1f. City Code Amendments to Chapter 20, Zoning - Bluff Protection & Signs
CITY OF
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 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
www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us
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MEMORANDUM
TO:
Todd Gerhard, City Manager
FROM:
Sharmeen AI-Jaff, Senior Planner
Angie Kairies, PlannerftktI
n.
October 12, 2009 .
DATE:
SUBJ:
City Code Amendment
Chapter 20, Zoning, Bluff Protection
Chapter 20, Zoning, Signs
PROPOSED MOTION:
"The Chanhassen City Council approves the adoption of the ordinance
amendments to Chapter 20 of the Chanhassen City Code pertaining to Bluff
Protection and Signage as outlined in the staff report."
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Bluff Ordinance
The purpose of the amendments to the Bluff Ordinance is to:
. Clarify the intent of how to protect the slopes and prevent erosion.
. Permitting limited clearing of trees to accommodate stairways and paths.
Alterations to create views will be limited to pruning and trimming of
trees and shrubs in order to retain bluff stability.
. Setting standards for topographic alterations.
Sign Ordinance
The purpose of the amendments to the Sign Ordinance is to:
. Clarify that all logos are exempt from the individual dimension letter
requirement.
. Increase the number of temporary signs for businesses from three to four
signs per calendar year.
. Clarify the permitted location of detached and attached temporary signs.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION
On October 6, 2009, the Planning Commission reviewed and voted unanimously
to recommend approval of the ordinance amendments. The Planning Commission
minutes are Item 1a of the City Council packet.
Chanhassen is a Community for Life. Providing for Today and Planning for Tomorrow
Todd Gerhardt, City Manager
October 12, 2009
Page 2 of 2
RECOMMENDA TION
"The Chanhassen City Council approves the adoption of the ordinance amendments to Chapter
20 of the Chanhassen City Code pertaining to Bluff Protection and Signage."
ATTACHEMENTS
1. Bluff Protection staff report dated October 6,2009, and ordinance amendment.
2. Sign Ordinance staff report dated October 6, 2009, and ordinance amendment.
g:\plan\city code\2009 code amendments\bluff ordinance\bluff and sign ordinances cover memo cc.doc
CITY OF
CHANHASSEN
7700 Market Boulevard
PO Box 147
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Administration
Phone: 952.227.1100
Fax: 952,227.111 0
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 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
www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Planning Commission
FROM:
Sharmeen AI-Jaff, Senior Planner
DATE:
October 6,2009
SUBJ:
City Code Amendment
Chapter 20, Zoning, Bluff Protection
PROPOSED MOTION:
"The Chanhassen Planning CO:mm1ssion recommends that City Council
adopts the proposed amendments to Chapter 20 of the Chanhassen City Code
pertaining to Bluff Protection as outlined in the staff report."
BACKGROUND
~
On September 15, 2009, staff presented an issue paper to the Planning Commission
regarding the Bluff Ordinance. This same issue paper was then forwarded to the City
Council on September 28,2009. The ordinance was initially adopted by the City on
October 14, 1991. The intent of the Bluff Protection Ordinance was to regulate activities
that may cause erosion.
The area that is most critical in protecting a bluff is immediately adjacent to the top of the
bluff and is part of the "Bluff Impact Zone".
This area measures 20 feet in width and acts as a buffer between erosion-causing
activities and the bluff. It must always be protected. When vegetation is removed,
protection of the bluff is compromised. This results in a significant increase in the
likelihood that severe erosion will occur. The impacts of such alterations include:
· Erosion of developable land
. Increased impairment to area
surface waters
. Elimination of native species
and replacement by invasive
species such as buckthorn
. City-borne costs of
stabilization of slopes
. Compromise of structures in
the immediate vicinity
Bluff Impact Zone
Means the bluff and the land located
within 20 feet from the top of the bluff.
Bluff Impact Zone
20 ft. Bluff (Slope-30% or Grellter)
Chanhassen is a Community for Life - Providing for Today and Planning for Tomorrow
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Planning Commission
October 6, 2009
Page 2 of 4
There are sections within the ordinance that contradict the intent. They allow grading within the
bluff impact zone if an earthwork permit is obtained.
Staff is recommending these sections be amended to provide consistency within the ordinance
and to protect the integrity of the bluffs.
ANALYSIS
The intent of the bluff protection ordinance is to limit alteration of the bluff impact zone to
prevent erosion of the bluff. This is a separate ordinance from the Bluff Creek Overlay district
which is more restrictive in preserving the natural state. The bluff ordinance is embedded into
the Bluff Creek Overlay Ordinance.
Since the adoption of the bluff ordinance, staff has reviewed subdivisions containing bluffs. For
example, the Settlers West Subdivision, which is highly visible and is located on one of the
steepest slopes within the City of Chanhassen, required a 30-foot setback from the top of the
bluff and protection of the 20 feet immediately adjacent to the top of the bluff.
The purpose of this amendment is to clarify the intent of how to protect the slopes and prevent
erOSIOn.
Sec. 20-1400. Statement of intent, contains an error. The intent of the ordinance is to preserve
the bluff by protecting the bluff impact zone which includes the bluff and the 20-foot strip
immediately adjacent to the bluff. Staff is recommending the ordinance be amended to read as
follows:
Sec. 20-1400. Statement of intent.
Development, excavation, clearcutting and other activities within the bluff impact zone
may result in increased dangers of erosion, increased visibility to surrounding properties
and thereby endanger the natural character of the land and jeopardize the health, safety,
and welfare of the citizens of the city. To preserve the character of the bluff impact zone
within the city, alteration to land or vegetation within the bluff!!!mact zone ~ will not
be permitted except as regulated by this ordinance and by the regulations of the
underlying zoning district where the property is located.
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Planning Commission
October 6, 2009
Page 3 of 4
Sec. 20-1402. Regulates and sets standards for the construction of stairways, paths, landings and
lifts. It prohibits major topographic alterations and requires an earthwork permit prior to
commencement of work.
Sec. 20-1403 addresses the removal and alteration of vegetation within a bluff impact zone.
Such activity is prohibited except for limited clearing of trees and shrubs and cutting, pruning
and trimming of trees to provide a view from the principal dwelling site and to accommodate the
placement of stairways and landings and access paths. Staff recommends permitting limited
clearing of trees to accommodate stairways and paths. Alterations to create views will be limited
to pruning and trimming of trees and shrubs in order to retain bluff stability. Trees and shrubs
slow run-off, provide protection from raindrops which carry soil downhill, and stabilize the bluff
with their root structure. The amended ordinance reads as follows:
Sec. 20-1403. Removal or alteration of vegetation.
Removal o~ alteration ofveg~t~t!'?!1: wi!~in a,bJuff impact zone is prohibited except for
lilllited, ~~arffig.of:treeg a.ndsbt1:l~s:~,~ttiag, pruning and trimming of trees and
shrubs to provide a view from the principal dwelling site. and to To accommodate the
placetn,eIl! of stai~ays and}llIldiugsalld, ac.(;es~ pa!hs, ~tedclearing .oftrees and
shrubs: . . -be permitte&wltltprior ci '. Pf()Val'pro:vided it complies with,Sec. 20-
1402~:; .atlonsthat reducetlie r~te': . . 'or minimize erosion may be exempt
froln'!\t " .eeremoval or,~ltetaA()Il;,'~ ,', e ~teuireinent. Property located
withilt1:e1~horeland M~~ag~nn~ntJjisftict .,,, j)ly'withsection~0~482.
Removal or alteration of vegetation must receive prior approval of the community
development director or designee. An on-site review will be made to determine if the
removal or alteration of vegetation will require new ground cover. In no case shall
clearcutting be permitted. City staff will work with the property owner to develop a
means of creating a view while minimizing disturbance to the bluff impact zone.
Sec. 20-1404 requires an earthwork permit for the movement of more than 10 cubic yards. The
intent of the ordinance is to limit the activity to the construction of paths, stairways and landings.
This section is inconsistent with the intent of the bluff protection ordinance as it does not specify
the limitation of the type of alteration that may be permitted. Staff recommends this section of
the ordinance be amended to read as follows:
Sec. 20-1404. Topographic alterations/grading and filling.
~ earthwork permit will be required for the mov~~~~!,g~j~~~f~()t~*~~;i~Wi~~~i~.yi=g~~
~ material within bluff impact zones. The permit .J!~mll~ be granted 91!,JYi if the
proposed alteration does not adversely affect the bluff impact zone or other property.
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Planning Commission
October 6, 2009
Page 4 of 4
Topographic alterations/grading and filling\Vit!Iill the bluff impact~one shall not be
E~rn:li~~~t~increa~e ther~te of drainageIl1l4;n9i~()1l<:~llt..~tedt1C);\V:,c()Dditi()Ds shall,
i~~,.I!1'fi9~!healteratio~~ The drainage from property within the bluff impact zone may
not be redirected without a permit from the city. Fill or excavated material shall not be
placed in bluff impact zones.
RECOMMENDATION
"The Chanhassen Planning Commission recomnlends that City Council adopts the proposed
amendments to Chapter 20 of the Chanhassen City Code as outlined in the staff report."
ATTACHMENTS
1. Ordinance Amendment pertaining to Bluff Protection.
2. Existing Bluff Protection Ordinance.
g:\plan\city code\2009 code amendments\bluff ordinance\bluff ordinance cover memo pc.doc
CITY OF CHANHASSEN
CARVER AND HENNEPIN COUNTIES, MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 20
CHANHASSEN CITY CODE,
ZONING
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA ORDAINS:
Section 1. Section 20-1400 of the City Code, City of Chanhassen, Minnesota, is hereby
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 20-1400. Statement of intent.
Development, excavation, c1earcutting and other activities within the bluff impact zone
may result in increased dangers of erosion, increased visibility to surrounding properties
and thereby endanger the natural character of the land and jeopardize the health, safety,
and welfare of the citizens of the city. To preserve the character of the bluff impact zone
within the city, alteration to land or vegetation within the bluff ilnpact.z9#eQt;ea will not
be permitted except as regulated by this ordinance and by the regulations of the
underlying zoning district where the property is located.
Section 2. Section 20-1403 of the City Code, City of Chanhassen, Minnesota, is hereby
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 20-1403. Removal or alteration of vegetation.
Removal.~~~lter~!io.~?~~~9~t~~i.?~.'Yit~~~,a?:luff impact zone is prohibited except for
li~i!~d, '~l.~~()ftt~~~;~~'~i~";~~:~~iti~, pruning andtril111l1illg of trees llD.~
~I.J.~M~~ to provide a view from the principal dwelling sit~.~~~>'I'~ a~c?II1l1l()d,atethe
p.~acement of stairwa s and landings and access aths,~{' "ted;cl .... 0 <g~qf':tr~~s(llJJ.~
.. '.f!?i~~ii'i",:i~~~!~iT
.; "p'ly:witI1'seC'ti'on,ZO;;482~
",,~' ...._,_~ ."'.C:....n:........_ <.:.,~-_,; .,.,,:..~.,...;, _;;"'_:" ".s.,"_""':_: ;,_-' _" .c.:.:-'...c:.,,_,....;.,..;<.
Removal or alteration of vegetation must receive prior approval ofthe community
development director or designee. An on-site review will be made to determine if the
removal or alteration of vegetation will require new ground cover. In no case shall
c1earcutting be permitted. City staff will work with the property owner to develop a
means of creating a view while minimizing disturbance to the bluff impact zone.
Section 3. Section 20-1404 of the City Code, City of Chanhassen, Minnesota, is hereby
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 20-1404. Topographic alterations/grading and filling.
1
An earthwork permit will be required for the movement ofanym.prettat tea oobieyar4s
~ material within bluff impact zones. The permit f1httl1JDay be granted only if the
prog()se~ alterationd()esllota~verselY~(lffe(;t t~ebluff impact zOlle or other property.
-p~t~t~ D1ay .be~taIlte~.i(t~e.;propo,s~~~alte.ration complies..with. Sec..20;140tan<t
the:foll9wing coilditi9nsare.Il{)tpresen!~
.i\.!lloderate.t()seyere..er~si()n.htlz~r~c~l~~sification'.. asd~rmed.and..mapped'.bytlle
J~atu~~l Re.sotlr~.~S~~l1se~ation~~~~~ ... ....
.. ...... ..Ex!~thtggullies.aJl()J(wesc~rPw.~Il~.;~r,epr,~sent on the subject property orin an
~rea .which the subJectproperty is;trib.utary to.
Topographic alterations/grading and filling within the bluff impact zone shall not be
p. .ermitted to increase the. r. a. te of drainage .a.n.....dnoc()ncentrated.t1o.w.....conditions Shall.'
. ....._ .'."",,',',' ...... __.__' ...0_.... n_. ....'. _' d. __ .....0___.>..
r~st.J.f {tOlD the alt~l"~ti();n. The drainage from property within the bluff impact zone may
not be redirected without a permit from the city. Fill or excavated material shall not be
placed in bluff impact zones.
Section 4. This ordinance shall be effective immediately upon its passage and
publication.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this _ day of , 2009, by the City Council of
the City of Chanhassen, Minnesota.
Todd Gerhardt, City Manager Thomas A. Furlong, Mayor
(Published in the Chanhassen Villager on )
g:\plan\city code\2009 code amendments\bluff ordinance\ordinance.doc
2
ARTICLE XXVIII. BLUFF PROTECTION
Bluff impact zone means a bluff and land located within 20 feet from the top of a bluff. (20)
Bluff means a natural topographic feature such as a hill, cliff, or embankment having the following
characteristics:
(1) The slope rises at least 25 feet above the toe of the bluff; and
(2) The grade of the slope from the toe of the bluff to a point 25 feet or more above the toe of
the bluff averages 30 percent or greater; and
(3) An area with an average slope of less than 18 percent over a distance for 50 feet or more
shall not be considered part of the bluff. (20)
Bluft side of means a point at which both conditions for a "bluff" no longer exist. The side of the bluff is
delineated by a line connecting the top and toe of a bluff at a location in which the slope of the bluff is
less than 30 percent or the change in elevation becomes smaller than 25 feet. (20)
Bluft toe of means the point on a bluff where there is, as visually observed, a clearly identifiable break
in the slope, from flatter to steeper slope above. If no break in the slope is apparent, the toe of the bluff
shall be determined to be the lower end of a 50-foot segment, measured on the ground, with an
average slope exceeding 18 percent. (20)
Bluft top of means the point on a bluff where there is, as visually observed, a clearly identifiable break
in the slope, from steeper to gentler slope above. If no break in the slope is apparent, the top of the
bluff shall be determined to be the upper end of a 50-foot segment, measured on the ground, with an
average slope exceeding 18 percent. (20)
Sec. 20-1400. Statement of intent.
Development, excavation, c1earcutting and other activities within the bluff impact zone may result in
increased dangers of erosion, increased visibility to surrounding properties and thereby endanger the
natural character of the land and jeopardize the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the city. To
preserve the character of the bluff impact zone within the city, alteration to land or vegetation within
the bluff area will not be permitted except as regulated by this ordinance and by the regulations of the
underlying zoning district where the property is located.
(Ord. No. 152, 9 2,10-14-91; Ord. No. 249, 9 2, 4-8-96)
Sec. 20-1401. Structure setbacks.
(a) Structures, including, but not limited to, principal buildings, decks, and accessory buildings, except
stairways and landings, are prohibited on the bluff and must be set back from the top of the bluff, the
toe of the bluff, and the side of a bluff at least 30 feet.
(b) On parcels of land on which a building has already been constructed on June 1, 1991, the setback
from the top of the bluff is five feet or existing setback, whichever is more, for additions to an existing
building. Any new buildings will have to meet the 3D-foot setback.
(Ord. No. 152, ~ 2,10-14-91; Ord. No. 249, ~ 3, 4-8-96)
Sec. 20-1402. Stairways, lifts and landings.
Stairways, paths and lifts may be permitted in suitable sites where construction will not redirect water
flow direction and/or increase drainage velocity. Major topographic alterations are prohibited.
Stairways, paths and lifts must receive an earthwork permit and must meet the following design
requirements:
(1) Stairways, paths and lifts may not exceed four feet in width on residential lots. Wider stairways may
be used for commercial properties, public open space recreational properties, and planned unit
developments.
(2) Reserved.
(3) Canopies or roofs are not allowed on stairways, lifts, or landings.
(4) Stairways, paths, lifts and landings may be either constructed above the ground on posts or placed
into the ground, provided they are designed and built in a manner that ensures control of soil erosion.
(5) Stairways, paths, lifts and landings must be located in the most visually inconspicuous portions of
lots.
(6) Facilities such as ramps, lifts, or mobility paths for physically handicapped persons are also allowed,
provided that the dimensional and performance standards complied with of subsections (1) to (5).
(Ord. No. 152, 9 2,10-14-91; Ord. No. 218, ~ 1, 8-22-94; Ord. No. 377, S 148, 5-24-04)
Sec. 20-1403. Removal or alteration of vegetation.
Removal or alteration of vegetation within a bluff impact zone is prohibited except for limited clearing of
trees and shrubs and cutting, pruning and trimming of trees to provide a view from the principal
dwelling site and to accommodate the placement of stairways and landings and access paths.
Removal or alteration of vegetation must receive prior approval of the community development director
or designee. An on-site review will be made to determine if the removal or alteration of vegetation will
require new ground cover. In no case shall clearcutting be permitted. City staff will work with the
property owner to develop a means of creating a view while minimizing disturbance to the bluff impact
zone.
(Ord. No. 152, ~ 2,10-14-91; Ord. No. 377, ~ 149, 5-24-04)
Sec. 20-1404. Topographic alterations/grading and filling.
An earthwork permit will be required for the movement of more that ten cubic yards of material within
bluff impact zones. The permit shall be granted if the proposed alteration does not adversely affect the
bluff impact zone or other property. Topographic alterations/grading and filling within the bluff impact
zone shall not be permitted to increase the rate of drainage. The drainage from property within the bluff
impact zone may not be redirected without a permit from the city. Fill or excavated material shall not be
placed in bluff impact zones.
(Ord. No. 152, 9 2, 10-14-91)
Sec. 20-1405. Roads, driveways and parking areas.
Roads, driveways, and parking areas must meet structure setbacks and must not be placed within bluff
impact zones when other reasonable and feasible placement alternatives exists. If no alternatives exist,
they may be placed within these areas, and must be designed to not cause adverse impacts.
(Ord. No. 152, 9 2, 10-14-91)
CITY OF
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 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
www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us
~
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Planning Commission
FROM:
Angie Kairies, Planner I
DATE:
October 6, 2009
SUBJ:
City Code Amendment
Chapter 20, Zoning, Signs
PROPOSED MOTION:
"The Chanhassen Planning Commission recommends that City Council
adopts the proposed amendments to Chapter 20 of the Chanhassen City Code
pertaining to signs as outlined in the staff report."
BACKGROUND
On September 15, 2009, staff presented the Planning Commission with issues and
concerns relating to clarification of logos on wall signs and temporary signs.
On September 28,2009 Staff presented the issues. and Planning Commission's
feedback to the City Council. The Council did not present any changes to the
proposed amendments at such time.
Staff has prepared a strike-through (delete) and bold (add) format to review the
proposed changes.
ANA YLSIS
SIGNAGE
In April 2008, the City's sign ordinance was updated to permit logos up to 30% of
the sign display area, and provide an exemption to the individual dimension letter
requirement for a portion of a sign. When the amended sign ordinance was put
into practice, it came to staff's attention that the language regarding the dimension
letter exemption . for logos should be clarified for easier interpretation.
Additionally, due to the current economic downturn, businesses are requesting
more temporary signs to advertise their goods and services. Staff is in support of
one additional sign per calendar year. Staff is also proposing language to clarify
the permitted location of detached and attached temporary signs.
Chanhassen is a Community for Life - Providing for Today and Planning for Tomorrow
Planning Commission
October 6,2009
Page 2
Permanent Signs
Registered trademarks are also part
of this exemption; however, this can
be mistaken for the company logo.
Therefore, staff is proposing to
eliminate Registered Trademarks.
Logos are addressed separately.
_-_J_
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1. ISSUE: The current sign ordinance
provides an exemption to the
individual dimension letter
requirement for company logos and
display messages, if it occupies 20%
of the sign display area or less and
the letters are not more than 6 inches
in height.
2. ISSUE: The intent of the amended ordinance is to exempt all logos from the dimension
letter requirement; it is clear for Pylon and Monument signs, but not as clear for wall signs.
Staff is proposing to add language to clarify the intent of the ordinance.
PROPOSED CHANGE: Amend Section 20-1267 as shown below
1. All permanent signs shall be designed and constructed in a uniform manner and, to the
extent possible, as an integral part of the building's architecture. Multi-tenant
commercial and industrial buildings shall have uniform signage. When buildings or
developments are presented for site plan review, proposed signs for the development
shall be presented concurrently for staff review. All planned centers and multi-tenant
buildings shall submit a comprehensive sign plan for approval by the Planning
Commission and City Council.
a. All wall signage shall use individual dimension letters, at least one-half inch deep.
- -:--1
Registered trademarks: Company symbols, display messages (less than not greater.
~had 6 inches tall), pictorial presentations, illustrations, or decorations (anything
other than wording) and less than 20 percent of the total sign display area are exempt
from the individual dimension letter requirement.
b. Wall signs shall be backlit if a wall sign is illuminated, and be architecturally
compatible with the building and other signage if in a multi-tenant building.
c. Company logos shall not occupy more than 30 percent of the sign display area!.- and
~xemP.t from the individu~al dimension letter reguirementl
Planning Commission
October 6, 2009
Page 3
Temporary Signs
1. ISSUE: Due to economic times, businesses are requesting more temporary signs to advertise
their goods and services. Currently the sign ordinance permits three temporary signs per
year; staff is recommending increasing the number of temporary signs to four signs per year.
Staff is also proposing language to clarify the permitted location of detached and attached
temporary signs.
PROPOSED CHANGE: Amend Section 20-1256 as shown below:
Temporary signs are permitted as follows:
1. Banners attached to the principal structure shall not exceed 140 square feet.
2. Detached banners shall not exceed 32 square feet and 6 feet in height.
3. Portable signs shall not exceed 32 square feet and 6 feet in height.
4. All temporary signage shall meet the following standards:
a. A 30-day display period to coincide with the grand opening of a business or a new
development (business park or shopping center which shall be in addition to Sec 20-
1256 (4) (b)).
b. ~~c':lsiness may display an attached or detached banner or portable sign on up to tl1re~
fpg~ occasions per calendar year with a maximum ten-day display period for each
occaSIOn.
c. Messages must relate to on-premises products or services, or any noncommercial
message.
d. ~laiJ!~!!~,~anners, r~fJ~ull~'IIII~~~;~~~,f[~!f!~;i~i:;,~!~~ must be located on the
property which is owned or leased by the business which the sign is advertising.
Non-profit and governmental event banners are excluded from this provision.
e. Portable signs and detached banners shall not be located in the public right-of-way.
f. Portable signs and detached banners are limited to the driveway entrance area.
g. No more than one portable sign or detached banner shall be permitted per entrance at
any given time.
RECOMMENDATION
"The Chanhassen Plaooing Commission reeotnil'leflds that City Council adopt the proposed
amendments to Chapter 20 of the Chanhassen City Code pertaining to signs as outlined in the
staff report."
Planning Commission
October 6, 2009
Page 4
ATTACHMENTS
1. Ordinance Amendment pertaining to permanent and temporary sign standards.
g:\plan\city code\2009 code amendments\signs\pc memo signs 9-15-09.doc
CITY OF CHANHASSEN
CARVER AND HENNEPIN COUNTIES, MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 20
ZONING
CHANHASSEN CITY CODE
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA ORDAINS:
Section 1. Section 20-1256 of the City Code, City of Chanhassen, Minnesota, is hereby
amended to read as follows:
Temporary signs are permitted as follows:
1. Banners attached to the principal structure shall not exceed 140 square feet.
2. Detached banners shall not exceed 32 square feet and 6 feet in height.
3. Portable signs shall not exceed 32 square feet and 6 feet in height.
4. All temporary signage shall meet the following standards:
a. A 30-day display period to coincide with the grand opening of a business or a new
development (business park or shopping center which shall be in addition to Sec 20-1256
(4) (b)).
b. A business may display an attached or detached banner or portable sign on up to three
four occasions per calendar year with a maximum ten-day display period for each
occaSIOn.
c. Messages must relate to on-premises products or services, or any noncommercial
message.
d. Attached banners, detached banners and portable signs must be located on the
property which is owned or leased by the business which the sign is advertising.
Nonprofit and governmental event banners are excluded from this provision.
e. Portable signs and detached banners shall not be located in the public right-of-way.
f. Portable signs and detached banners are limited to the driveway entrance area.
g. No more than one portable sign or detached banner shall be permitted per entrance at any
given time.
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Section 2. Section 20-1267 of the City Code, City of Chanhassen, Minnesota, is hereby
amended to read as follows:
1. All permanent signs shall be designed and constructed in a uniform manner and, to the extent
possible, as an integral part of the building's architecture. Multi-tenant commercial and
industrial buildings shall have uniform signage. When buildings or developments are
presented for site plan review, proposed signs for the development shall be presented
concurrently for staff review. All planned centers and multi-tenant buildings shall submit a
comprehensive sign plan for approval by the Planning Commission and City Council.
a. All wall signage shall use individual dimension letters, at least one-half inch deep.
Registered trademarks, Company symbols, display messages (less than not greater than
6 inches tall), pictorial presentations, illustrations, or decorations (anything other than
wording) and less than 20 percent of the total sign display area are exempt from the
individual dimension letter requirement.
b. Wall signs shall be backlit if a wall sign is illuminated, and be architecturally compatible
with the building and other signage if in a multi-tenant building.
c. Company logos shall not occupy more than 30 percent of the sign display area.,. and are
exempt from the individual dimension letter requirement.
Section 3. This ordinance shall be effective immediately upon its passage and publication.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this _ day of _,2009, by the City Council of the City
of Chanhassen, Minnesota
Todd Gerhardt, City Manager Thomas A. Furlong, Mayor
(Published in the Chanhassen Villager on )
g:\plan\city code\2009 code amendments\signs\amendment ordinance ch 20 wall and temp sign.doc
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