANDA~ MIKE ~.
Public Present:
Nnme Address
Paul Punt 8014 Dakota Avenue
Peng Pan 760 West Village Road, #106
Jill Ramsey 6362 Oxbow Bend
Bob Generous presented the staff report on this item.
Blackowiak: Craig, I'll start down at your end. Questions for staff.
Claybaugh: Sure. What type amortization schedule are you working on Bob?
Generous: Well we would have to look at what's a ~le period. The sign costs about $1,100 to
have it installed. We'd look at what advertising costs would be to, for a reasonable business expeme. I
don't know if it's $50 a month. $100 a month and then after that time period they would have to remove
it.
Clayhaugh: Okay. Just a couple of points I wanted to clarify for myseff. Tl~ application that was
previously denied, you just commented ff I understood you correctly, that that was a previous owner. It
wasn't the current owner.
Claybaugh: I thought that was important.
the signage was already installed.
Generous: Correct.
Claybaugh: So it was after the fact.
proceeding...
Generous: Right, they followed, they went under th~ permit that was issued.
Clayhaugh: That's all the quesfiom I have right now.
Blackowiak: Okay. Steve, q~ons?
Lillehaug: Yes. Do you know how long the tenant has occupied this building?
G-en~us: I'm not sure.
Lillehaug: Not sure. Any idea? A couple years. Okay, I'll ask.
Blackowialc We'll ask yeah. We'll ask the tenant.
And that when the staff went out and recognized the error, that
It wasn't a question of them willful non-compliance of ~
13
Planning Commission Meeting - March 18, 2003
Lillehaug: Did the applicant originally request to install a sign on the south elevation when they initially
occupied this building?
Generous: Yes, the original owner did.
Lillehaug: The original owner but.
Generous: The amendment pro, ss before this.
So did they install both the westerly sign and the southerly sign at the same time?
Lillehaug: Okay.
Generous: No.
Lillehaug:
Generous:
Lillehaug:
Generous:
Lillehaug:
Generous:
So they did install the westerly sign7
Correct.
Along with on the monet, the pylon sign out on the south, that was installed?
Correct.
But originally they didn't install this Caiam Panda sign on the south elevation7
Correct.
Lillehaug: Was there anything that changed that the tenant thought? I mean he initially didn't install that
sign so is there anything that changed in your mind that would trigger something that the tenant could
now install this sign on the south? Are you following me there?
Generous: Yes, but I'm not sure. He, when he got into that he was aware that he couldn't have it and he
did it as a business process. He wanted to get more visibility so he came to the City for the application.
Lillehaug: Okay. I'll direct the questions to the tenant then, thanks.
Blackowiak: Okay. Uli, questions?
Sacchet: Yes I have a few questions. First of all the ~ line. ~ was the sign installed? Was it
before February 11~?
Generous: I believe so.
Sacchet: Was it before February 6~ This is relevant. I'm sorry, it might sound nit picky but~
Generous: It's February 6~.
Sacchet: It was before February
Generous: No, it was on February 6~.
Sacchet: Alright, let's be a little more specific then because according to the letter that you send to Mr.
Pan on February 11~, you did a site visit on February 6a' to tell him that the permit was given in error.
14
Planning Commission Meeting - March 18, 2003
Sacchet: And at that point was the sign up or not?
Generous: It was up.
Sacchet: It was up, okay. Because I think that's significant for at least my own reasoning. Now to
clarify also in this letter from February 11~. You pointed out an option that if the property owner would
be willing to remove the signage on the north end, then the south end sign could be considered legitimate.
I assume the property owner does not want to give up the sign on the nor&
Generous: That's correct
Sacchet: Okay. Just to be real clear. What's the situation with the examples that the sign applicant
pointed out in the city, buildings that have signs on 3 or more sides like Market Square, Byerly's,
AmericInn, the Bell Mortgage. What's the context?
Generous: Those are genenflly within planned unit development and the design stan~ were created as
part of it. Within the Bell Mortgage sign they do have street frontages on 2 sides and the design standards
permit signage on your primary paridng side also, which may not be the street frontage.
Sacchet: So Bell Mortgage, AmericInn, Byerly's and Maxket Square, they were all PUD's?
Generous: Yes.
Sacchet: Okay, okay. Alright. That's my questions, thank you.
Claybaugh: Thank you. Rich, any questions?
Slagle: Just one. Bob did you really tell them that the penalties were 90 days in jail and a million
dollars?
Generous: A thousand dollars?
Slagle: A thousand dollars fine.
Generous: Well they asked me what's the penalty and I said it was a misdemeanor.
Slagle: Alright, I just wanted to asL And then can I just ask how you found out about it?
Generous: I received a phone call and someone said there's a sign going up and at that time I said oh no,
I'd better check the site plan because this is after our planner left and we stax'axl doing these.
Slagle: Fair enough. Okay.
Blackowiak: I don't have any questions of staff right now, so at this point would the applicant or their
designee like to make a presentation7 If so, come to the microphone, state your name and address for the
record.
Jill Ramsey: I'm Jill Ramsey, 6362 Oxbow Bend, Chan.hassem My husband and I own the building in
question and he isn't here obviously, so I'm going to do the best I can with what infc~mafion I have.
Most of the things I wanted to touch on here are kind of some clarifications. And I'm just going to go by
15
Planning Commission Meeting - March 18, 2003
the letter that went out on the 11 ~ which we received a copy of, so just to kind of let you know the order
I'm going in. The first thing as far as Mr. PaWs applying for a permiL He has owned the business, Cdant
Panda, I believe about 4 or 5 months now. The original owner applied in '99 to have a sign put on the
south side and that was denied. Then came Mr. Pan and applied for this and was approved. But I'll touch
on that in a second. Going down the list, it talked about asking the property owner to remove the sign on
the north elevation. There might be some misconception here. My husband and I own the building. We
no longer own Gold Medal Sports. We have not owned it since a year ago February. That sign, although
the Mike Ramsey is still on it, that Gold Medal Sports now belongs to the new owner of Gold Medal
Sports. So it really isn't our option to just go and take down and move that sign. So I wanted to clarify
that because it sounded like there might be confusion that the building owners actually owned the
business at that end. And also as far as relocating signs, a couple of things. One, it would be a real
financial hardship for Mr. Pan to have to remove that sign. He applied in good faith to get a permit. Was
given a permit. Then, and the sign was up, and then he was told to take it down so the cost he himself
would be incurring would be the cost of the sign, cost of putting it up, cost of taking it down. As business
owners, or owning the building, then we also have damage on that side of the building, which would need
to be addressed because of removing the sign so that's an undue hardship I believe for us to have to deal
with that Forgive me if I just gather my thoughts for a second. We also wanted to touch on the
definition of street frontage. I think it's criteria B. That you can have signage on two street frontages,
and I'm probably not clear on this but ff you've seen on the building, and I don't know how do I do this.
There it is right there. The north end and south ends of the building are street frontage. One is West 79m
Street, one is Highway 5. The main, the front of the building, the actual entrances aren't street frontage.
It's a parking lot connected to the parking lot of the Chanhas~n motel and the other issue on street
frontage, which the gentleman brought up was, there are numerous signs on buildings in Chanhassen. I
just did a little tour this afternoon. Culver's has si~s on 3 sides. That's a single building, one occupant.
We do have 5 occupants in that building by the way. The American Inn has 3. Houlihan's has 3 on a
single building. The building that holds Bruegger's Bagels and Spalon has signage on 3 sides. I know
you touched on the Bell Mortgage. There are actually if you count the small Starbuck sign on the south
side, there is signage on 4 sides on that building. So I guess I don't want Mr. Pan to feel like he's setting
precedence because he isn't setting precedence by having that third sign. And I guess the main point of it
is, he in good faith as a new business owner went through the right channels. He applied for a permit.
Was granted the permit on the basis of wanting to incwalse his business. And once the sign was up, then
was told there would be fines. He could have jail time if it wasn't taken down, which I thought was a
little harsh. But I don't think he should you know be penalized by now having to take the sign down, nor
do I want to be penalized by having to repair damage to the building to do so.
Blackowiak: Thank you. Can you just stand up hem for a second. Commissioners, any questio~ of the
applicant? Rich.
Slagle: I've got a quick question. Would you have a balll~rk figure as to the cost of the sign and the cost
of the installation? I'll assume the removal will be about the same as installation.
Iill Ramsey: There is a gentleman here with Mr. Pan tonight who did put the sign up and I'd rather let
him answer that because he would know.
Slagle: Fair enough.
Blackowiak: Okay. If you would just state your name and address for the record please.
Paul Punt: My name is Paul Punt. I'm with Attractive Signs, 7420 West Lake Street in St. Louis Park.
Jill pretty well covered it I think. I think one thing I'd like to add is that Bob had three options that the
commission could consider, and I think Olle of the, the one that would be the most appealing to us would
16
Planning Commission Meeting - March 18, 2003
probably be number 3 which would be to allow the sign to be there and that Mr. Pan no longer use the
window signage that he has been using in the past. In fact he has already removed the window signage.
Scrapped it all off. It's already gone and that would be the most beneficial to everybody in Chart I think.
That'd be the fairest. As far as cost, he's, the cost to put that sign up there was $1,100.
Slagle: And the cost of the sign itself?
Paul Punt: That building a raceway. The letters he took from a previous location. And we found him a
raceway and mounted them on the building. Now that cost represents somewhat of a discount because we
understand that he's a new businessman trying to make ends meet so we gave him a little break on that.
Slagle: So ballpark, a couple thousand dollars.
Paul Punt: Yeah.
Slagle: Okay. If I can ask, does he have any other locations?
Paul Punt: No.
Slagle: That this could be used if it needed to come down.
Paul Punt: No he does not.
Slagle: Okay. Fair enougl~ That's all I have.
Blackowiak: Thank you. Why don't you stay up. We may have more questions for you. Uli?
Sacchet: No.
Lillehaug: My questions would he to Mrs. Ramsey actually. And I'm trying to get this straight in my
mind. As far as an owner and tenant relations go, I assut~ that you were aware that a sign couldn't go up
on the south elevation of the building, would that be a fair question?
Blackowialc Or maybe your husband.
Jill Ramsey: I would rather not speak for him. To know that, I don't know in '99 when Mr. Lee applied
for that permit if Mike was involved with tba~ Or not so.
Lillebaug: Maybe, can I direct this to staff?. Is it typical that a tenant or an owner would apply for a
permit, or would be either or?
Generous: Generally it's the sign company that actually makes the application.
Lillehaug: Alright.
Blackowiak: This may clarify a little bit but Bob, let's just, tell me if I'm fight. I believe I remember
seeing this when the original owner came in, Milm Ramsey, and chose specifically those 2 locations,
north and west as opposed to the south. That was a conscious ehoiee?
Jill Ramsey: Yeah. Can I touch on the.
17
Planning Commission Meeting - March 18, 2003
Blackowialc Okay, let's see if staff has the same menxty that I do, but because I mnemI~r the
discussion about specific because there were only 2 and those 2 were chosen.
Al-Jaff: That's correct The original required signs along street frontages only, and Roman Roos was the
applicant at the time taking this through the process and the decision was, your frontage was, the largest
frontage and your doors were going to face the parking lot. We swapped the ~ along Highway 5
for the frontage...
Blackowiak: On the parking lot just because it made more sense to have it over a tenant's door?
Al4aff: That's correct.
Blackowiak: I'm sony to interrupt her but I've been here a while so I kind of remember this.
Jill Ramsey: The other thinking with that, of the request of having it on that north side at the time was,
when we built the building we did own Gold Medal Sports. That end unit had not yet been leased so for
us logically as business owners of Gold Medal Sports it was to have the signage down, wrapped around
the unit that we occupied.
Blackowiak: Okay.
LiHehaug: Could I also ask Mr. Pan a question? Is this Mr. Pan in the audience? Is that fair?
Slagle: You can do whatever you want.
Lillehaug: Good evening Mr. Pan. And my question would be what I discussed with staff earlier, when
the signs were originally put up, there was one put up on the west elevation of the building but at that
time the sign wasn't on the south elevation of the building. Could you maybe explain why they both
weren't put up at the same time? Is that a fair question?
Jill Rarmey: The restaurant has changed hank. The business is under his ownership. The name is the
same. So when Giant Panda first went in it was just there.
Lillehaug: Thank you. I got it now.
Blackowialc Okay. Is that it?
Lillehaug: I'm done.
Blackowiak: Okay. That was easy wasn't it? I think we got the question answered, thank you. Craig,
do you have any questions of?
Claybaugh: I don't have any questions to ask, no.
Blackowialc No, and I don't have any questions of the appncam e~the~. At th~ point the item is open
for a public hearing. If anybody would like to comment on this issue, please come to the microphone and
state your name and address for the record. Seeing no one, I will close the public heating.
Commissioners, comments. Craig, we'll start with you.
Claybaugh: Thank you.
18
Planning Commission Meeting - March 18, 2003
Blackowiak: I try to mix it up a little bit.
Claybaugh: In reviewing the options given by staff, I feel that given the circumstances I could support
item number 3. I would just like to add that I think that particular building confi~mmition in relation to
how it's placed to West 79~ and Highway 5 creates a little bit of a tmique problem with respect to
advertising that building. At 50 miles an hour to dovetail what Scott had said in the previous application,
at 50 miles an hour I think those monument letters may be all of 10 inches. So I can certainly see where
Mr. Pan would want to get greater exposure and at least as it's been explained tonight, it was done in
good faith. So as such I think I feel I can support item number 3.
Blackowiak: Okay, option number 3 which would be no window si~tms in exchange for the southern
exposure.
Claybaugh: That's correct, yes.
Blackowiak: Thank you. Steve, any comments?
Lillehaug: This one's tough. A little while ago I voted no on it, and this is kind of extenuating
circumstance. The sign is already up. I like how the building looks. It looks cleaner without all the
window signage so I do agree with that. I really do like that. So in regard to that I guess I also would
support 3 and I would, in my comment would be as, to maybe remove the sign on the pylon or monument
that on that south side also. I'm trying to get rid of some of these signs. Them are signs galore out there,
and it's pretty redundant. I don't think that sign needs to be on the pylon if it's on that south elevation of
the building.
Blackowiak: Okay, thank you. Uti, comments.
Sacchet: Yeah I have a few comments. First of all I don't think it would be fair to remove the pylon sign
because it's there and it's a standard allowable thing. I'm ecstatic for not having these windows painted
up, to be honest with you. That's disturbed me ever since that place was there. Consi~ that this
situation affect the whole building, I would ask that it applies to the whole building, not just to the south
end of the building. Because there has to be a give and take. I'm absolutely adamantly opposed to the
fact that we see 3 signs for the same business at the same time. With any other application like that I
would say there's absolutely no way that a variance is given for this. I mean considering that a permit
was given and it was not discovered that it was an error until the sign was up, I feel that really we c.~nnot
penalize the tenant or the other of the building. The mistake is with staff and Bob, you've been too
generous. Hate to rub that one again, but that happens. Everybody makes mistakes and we have to allow
for that. But I don't think we can expect the tenant or the owner to take the burden of staff having made a
mistake. Plus there are obviously a good number of precedents in the city buildings that have si~s on
multiple sides. Now there is a technical difference that's very significant. That those buildings are in
PUD, in planned unit developments, which is a totally different set of rules. Tbere is a give and take in
terms of imposing more stringent design standards in exchange for some liberties like for instance maybe
a little more signage, which still is not giving them free hand. It's still being regulated. So my position is
very clear here. I think we should allow this in exchange of no window signage on the whole building,
and also making it clear that tlz~'s absolutely no other justification for this variance. And that's my
comments.
Slagle: In my wildest dreams I couldn't top that one. I think the only thing I would odd to Commi.gsioner
Sacchet's comments is, I don't think I could go with the overall window ban if you will personally but
otherwise I support the variance. Staff made an honest mistake and the gentleman needs Imsinegs so.
19
Planning Commission Meeting - March 18, 2003
Blackowialc Okay. Rich, would you go with the, you said not all over?
Slagle: Number 3. Number 3.
Blackowialc Number 3? So that would be the window ban on that only?
Slagle: Correct.
Blackowiak: Okay, thank you. You know what, we're into our cornnmnt phase so, you did a nice job.
Jill Ramsey: I just wanted to.
Blackowialc You know what, we'll just go ahead.
Jill Ramsey: ...unfair to the other owners to penalize them to take down their window signage.
Blackowialc RighL You know what, this is going to go to City Cotmcil as well so there's always
another venue. My comments are not unlike the other commissioners, but I'm ~ because one sign
we're saying no, and the second sign we're saying yes. I agree it was done in good faith. I agree that the
window lettering was an eyesore, and I would think that, or I would hope that the variance motion would
include number 3 and then forbid any window lettering on that trail Totally. Regardless of who owns it.
Whether it's this owner or another owner, and if another owner decides that window lettering is beaer for
them, then they take down the sign on the south side. I mean I think it's an either or. I don't think you
get both. So I would just make sure that that was clear that if somebody wanted the window lettering that
badly on the south unit that they'd have to give up the Highway 5 exposure. I'd like a motion please.
Lillehaug: I'll make a motion the Planning Commission approves the sign variance for Highway 5 Center
to permit wall signage on 3 sides of the building based upon the findings preseni~xt in the staff repcn% and
I want to refer to number 3. And then quote that Giant Panda delete and not use any window siL~n.~ in the
future~ And specifically for that tenant only. That'd be iL
Blackowialc Okay, there's been a motion. Is there a second?
Clayhaugh: Second.
Blackowiak: Moved and secondecL All those in favor say aye?
Sacchet: Could I make a friendly?
Blackowiak: Comments, sure. Go ahead.
Sacchet: I'd like to ~dd that this signage, we reconm~nd approval on the basis that the permit for this
signage was issued on January 28~ and the sign was actually installed prior to when staff discovezed and
informed the applicant that this was in error. I think that's i .mportant because I don't see any other reason
why we would...
Blackowialc Right, and that was some of the notes I was taking for our summary to City Council
Sacchet: Okay.
Planning Commi~ion Meeting - March 18, 2003
Blackowiak: I'll make sure that that's in there too.
Sacchet: Okay, okay.
Lillehaug: I accept that.
Lillehaug moved, Claybaugh seconded that the Planning Commlnsion recommends approval of the
sign variance for Highway 5 Centre to permit wall signage on three sides of the building on the
basis that the permit was issued on January 28, 2003, and the sign was installed prior to staff
notifying the applicant, and subject to the foIlowing condition:
1. The applicant must eliminate the use of window signs for the south windows.
All voted in favor, except Saeehet who opposed, and the motion carried with a vote of 4 to 1.
Blackowiak: Okay motion carries 4-1.
Sacchet: And I oppose because I really do think it should apply to the whole building.
Blackowiak: The window lettering.
Sacchet: And no window lettering.
Blackowiak: Okay, that's fine. City Council summary. Staff recorded denial of this issue.
Planning Commission by a 4-1 vote recommended approval to option numbex 3 which excludes any
window signs on the Giant Panda on the south tenant location. Reasoning was that the signage was done
in good faith. That tim permit was issued and the error was not discovered until ag. er the sign was
installed, so based on that we feel that it was not the applicant's fault. It also looks cleaner without the
window lettering, and they are neighbors to too many people, or specifically Villages PUD fight across
the street which has many 3 signed buildings, but not here. ff it were in a different location I would
probably say you know strictly follow the rules but in this case, because they have so many neighbors
directly to the south that have 3 and 4 signs, or 3 sided siotm~ or 4 sided signs, that it is justifie~L And also
Uli's com. m~nts regarding the timing issues were very important in our decisiom Commi~,sioners, any
additional input to City Council?
Slagle: Just one. Assumption being made that the applicant was not aware of the prior denial of thi.~
southern elevation.
Blackowiak: Okay.
Slagle: I wean we are making that assumption.
Blackowialc Right, we are making that assumption. That' s a good point. Uli, any other points to add?
Sacchet: My point why I think it should apply to the whole building is because the owner did know of
prior denial of applications.
Blackowiak: Okay. Steve, any other information?
Lillehaug: No.
21
Planning Commission Meeting - March 18, 2003
Blackowiak: Craig, any other information?
Claybaugh: Yeah, I'd like to just highlight the point I made earlier that I believe it's a tmique property
insofar as that it really truly does not have any street frontage. And not in order to justify this particular
signage but possibly something to address with respect to our signage statute and ordinances in the future.
Blackowialc Okay. Thank you. This item goes to City Council on the 14~ of April, and Bob you're
waving your hand over there. What can I do for you?
Generous: Chair, just one point of clarifi~on. You said tenant and CAant Panda but you really mean for
this unit. The next person could have...
Blackowialc For the specific south unit. I mean the southern most tenant.
Claybaugh: End cap.
Blackowiak: Yeah, southern end cap, whatever we want to call it. And you know we could actually
even say, I don't even have the specific address. Are they 463 West 79~7 Caiam Panda, okay. So we
could specify that this applies to the ~ at 463 West 79~, further defined as the southern most unit.
Okay? Clear enough. Alright, so that's our, those are our notes to council. Thank you for coming.
PUBLIC HEARING:
REQUEST FOR A LAND USE ~~ FRQM ~ENTIAL LARGE LQT TQ
RESIDENTIAL LOW DF_~ITY~ REZONING FROM AGRICULTURAL ESTATE DI~I'RICT~
A-2, TO SINGLE FAMILY ~ENTIAL, RSF, AND SUBDIYIb'ION OF LQT 1, BLOCK 1,
FIlI.I-~IIDE OAI~ INTO 6 LQT~ WITH A VARIANCE FOR ~ U~E QF A PRIVATE
~TREET LQCATED AT 8800 PQ~ BOUI.lgVARD, AIHI.I) R0~q~AVI~ PQWERS
cmcL
Public Present:
Name Address
Arild Rossavik
Mark Kelly
George & Jackie Bizek
Greg Kahler
Steve & Kristi Buan
Jayme Lee
8800 Powers Boulevard
351 Second Street, Excelsior
8750 Powers Boulevard
8742 Flamingo Drive
8736 Flamingo Drive
8740 Flamingo Drive
1380 Oakside Circle
Bob Generous presented the staff report on this item.
Blackowiak: Commissioners. Uli, would you like to start?
Sac. chex: Yeah I have, I'd just, a lot of few questions. I've still got 16 left because I want to do this real
quick. First of all the time line. When was this re-guided from low density to estate? Do you have a time
for that?
CiTY OF
STAFF
REPORT
PC DATE: 0~/1
CCDATE: 04/14/03
CASE #: 2003-5 SIGN (VAR)
BT.. RG
LOCATION:
APPLICANT:
A Sign Variance Request For The Installation Of Wall Signs On Three Sides
Of The Building At Highway 5 Centre
463 West 79m Street
Giant Panda
Attracta Sign Co.
7420 West Lake Street
St Louis Park, MN 55426
(952) 933-7730
563 West 79m Street
~, MN 55317
ACREAGE:
N/A
BH, Highway Business
N/A
ADJACENT ZONING
AND LAND USES:
N-'
S:
E:
W:
BI-I, Highway Business District, commelcial building
PUD, Villages on Pond and Highway 5
BH, Highway Business District, Holiday
BI-I, Highway Business District, Chanhas~ lnn
WATER AND SEWER:
Available to the site
PHYSICAL CHARACTER:
This site contains a small shopping center.
2000 LAND USE PLAN:
LEVEL OF DISCRETION
The City's discretion in approving or denying a variance is limited to whether or not the proposed
project meets the standards in the Zoning Ordinance for a variance. Thc City has a relatively high
level of discretion with a variance because the applicant is seeking .a deviation from established
Giant Panda Sign Variance
March 18, 2003
Page 2
APPLICABLE REGULATIONS
Section 20-1253 states the city council, upon the recommendation of the planning commission,
may grant a variance from the requirements of this article where it is shown that by reason of
topography or other conditions, strict compliance with the requirements of this article would
cause a hardship; provided that a variance may be granted only if the variance does not
adversely affect the spirit or intent of this article.
Section 20-1303 (3) states that wall business signs shall be permitted on street frontage for each
business occupant within the building only.
Site Plan # 96-4, Highway 5 Centre: Permitted wall signage on two building elevations. Signs
were located on the west and north elevation.
BACKGROUND
On January 28, 2003, a sign permit was issued in error for wall signage on the south elevation of
the building.
On January 25, 1999, the City Council denied an amendment to SPR g)64 for the installation of
a 40 sq. ft. wall sign and 4.7 sq. ft. logo at Hi-Way 5 Centre on the south side of the building.
On June 10, 1996, the City Council approved Site Plan Review g96-4 for the Highway 5 Centre.
ANALYSIS
The applicant is requesting a variance to keep the wall signage on the south elevation of the
building, "Giant Panda" and a logo depicting a panda bear, which was permitted in error. The
applicant's name is already installed on the western elevation and on the pylon abutting TH 5.
Giant Panda is located in the Highway 5 Centre. The site plan for this building was approved in
1996. The ordinance requires that when buildings are presented for site plan review, the
proposed signage shall also be presented for review and approved by the Planning Commission
and City Council. The purpose of this review is to make certain the signage complies with
ordinance and to grant "variances" if necessary. One of the conditions of approval of the
Highway 5 Centre site plan was that wall signs shall be located on no more than 2 street
frontages. The sign ordinance requires that wall signage be installed only on elevations with
street frontage. In this case, the building abuts West 79t~ Street and TH 5. Therefore, wall
signage would be permitted on the north and south elevations. Since the tenant spaces face the
west, the owner requested to give up signage along the southern elevation in return for gaining
signage along the west elevation. Staff thought it wise to permit signage on the west and one
other elevation. The northern elevation was selected by the owner. The sign plan that was
Giant Panda Sign Variance
March 18, 2003
Page 3
approved was a compromise between the city and the building owner to permit signage on
elevations which would be most beneficial to the site even though the ordinance does not permit
signage without street frontage. Signage on the southern and eastern elevations is prohibited.
Thc shopping center has an existing pylon sign along TH 5 for visibility with all tenants' names
displayed.
Staff believes Highway 5 Ccntre's signage criteria are appropriate and purposeful. It is fair to all
five (5) tenants by allowing them to install distinct signage, yet it specifies the location and the
size of the letters. It limits the size of the individual dimensional letters to 2 feet in height (Giant
Panda's letters are 1.5 feet in height) and the location (two elevations) of the wall signs. The
sign ordinance states that multi-tenant buildings shall have uniform signage. The signage criteria
for this building ensure the signage will be proportionate to other signage and the building.
The request is based upon the notion that a sign on TH 5 will create greater visibility and
improve business. The sign on the pylon already provides visibility. A considerable amount of
time and effort was put into the original conditions of approval to ensure that the signage would
be complementary to the site and yet provide visibility for the future tenants. The tenant
currently uses window signage on the south elevation to increase their visibility.
Staff fails to find a reason to justify granting this variance. Giant Panda has not demonstrated a
hardship to warrant a variance to permit the installation of a second wall sign. A hardship is
present if it is shown that by reason of topography or other conditions, strict compliance with the
requirements of this article would cause a hardship. The applicant has a reasonable oppommity
to install signage on the western elevation of the building. Actually, the words "Giant Panda" are
already installed. Staff fails to find a hardship in installing only one sign. Giant Panda has two
signs, one on the western elevation and the other on the pylon abutting TH 5.
Based on this information, staff does not believe that the applicant has demonstrated a hardship
and cannot recommend approval of the variance.
However, there are three other alternatives for the Planning Commission and City Council to
consider:
,
Since the proposed sign does comply with the sign ordinance requirements, but not the
site plan conditions, and it is actually the signage on the western elevation of the building
that requires a variance, it may be a factor for granting a variance. Signage on the
western elevation would need to be shown to be necessary due to the conditions of the
site, i.e., the entrances for the interior units are located to the parking lot and do not have
street frontage, and therefore, would not be permitted signage othemrise.
e
The variance could be denied and the City Council could grant an extended time period
for the removal of the sign. This would allow the tenant to amortize the cost of the sign
as a business expense.
Giant Panda Sign Variance
March 18, 2003
Page 4
.
~ant Panda extensively uses window signs. The sign ordinance permits up to 50 percent
window coverage. If the Planning Commission and City Council were to grant a variance
for the wall signage, elimination of the use of window signs for the south windows ia
recommended.
The city council, upon the recommendation of the planning commission, may grant a variance
from the requirements of this article where it is shown that by reason of topography or other
conditions, strict compliance with the requirements of this article would cause a hardship;
provided that a variance may be granted only if the variance does not adversely affect the spirit or
intent of this article.
Finding: Permitting the reallocation of the wall signage from the southern to western elevation
was reasonable and consistent with the findings required for granting the signage variances. The
granting of a sign variance to permit signage on three sides of the building is not warrante~ The
tenant has a reasonable opportunity to advertise their business without a sign on the southern
elevation.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend the following motion:
'Whe Planning Commission records denial of the sign variance for Highway 5 Centre to
permit wall signage on three sides of the building based upon the findings presented ill the staff
report and the following:
1. The applicant has visibility on TH 5 with the existing pylon sign."
ATrACItMFNTS
1. Development Review Application and Letter
2. Section 20-1303, Sign Ordinance, BH District
3. Reduced Copy of Site Plan
4. Sign Permit Application
5. Letter from Robert Generous to Peng Pan dated 2/11/03
6. Public He. rig Notice and Mailing List
CITY OF CHANHASSEN
7700 MARKET BOULEVARD
CHANHASSEN, MN 55317
(952) 227-1100
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW APPLICATION
APPLICANT: ,~.-~-v-.~~ ~.~[~,,~'~
ADDRESS: ?~-~1.~ L~'~ ~_~1,- )
TELEPHONE (Day time)
Comprehensive Plan Amendment
Conditional Use Permit
Intedm Use Permit
Non-conforming Use Permit
Planned Unit Development*
Rezoning
Sign Permits
Sign Plan Review
Site Plan Review*
Subdivision*
Temporary Sales Permit
Vacation of ROW/Easements
Wetland Alteration Permit
Zoning Appeal
Zoning Ordinance Amendment
Notification Sign
Escrow for Filing Fees/Attorney Cost**
($50 CUP/SPFIJVA~~AP~etes
and Bounds, $400 Minor SUB)
TOTAL FEE $
A list of all property owners within 500 feet of the boundaries of the property must be Included with the
application.
Building material samples must be submitted with site plan reviews.
*Twen~lx full size folded copies of the plans must be submitted, Including an 8½" X 11" reduced copy of
transparency for each plan sheet.
** Escrow will be required for other applications through the development contract
NOTE - When multiple applications are processed, the appropriate fee shall be charged for each application.
P~OJECT NAME
LOCATION
LEGAL DESCRIPTION
TOTAL ACREAGE
WETLANDS PRESENT
PRESENT ZONING
YES ~ NO
REQUESTED ZONING
PRESENT LAND USE DESIGNATION
REQUESTED LAND USE DESIGNATION
REASON FOR THIS REQUEST ~//o,.r-; b..¥'~oo_ -}--G (3.-IJm~j .<:;~Gr'~~._. ~,/3
This application must be completed in full and be typewritten or clearly printed and must be accompanied by all information
and plans required by applicable City Ordinance provisions. Before filing this application, you should confer with the Plannin~
Department to determine the specific ordinance and procedural requirements applicable to your application.
A determination of completeness of the application shall be made within ten business days of application submittal. A written
notice of application deficiencies shall be mailed to the applicant within ten business days of application.
This is to certify that I am making application for the dascdbed action by the City and that I am responsible for complying with
all City requirements with regard to this request. This application should be processed in my name and I am the party whom
the City should contact regarding any matter pertaining to this application. I have attached a copy of proof of ownership (either
copy of Owner's Duplicate Certificate of Title, Abstract of Title or purchase agreement), or I am the authorized person to make
this application and the fee owner has also signed this application.
I will keep myself informed of the deadlines for submission of material and the progress of this application. I further
understand that additional fees may be charged for consulting fees, feasibility studies, etc. with an estimate prior to any
authorization to proceed with the study. The documents and Information I have submitted are true and correct to the best of
my knowledge.
The city hereby notifies the applicant that development review cannot be completed within 60 days due to public hearing
requirements and agency review. Therefore, the city is notifying the applicant that the city requires an automatic 60 day
extension for development review. Development review shall be completed within 120 days unless additional review
extensions am approved by the applicant.
Signatu~ of Applicant
Signature of Fee Owny
Application Received on
Date
Fee Paid Receipt No.
The applicant should contact staff for a copy of the staff report which will be available on Friday prior to the meeting.
If not contacted, a copy of the report will be mailed to the applicant's address.
· MINNEAPOUB, MN. BB42EI
· FAX (915~) 9,'~3-7BEI3
City of Chanhas~
7700 market Blvd.
Chanhassen MN 55317
We are requesting this vatian~ on behalf of Mr. Peng Pan owner of Giant Panda
Restaurant, located at 463 west 79~ street. We are asking for a ~ on the south
elevation of the building. Curremly signage is allowed on only two sides of the building
with signs now placed on the North and West sides. We applied for and were issued a
permit for the sign on the ~outh devation- Upon recdpt of the pemfit we mmmfactured
and installed the sign for Mr. Pan If we had been informed that we could not place a ~
on the South elevation of the building we never would have made the ~ However Mr.
Pan has a substantial expetme caused by the cities mistake of issuing the permit. We ave
It should further be noted that other developments within the city oxrrenfly have
sign on more than two sides. Market square has signs on all four sides. The building
occupied by Byerly's has sigtm on three sides. AmerieInn him sign~ on ~ sides and the
building occupied by Bell Mortfage has sign on all four sides.
ZONING
§ 20-1303
Tota/Square
Maximum Percentage of Wall Wall Area in Square Feet Footage of Signs
11% 1,201~1,800 198
9% 1,801--2,400 216
7% 2,401--3~00 224
5% 3,201~4,500 230
3% 4,5O0+ 240
(3) Wall signs shall not include product adverti~n~. Wall signs nhn11 only include te_-nnt
identification, tenant logo or registered trademark, center name, or any comblnntion of
the three.
(Ord. No. 231, § 1, 1-9-95)
Sec~ 20-1303. Highway, general business districts and central business districts.
The following signs shall be allowed by permit in any "BH", '~BG", or "CBD" District:
The folloxving table lists the standards for freestanding and ground low profile signs in the
BH, BG, or CBD zone.
Pylon Ground Low Profile;;c
Principal Height (feet) Sign Size Height (feet) Sign Size
Structure (square feet) (square feet)
50,000' sq. i~. or 20 - 80 10 80
greater
Less than 50,000 16. 64 8 64
sq. f~.
(1)
(2)
(3)
Pylon business sign. Pylon signs are permitted on parcels that abut State Highway
corridors only. One (1) pylon identification sign shall be permitted. This sign may
identify the name of the center or the major tenants. The height and square footage of
the sign shall be based on the square footage of the principal structure as shown in the
table. Such signs shall be located at least ten (10) feet from any property line.
Ground low profile business signs. One (1) ground low profile business sign shall be
permitted per each outlot or separate b,;ldlng pad that has street frontage. The height
and square footage of the sign shn11 be based on the table above. Such signs shall be
located at least three hundred (300) feet from any other pylon or ground sign and at
least ten (10) feet from any property line.
Wall business signs. Wall business signs shnll be permitted on street frontage for each
business occupant within a buflding only. The total of all wall mounted sign display
areas for each business shall not exceed the square footage esf_~h];,hed in the following
table:
Supp. No. 14 1271
§ 20-1303
CHANIJ_ASSEN CITY CODE
Maximum Percentage
of Wall
Wall Area in Square Feet
MazbrmmSquare
FootaSe of Sign
15% 0 500 90
13% 601--1,200 156
11% 1,201--1,800 198
9% 1,801--2,400 216
7%
5%
3,201--4,500
4,500+
3%
224
230
(4) Menu board. One (1) menu board sign per reetaur~nt use is permi~ with a
drive-through facility. Such sign shall not exceed forty-five (45) square feet in size nor
greater than eight (8) feet in height. Such sign is permitted in addition to any other
sign pertained in the zonin~ dis/rig/;.
(Ord. No. 314, § 2, 3-26-01)
Sec. 20-1304. Industrial office park signs.
The
(1)
(2)
(3)
follox~4ng signs shall be allowed by permit in any IOP district:
Pylon or ground low profile business signs. Pylon signs are permitted on parcels that
abut the Highway 5 corridor only. One (1) pylon or one (1) ground low profile Industrial
Office Park identification sign shall be permitted. A pylon sign shnll not exceed eighty
(80) square feet in sign area and shall not exceed twenty (20) feet in height. A ground
low profile may not exceed eighty (80) square feet and eight (8) feet in height. Such sign
shall be located at least ten (10) feet from any property line.
· .
Ground low profde business signs. One (1) ground low profile business sign shall be
permitted r per site for each street frontage. Such sign shal! not exceed sixty-four (64)
square feet in sign display area nor be greater than eight (8) feet in height. Such sign
shall be located at least ten (10) feet from any property line.
Wall business signs. Wall business signs shall be permitted on street frontage for each
business occupant within a building only. The total of all wall mounted sign display
areas for each business shall not exceed the square footage established in the followin~
table:
Maximum
Percentage
of Wall
WallArea
in Square Feet
15% 0--600
13%
601--1,200
Maximum Square
Footage of Sign
90
156
11% 1,201--1,800 198
9% 1,801--2,400 216
7% 2,401~3,200 224
5% 3,201--4,500 230
Supp. No. 14 1272
.o
SIGN PERMIT APPLICATION
CONT.
COPY
Permit# ~ ~' ¢..'~~
Permit Fee $ ~'~. o~
Zon~. ~
Address:
Applicant:
.'.ALL FOR ~:
AND INSPECTiOt!S REQUIRED ~'~ ......... '"' .... '"' "
PERMITS · ~.~.'~:,, ~,,,;,-. c; ..-..., ,-,,
BEFORE ~ INSPECTION ~;!UST BE ON JC
F',~,L- .. .
T~nporary Sign: From:. / / To:
TYPE OF SIGN
,~LL TIh~-S
/ /
' 'i':
,:7.. ~-~',Ar
B ,.CITE A:
Height:
Total.Ama:
Logo Area:
ft
ft.
n.
si. fi-
sq. fc
·
coveras~ by sis~
If'a Monuui~nt or Pylon ~.
Total Height (~ s;'~,~:) ~ a
·
· ..
Value of Sign:
t/st/mated Date' of Completion:
Variance Requir~ . Yes _~_ No
Planai~g D~partm,mt Case Number:.
W'dl thc sign be located/n a pub[/c dra/nag~ or utility eascm~mt:
NOTE: Please attach an elevation drawing to scale of'the entire wall of the buildi-~ to which the .
· sign is to be affixed, accurately locating the sign. If the sign is free stand~, auach a site plan
showing thc exact location of the sign in relation to the proper:y Lines and plans/ncl/cat/ng the
manner thc sign and/or its support will be cons~cted. '
TH~ UNDERSIGNED HEREBY AGRESS TO DO ALL WORK l~l ACCORDANCE WITH
CHAI%"dASSHN CITY CODE AND THE RULINGS OF THE BUILDING INSPECI'IONS DM$ION. '
Applicant's Signature: ~ ~ Date: / /,~7/~_~.,
Managemeat's Si/nature:.,
' APPROVALS'
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CFFYOF
CHANHg EN
PO Box 147
Chanhas.~n, MN 55317
Administration
Phone: 952.227.1100
Fax: 952.227.1110
Building Inspections
Phone: 952.227.1180
Fax: 952.227.1190
Englfleerlng
Phone: 952.227.1160
Fax: 952.227.1170
Finance
Phone: 952.227.1140
Fax:. 952.227.1110
Park & Recreation
Phone: 952.227.1120
Fax: 952.227.1110
Reo'eation Center
2310 Coulter Boulevard
Phone: 952.227.1400
Fax: 952.227.1404
Planning &
Natural Resources
Phone: 952.227.1130
Fax: 952.227.1110
Public Works
1591 Park Road
Phone: 952.227.1300
Fax: 952.227.1310
Senior Center
Phone: 952.227.1125
Fax:. 952.227.1110
Web Site
~;~;w. ci.fl'tanha.~n.mn.us
February 11, 2003
HAND DELIVERED
Mr. Pang Pan
Giant Panda
463 West 79"' Street
Chanhassen, MN 55317
RE,: Wall Signage on South Building Elevation
As you are aware, the sign permit issued for the sign on the south face of the
building was issued in error and in violation of the site plan approved in June
1996, Site Plan g96-4, for the site. In issuing the sign permit, I reviewed the sign
for compliance with the sign code. However, I did not review the conditions of
approval for site plan g96-4 which limited signage to only two building
elevations. In January, 1999, a request for an amendment to the site plan
agreement to permit signage on the south elevation of the building was denied by
the city. Signage was located on the north and west elevations of the building at
the time of your sign permit application. The sign you proposed was on the south
elevation.
Upon learning of the error, I went to the site, at approximately 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 6, 2003, and advised you and the sign installer that the sign
was not permitted, the permit was issued in error, and the sign must be removed.
As an alternate, I told you that if you could get the property owner to remove their
sign on the north elevation and relocate it to the south elevation, then the
conditions would be satisfied and you could keep your sign. I told you that your
administrative options were to request a variance from the sign ordinance or
amend the conditions of the site plan approval, which would require public
hearings and city council approval. However, I told you that until that had been
resolved, you must remove the sign. When asked what would happen if you did
not remove the sign, I told you and the sign contractor that violation of city
ordinance was a misdemeanor (with penalties up to 90 days in jail and a
$1,000.00 fine for each day of violation).
I have provided you with copies of the city's sign ordinance related to wall
signage, a copy of the signage criteria for the development from the site plan
agreement, and the minutes of the city council meeting denying the amendment to
the site plan conditions.
The sign contractor then requested that we meet with Kate Aanenson, Community
Development Director, to see if there was a compromise to removing the sign
The CIty of Chanhassen, A grmving community with clean lakes, quality schools, a channing dov, mtown, thriving businesses, winding trails, and beautiful parks. A gmat place to live, work, and play.
Mr. Peng Pan
February l 1, 2003
Page 2
right away. He argued that the sign should be permitted to stay while you pursued finding an
alternative resolution.
Kate Aaneneson contacted Roger Knutson, City Attorney, to see what alternatives were possible.
He concurred that they city could require that the sign be removed. However, since the sign
company proceeded with the sign installation in reliance on a permit, we could also let the sign
remain on the building until you have gone through the alternatives of having the property owner
agree to changing the sign location or proceeding through a variance process or an amendment to
the conditions of site plan approval. Delaying enforcement does not provide you with any
implied standing for the sign, but permits you to proceed through an administrative process
without fear of civil action.
While the sign which was installed is in violation of the site plan agreement and should be
removed, the city will withhold enforcement of the city requirements to permit you to pursue an
alternative resolution.
By Tuesday, February 18, 2003, you must either submit a development review application
(enclosed) requesting a variance for signage on three sides of the building, or submit an executed
agreement with the property owner stating that the owner will remove the sign on the north side
of the building. If you do not submit an application or an executed agreement by the deadline,
you will be required to remove the signage from the south side of the building by Tuesday,
February 25, 2003. Please note that the property owner will need to sign the development review
application.
The following is the Signage Criteria approved as part of the site plan approval:
a. All businesses shall share one monument sign. Monument signage shall be subject to the
monument standards in the sign ordinance.
b. Wall signs are permitted on no more than 2 street frontages. The total of each wall
mounted sign display area shall not exceed 24 square feet.
c. All signs require a separate sign permit.
d. The signage will have consistency'throughout the development and add an archi~
accent to the building.
e. Consistency in signage shall relate to color, size, material and heights.
f. Back-lit individual letter signs are permiued.
g. Individual letters shall not exceed 2 feet in height.
h. Only the name and logo of the business occupying the unit will be ~tted on the sigue.
Mr. Peng Pan
February 11, 2003
Page 3
i. One pylon sign is permitted. The axea of the sign may not exceed 64 square feet and a
height of 16 feet.
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The applicant must obtain a sign permit prior to erecting the signs on site. One stop sign
must be posted on each driveway at the exit points of site. A detailed sign plan
incorporating the method of lighting, acceptable to staff, should be provided prior to
requesting a sign permiL
The sign you have installed on the south elevation is in violation of criteria b. If you have any
questions or need additional information, please contact me at (952) 227-1131.
Robert Generous, AICP
Senior Planner
Enclosure
¢:
Attracta Sign
Michael E. Ramsey
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
CHANHASSEN PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2003 AT 7:00 P.M.
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
7700 MARKET BLVD.
PROPOSAL:
Sign Vadance
APPLICANT: Mike Ramsey/Giant Panda
LOCATION: 463 West 79th Street
NOTICE: You am invited to attend a public hearing about a proposal In your area. The applicant, Mike
Ramsey, is requesting a sign variance located at 463 West 79th Street, Hi-Way 5 Center, Giant Panda.
What Happens at the Meeting: The purpose of this public hearing is to inform you about the applicant's
request and to obtain Input from the neighborhood about this project. During the meeting, the Chair will lead
the public headng through the following steps:
1. Staff will give an overview of the proposed project.
2. The applicant will present plans on the project.
3. Comments am received from the public.
4. Public hearing is closed and the Commission discusses the project.
Questions and Comments: If you want to see the plans before the meeting, please stop by City Hall dudng
office hours, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Fdday. If you wish to talk to someone about this project,
please contact Bob at 227-1131. If you choose to submit written comments, it Is helpful to have one
copy to the department in advance of the meeting. Staff will provide copies to the Commission.
Notice of this public headng has been published in the Chanhassen Villager on March 6, 2003.
BLOOMBERG COMPANIES INC
PO BOX 730
CHANHASSEN MN 55317
BLUE CIRCI~ INVESTMENT CO
1304 MI~I)ICINE LAKE DI~rE 30i
PLYMOUTH MN 55441
AMOCO AMERICAN OIL CO
C/O ERNST & YOUNG t .l.p
PO BOX 06529
CHICA~ IL 60606
PARK NICOT.T.WI' ttEAL~ SERVICES
3800 PARK NICOT.T.Wr BLVD
ST LOUIS PARK MN 55416
MICHAEL J SORENSEN
12625 58TH ST
MAYER MN
5536O
CHCR LLC
450 POND PROMENADE
CHANI-IASSEN MN
55317
INFINrrY OF CHANHASSEN LLC
1865 W WAYZATA BLVD
LONG LAKE MN 55356
SILO I I.,I~
200 HWY 13W
BURNSV~J.R
MN 55337
INFINrrY OF EHANHASSEN LLC
1865 W WAYZATA BLVD
LONG LAKE MN 55356
VH J.AGES ON THE PONDS ASSN INC
551 78TH ST W
CHANHASSEN MN 55317
APPLE AMERICAN LP (APPI.Ri~EE'S)
C/O AVTAX INC
1025 WEST EVERETT RD
LAKE FOREST IL 60045
HOI.fi)AY STATION STORES INC
4567 80TH ST W
BLOOMINGTON MN 55437
79TH STREET CENTER PARTNERSHIP
684 EXCELSIOR BLVD
EXCELSIOR MN 55331
MICHAR~. E RAMSEY
6362 OXBOW BND
CHANHASSEN MN
55317
B 4DI.LC
555 3RD AVE NW
HUTCtHNSON
MN 55350
CHANI-IASSEN ~
531 79TH ST W
CltANI-IA~EN
55317
BAM PROPERTY HOLDINGS LLC
440 79TI-I ST W
CHANHASSEN MN 55317
BROWN PROPERTIES LLC
C/O GARY L BROWN
1831 KOEHNEN CIR W
EXCELSIOR MN
55331