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7. Richfield Bank: Sign Variance.CITY OF PC DATE: 1111/95 `I CHANHASSE CC DATE: 11/27/95 CASE #: 95 -9 VAR By: Rask:v 1 STAFF REPORT I I PROPOSAL: �Z U J �a 1 1 LOCATION: Variance request to allow a second monument sign at the Kerber Blvd. entrance to Richfield Bank 7800 Kerber Boulevard, southwest corner of West 78th Street and Kerber Boulevard Richfield State Agency 6625 Lyndale Avenue South Richfield, MN 55423 (612) 798 -3342 HTG Architects 7401 Metro Blvd. #495 Minneapolis, MN 55439 (612) 831 -8880 PRESENT ZONING: Planned Unit Development, PUD Actlo i * City AdministmW ACREAGE: 1.43 Acres Endors V - DW-A Nodiite -- Reiected�...._..._„ DENSITY: Date Submitted to Conmissiorr ADJACENT ZONING AND LAND USE: N - BG, West Village Center Dato Submitted to Council S - PUD, vacant lot a S' E - PUD, Market Square; Kerber Blvd. W - PUD, Target �a 1 w 1 WATER AND SEWER: Available to the site. PHYSICAL CHARACTER: The Richfield Bank is currently under construction. 2000 LAND USE PLAN: Commercial Richfield Bank Sign Variance ' November 1, 1995 Page 2 I APPLICABLE REGULATIONS The following sign criteria was adopted as part of the Target PUD: I 1. Each property shall be allowed one monument sign. Monument signage shall be subject to the monument standards in the sign ordinance. 2. Wall signs are permitted on no more than 2 street frontages. The total of all wall mounted sign display areas shall not exceed fifteen (15) percent of the total area of the building wall upon which the signs are mounted. F" 3. All signs require a separate permit. 4. The signage will have consistency throughout the development and shall tie the building materials to the signs. This includes the freestanding, wall, and monument signs. Signs shall be an architecture feature. 5. Consistency in signage shall relate to color, size, materials, and height. Section 20 -1303 of the sign ordinance states that one (1) ground low profile business sign shall be permitted per each building. Such sign shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height or 64 square feet in sign area. Section 20- 1255(2) of the sign ordinance states that on- premises directional signs shall not be larger than four (4) square feet. The maximum height of the sign shall not exceed five (5) feet from the ground. No more than four (4) signs shall be allowed per lot. Section 20 -1253 states that, "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..." ' BACKGROUND On April 24, 1995, the City Council approved Site Plan #95 -4 for Richfield Bank and Trust for a ' 12,166 square foot two story office building. Wall signs and a fountain monument sign were proposed at the time of site plan approval. Staff recently issued sign permits for two 97.5 square foot wall signs on the northwest and southeast elevations of the building. A sign permit was also Richfield Bank Sign Variance November 1, 1995 Page 3 issued for a 46 square foot sign located on the fountain structure. The fountain structure is made of concrete with brick cap, sides and back to match the building brick. Individual letters are patina red bronze of copper. The applicant provided sign details on proposed directional signs as part of the sign package submitted for permit approval. All directional signs meet minimum ordinance requirements except the sign located at the Kerber Blvd. entrance. This sign is approximately four (4) feet high and twenty (20) square feet in size. Section 20- 1255(2) of the sign ordinance states that directional sign may not exceed four (4) square feet. The sign contains the name of the bank and directional information (see attached drawings). The applicant provided the following description of the proposed sign, "The sign design will compliment the bank building design by nature of the level of quality and material(s). The sign design uses clean crisp silver accent bands and a burgundy base color that relate with the building materials and colors. The proposed sign will have white back -lit letters. The sign will face east, and give direction to customers entering the site from Kerber Drive. The proposed sign can only enhance the site and city landscaping." _ ANALYSIS Staff is recommending denial of the variance because the applicant has not demonstrated a hardship that would warrant the granting of a variance. Neither the size, shape, or topography prevent the placement of a directional sign which meets applicable code requirements. The two proposed wall signs and fountain sign provide more than a reasonable and equitable opportunity to advertise their name and service. Directional information could be placed on a sign which is four (4) square feet or less. In addition, no other business located along West 78th Street has more than one monument sign. Several shopping or retail centers located on West 78th Street were permitted additional monument signs. However, no single business has more than one monument sign. If approved, the variance would deviate from pre- existing standards in the central business district. Permitting a larger directional sign or monument sign will not improve traffic circulation or safety. It appears that the sign is being requested to provide additional advertising along Kerber Blvd. The purpose of the sign ordinance is to establish standards which permit businesses a reasonable and equitable opportunity to advertise their name and service. Richfield Bank has this opportunity with the proposed wall signs and fountain sign. The sign contains the name of the bank, Richfield Bank & Trust Co., along with directional information. Because the sign contains more than directional information, staff is considering the sign to be a monument sign. The twenty (20) square foot display area far exceeds the permitted four (4) square feet. Therefore, staff is considering the proposed sign a second monument sign. The applicants are requesting a variance to allow a twenty (20) square foot directional sign. u ri t L 1-1 1 Richfield Bank Sign Variance November 1, 1995 Page 4 FINDINGS �I The Planning Commission shall not recommend and the City Council shall not grant a variance unless they find the following facts: a. That the literal enforcement of this chapter would cause undue hardship. Undue hardship means that the property cannot be put to reasonable use because of its size, physical surroundings, shape or topography. Reasonable use includes a use made by a majority of comparable property within 500 feet of it. The intent of this provision is not to allow a proliferation of variances, but to recognize that there are pre - existing standards in this neighborhood. Variances that blend with these pre - existing standards without departing downward from them meet this criteria. � e. C. d. e. Finding: The applicant has a reasonable use of the property with the existing wall and monument signs. Other businesses located along West 78th Street do not have more than one monument sign per business. If approved, the variance would deviate from pre - existing standards in the Central Business Districts The conditions upon which a petition for a variance is based are not applicable, generally, to other property within the same zoning classification. Finding: The conditions upon which the petition for the variance is based are applicable to other properties within the same zoning classification. The purpose of the variation is not based upon a desire to increase the value or income potential of the parcel of land. Finding: The purpose of the variation appears to be based upon a desire to have additional advertising on Kerber Blvd. The alleged difficulty or hardship is not a self - created hardship. Finding: The alleged hardship is self - created as the. applicant could make use of a directional sign only. The granting of the variance will not be detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to other land or improvements in the neighborhood in which the parcel is located. Richfield Bank Sign Variance November 1, 1995 Page 5 Finding: The granting of the variance will not be detrimental to public safety or , neighboring parcels. As mentioned in the staff report, the sign will not improve traffic circulation or safety. f. The proposed variation will not impair an adequate supply of light and air to adjacent ' property or substantially increase the congestion of the public streets or increases the danger of fire or endanger the public safety or substantially diminish or impair property values within the neighborhood. Finding: The proposed variation will not impair an adequate supply of light and air to adjacent property or substantially increase the congestion of the public streets or increases the danger of fire or endanger the public safety or substantially diminish or impair property values within the neighborhood. PLANNING COMMISSION UPDATE On November 1, 1995, the Planning Commission held a public hearing to review the variance request to allow a second monument sign for Richfield Bank. The Commission concurred with the findings presented in the staff report and recommended denial of the variance with an unanimous vote. The Commission concluded that a second monument sign or directional sign was not needed to improve traffic safety, and that a sign meeting ordinance requirements could be constructed. The applicant submitted a revised sign plan to the Planning Commission showing "Richfield Bank & Trust Co." replaced with "Bank Building Entrance" (see attached sketch labeled alternate sign). ' This was done to address staff's concern that the sign was being constructed for additional advertising space. Staff maintains that a directional sign could be designed which meets ordinance requirements. If the applicants are concerned with the appearance of the sign, pole covers could be added or additional landscaping placed around the base of the sign. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the following motion: "The City Council denies the request for Sign Permit Variance #95 -9 based on the findings presented in the staff report and the following: 1. The applicant has not demonstrated a hardship that would warrant the granting of a pp p l�' g variance. 1 to ' 2. Richfield Bank has a reasonable opportunity advertise their name and service with two a wall signs and fountain sign. ' 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Richfield Bank Sign Variance November 1, 1995 Page 6 4. Provisions exist in the City Code for the use of directional signs. 5. The variance is inconsistent with the purpose and findings of the sign ordinance." ATTACHMENTS 1. Planning Commission Minutes dated November 1, 1995 2. Letter from Jeffrey Pflipsen, HTG Architects, dated October 9, 1995 3. Application dated October 9, 1995 4. Site Plan showing proposed sign 5. Directional sign detail 6. Proposed monument/directional sign 7. Revised directional sign Planning Commission Meeting - November 1, 1995 PUBLIC HEARING: SIGN VARIANCE REQUEST TO ALLOW TWO MONUMENT SIGNS ON PROPERTY_ LOCATED AT 761 WEST 78TH STREET, RICHFIELD BAND Public Present: Name Address Steve Kuchner 6625 Lyndale Ave. So., Richfield Jan Susee 6625 Lyndale Ave. So., Richfield Kevin Snyder 2170 Dodd Road, Mendota Heights John Rask presented the staff report on this item. Mancino: Thank you. Does the applicant or their designee wish to address the Planning Commission? Jan Susee: Thank you. My name is Jan Susee. I represent Richfield Bank and Trust and the Richfield State Agency that owns this property. This sign is not designated as an advertising sign. We immediately took that off when we saw the report, which was about 8 times it's mentioned that it's advertising. Well that's not the intent. If you know the site, you're driving right in front of the drive up tellers and it's safety to get cars to go to the right... I'll also point out that our monument sign is actually only 15 square feet in size. It's approximately 3 x 5 and the bottom base is not necessarily, there's nothing on it. It's a back lit sign which is the same so you can see the directional signage that's there. We've spent a great deal of money on a sign and we probably have bar none, the most expensive sign in the city of Chanhassen or probably the surrounding area. The fountain out front is costing well over $100,000.00 as part of the package we were trying to develop a very high quality building. High quality signs. Our actual signage on the building is less than permitted. We could have had quite a bit more. It's actually 87.5 feet for each of the signs. That's the actual size they indicated... The square footage, if you call this a monument sign, the 15 feet that's actually used plus the 46 feet on the fountain side, is less than would be allowed as well. And this is just an attempt to make the building attractive and make it something more than just a cold sign saying go this way. It just isn't right. That building is too expensive of a building. Too attractive of a building within the needs of the city and clearly meets all of the actual size of the building. I'll also point out that this isn't a single use building. There are at least 5 other tenants in the building and there are no signage for those. We restricted those in their leases so they can't have individual signs. And this is just to direct people where to park. We've got 5 different businesses. We've got a drive -up coming right out in front. It's an attempt to make an attractive sign that designates where people should drive. 23 1] L.J P, 0 J Planning Commission Meeting - November 1, 1995 Mancino: Appreciate it. Thank you. This is a public hearing. May I have a motion to open it for a public hearing. Excuse me. Is there anyone else from the applicants that would like to present? Okay. May I have a motion and a second to open this for a public hearing please. Meyer moved, Skubic seconded to open the public hearing. The public hearing was opened. ' Mancino: Anyone wishing to address the Planning Commission at this time. Seeing none, , may I have a motion and a second to close the public hearing. ' Meyer moved, Farmakes seconded to close the ublic hearing. The public hearing P g p g was closed. ' Farmakes: May I ask a question of staff? Before Y � e ore we proceed. ' Mancino: Yes, before we proceed. Go ahead. ' Farmakes: I didn't get a chance to ask in regards to the comment but I'd Pike that clarified from our engineer or city staff. Just chime in whoever thinks they should cover this. There is a do not enter sign at the area coming in. The applicant made a comment about safety. ' Knowing where to turn. You only have one other way to turn. Do you feel that that's covered in the issue of safety? A Hempel: I can respond to that. If you're referring to the access off of Kerber Drive, when you turn in. When you turn into the site, you're approached by the drive - up, or the exit from the drive -up teller windows and it was our recommendation at the site plan review process to ' put do not enter signs, one way signs at that point. Mancino: At the south side. Hempel: South side. As shown on the site plan here. ' Mancino: Okay. Farmakes: So those, my point, do you concur that an additional signage with this, if this is ' fulfilling, it's enhancing that safety or do you feel that that's self explanatory. That if you have a do not enter sign, and there's only one other way to turn, does it need additional signage is what I'm saying to ... people driving in there, in your opinion. 1 24 C' Planning Commission Meeting - November 1, 1995 Hempel: In my opinion, based on the traffic signage manual, I'd say the signs that they show here, the do not enter sign is adequate for the traffic flow. Mancino: Thank you. Any comments from, or questions from commissioners? Commissioner Skubic. Skubic: Well I don't have any strong opinions on this. We certainly aren't enhancing the building by advertising on this sign and it certainly is, as the applicant said, a quality sign and I can see the advantage of some directional information on the sign but once again I'm hesitant to override our ordinance so I don't know. I'm undecided on this. I'll listen to the rest of the commissioners. Mancino: Commissioner Conrad. Conrad: Staff's report is appropriate. There's no doubt. Functionally you can direct traffic within our ordinance. I support the ordinance and staff report. Mancino: Commissioner Meyer. Meyer: I'm concerned about the safety issue. I feel satisfied that that's adequate... support staffs report. Mancino: Commissioner Farmakes. Farmakes: No additional comments. Mancino: Commissioner Mehl. Mehl: Yeah, I agree. We don't need that sign. The sign that are there are adequate. Do I understand it correctly that they can put a 4 square foot directional sign in there and it would seem to me that they could put some good effort into styling and shaping, positioning of that sign that it could be very functional and very attractive. Mancino: Thank you. I have no additional comments. I do support staff report. I think a directional sign would be welcoming there. Telling people that there is an auto bank or cash machine and where to go. And sticking with the ordinance, the size of the sign. May I have a motion please? 1 7 I 25 1 Planning Commission Meeting - November 1, 1995 Farmakes: I'll make a motion that the Planning Commission recommend denial for the request for the sign permit variance #95 -9 for the November 1, 1995 based on the findings presented in the staff report 1 through 5. Mancino: Is there a second? Mehl: I'll second that. Mancino: Any discussion? Farmakes moved, Mehl seconded that the Planning Commission recommends that the City Council deny the request for the Sign Permit Variance 495 -9 based on the findings presented in the staff report and the following: 1. The applicant has not demonstrated a hardship that would warrant the granting of a variance. 2. Richfield Bank has a reasonable opportunity to advertise their name and service with two wall signs and fountain sign. 3. Provisions exist in the City Code for the use of directional signs. 4. The variance is inconsistent with the purpose and findings of the sign ordinance. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously. Mancino: When does this go to City Council? Rask: On the 27th. Mancino: November 27th. Please follow it onto City Council, who will make the decision. Thank you. 26 IMAGE: The sign design will compliment the bank building design by nature of the level of quality and material(s). The sign design uses clean crisp silver accent bands and a burgundy base color that relate with the building materials and colors. The proposed sign will have white back -lit letters. The sign will face east, and give ' direction to customers entering the site from Kerber Drive. The proposed sign can only enhance the site and city landscaping. REQUESTED VARIANCE: Richfield Bank & Trust Co. complies with the city ordinance that states the site can have four directional (2'x2') signs, one monumental sign, two building signs and an unlimited number of traffic flow signs. The requested variance is to change one of the directional signs from 2'x2' to 4'x5' in size. Also, the proposed 1 sign would have the name of the Bank across the top for additional identification. This is the first sign that the customers will notice when entering the site (which should standout). Please see the enclosed site plan, approved sign drawing and the proposed sign drawing for additional , information. If you have any questions or need any other information, please let me know. Sincerely, 1 Jeffrey Pfli sen // Y P ' Vice President/Project Architect cc: Mr. Steve Kirchner, Richfield Bank & Trust Mr. John Rask, Planner I, City of Chanhassen Enclosure HICKEY, THORSTENSON, GROVER, LTD 7401 Metro Boulevard, Suite 495 Mpls MN 55439 (812) 831.8880 1� r) 1 QQ=z= ARCHITECTS 09 October 1995 ' Mr. Robert Generous Planner II City of Chanhassen 690 Coulter Drive P.O. 147 ' Chanhassen, Minnesota 55317 , Re: RICHFIELD BANK & TRUST, CHANHA.SSEN OFFICE SIGN VARIANCE Dear Bob: Below is a brief summary of the proposed sign variance that we are requesting. The information is based on ' the variance outline form provided to HTG Architects by the City of Chanhassen. IMAGE: The sign design will compliment the bank building design by nature of the level of quality and material(s). The sign design uses clean crisp silver accent bands and a burgundy base color that relate with the building materials and colors. The proposed sign will have white back -lit letters. The sign will face east, and give ' direction to customers entering the site from Kerber Drive. The proposed sign can only enhance the site and city landscaping. REQUESTED VARIANCE: Richfield Bank & Trust Co. complies with the city ordinance that states the site can have four directional (2'x2') signs, one monumental sign, two building signs and an unlimited number of traffic flow signs. The requested variance is to change one of the directional signs from 2'x2' to 4'x5' in size. Also, the proposed 1 sign would have the name of the Bank across the top for additional identification. This is the first sign that the customers will notice when entering the site (which should standout). Please see the enclosed site plan, approved sign drawing and the proposed sign drawing for additional , information. If you have any questions or need any other information, please let me know. Sincerely, 1 Jeffrey Pfli sen // Y P ' Vice President/Project Architect cc: Mr. Steve Kirchner, Richfield Bank & Trust Mr. John Rask, Planner I, City of Chanhassen Enclosure HICKEY, THORSTENSON, GROVER, LTD 7401 Metro Boulevard, Suite 495 Mpls MN 55439 (812) 831.8880 Li 1 L Ci CITY OF CHANHASSEN 690 COULTER DRIVE CHANHASSEN, MN 55317 (612) 937 -1900 DEVELOPMENT REVIEW APPLICATION APPLICANT: HTG ARCHITECTS OWNER: RICHFIELD STATE AGENCY ADDRESS: 7401 METRO BLVD. #495 ADDRESS: 6625 LYNDALE AVENUE SOUTH MPLS, MN 55439 RICHFIELD, MN 55423 TELEPHONE (Daytime) 612 - 831 -8880 TELEPHONE: 612 - 798 -3342 JEFF PFLIPSEN STEVE KIRCHNER 1. Comprehensive Plan Amendment 11. Vacation of ROW /Easements 2. Conditional Use Permit 12. XX Variance 3. Interim Use Permit 13. Wetland Alteration Permit 4. Non - conforming Use Permit 14. Zoning Appeal 5. Planned Unit Development 15. Zoning Ordinance Amendment 6. Rezoning 7. Sign Permits 8. XX Sign Plan Review Notification Signs 9. Site Plan Review X Escrow for Filing Fees /Attorney Cost" ($50 CUP /SPRNAC /VAR /WAP /Metes and Bounds, $400 Minor SUB) 10. Subdivision TOTAL FEE $ 75.00 ' A list of all property owners within 500 feet of the boundaries of the property must Included with the application. -six full size folded copies of the plans must be submitted. 8 1 /2" X 11" Reduced copy of transparency for each plan sheet. NOTE - When multiple applications are processed, the appropriate fee shall be charged for each application. " Escrow will be required for other applications through the development contract E PROJECT NAME RICHFIELD BANK AND TRUST CO. LOCATION SOUTHWEST CORNER OF WEST 78TH STREET AND KERBER BOULEVA , LEGAL DESCRIPTION LOT 1, BLOCK 3, BURDICK PARK ADDITION, TOGETHER WITH THE VACATED PORTION OF WEST 78TH STREET ACCRUING HERETO TO BE VACATED. , ALSO TOGETHER WITH DOCUMENT NO. T75496 ' PRESENT ZONING PUD ' REQUESTED ZONING NO CHANGE PRESENT LAND USE DESIGNATION COMMERCIAL , REQUESTED LAND USE DESIGNATION NO CHANGE REASON FOR THIS REQUEST DIRECTIONAL SIGN VARIANCE. SIGN LOCATED AT S011THEAST CORNFR OF SITE. I 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 Planning Department to determine the specific ordinance and procedural requirements applicable to your application. ' This is to certify that I am making application for the described 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. HTG ARCHITECTS ig a re Ap icant JEFFREY J. PFLIPSEN, VICE PRESIDENT i2gs Date Signature of Fee Owner Application Received on Fee Paid Receipt No. r jl L! F 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. 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