01-03-96 PCNorthwest Associated Consultants, Inc.
C O M M U N I T Y PLANNING • DESIGN • MARKET R E S E A R C H
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
RE:
FILE NO:
Elaine Beatty
Bob Kirmis
28 September 1995
Otsego - Zoning Ordinance Sign Regulations
176.08 - 95.22
ECEIVE
Attached please find a draft amendment to the City's sign regulations. Please provide copies of
the material to the Planning Commission. I have mailed a copy to Andy.
Prior to setting of a public hearing on this matter, I believe it would be beneficial to discuss this
material informally and integrate any suggested modifications.
As we discussed, the amendment is scheduled for Planning Commission discussion on 18 October.
Please call if you have any questions.
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5775 Wayzata Blvd. • Suite 555 • St. Louis Park, MN 55416 • (612) 595-9636•Fax. 595-9837
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Northwest Associated Consultants, Inc.
C O M M U N I T Y PLANNING • DESIGN • MARKET R E S E A R C H
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
RE:
FILE NO:
Otsego Planning Commission
Bob Kirmis
28 September 1995
Otsego - Zoning Ordinance Sign Regulations
176.08 - 95.22
At the direction of the City Council, our office has prepared a draft amendment to the City's sign
regulations intended to address construction and real estate signage requirements.
Specifically, the attached amendment would accomplish the following:
1. Make an allowance for construction signs in all zoning district as exempt signs (sign
allowed without a permit). In recognition of typical sign setbacks, the amendment would
allow larger signs along principal arterial streets (the Highway 101 and Interstate 94
corridors).
2. Amend the real estate development project sign requirements in residential districts to
allow larger signs along principal arterial streets.
3. Amend the commercial/industrial district sigm requirements to:
a. Establish a maximum sign height for real estate signs.
b. Make an allowance for real estate development signs (currently allowed only in
residential zoning districts).
For your reference, text changes have been highlighted (shaded). Prior to public hearing of the
amendment, this material will be discussed informally at the forthcoming 18 October Planning
Commission meeting.
PC: Elaine Beatty
Andy MacArthur
5775 Wayzata Blvd. • Suite 555 • St. Louis Park, MN 55416 • (612) 595-9636•Fax. 595-9837
ORDINANCE NO.
CITY OF OTSEGO
COUNTY OF WRIGHT, MINNESOTA
AN AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE ADDRESSING PUBLIC,
CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SIGNAGE, REQUIREMENTS.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OTSEGO HEREBY ORDAINS:
Section 1. Section 20-2-2.S of the Otsego City Code (Definitions) is hereby amended
to define the following term:
Section 2. Section 20-37-3.A of the Otsego City Code (Exempt Signs) is hereby
amended to add the following:
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Section 3. Section 20-37-5.B.3 of the Otsego City Code (Residential District Sign
Regulations) is hereby amended to read as follows:
3. Real Estate Development Project Signs. Signs involving temporary identification
of a new subdivision or development located upon the project site.
a. Each subdivision or development shall be allowed the following signs by
permit:
(1) One (1) sign not to exceed sixty-four (64) square feet in surface
area and a maximum height of fifteen (15) feet, 09*100
(2) Directional signs as authorized by sub -section 5.B.4 of this Section.
b. The permit shall be renewable annually and conditioned upon
documentation allowing such sign or structure by the property owner upon
which it is to be located, and a vacancy rate of the subdivision greater than
ten (10) percent.
Section 4. Section 20-37-5.0 of the Otsego City Code (Commercial/Business and
Industrial District Sign Regulations) is hereby amended to read as follows:
C. Commercial/Business and Industrial Zoning Districts as defined by Section 50 of
this Chapter.
1. Signs as permitted in Agricultural Zoning Districts.
2. Real Estate Signs. Temporary signs pertaining to the lease or sale of a
property or building with the following restrictions:
a. No more than one (1) double sided sign allowed per lot or per
building for sale.
b. The sign area shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet of space
on each side.
C. The sign shall not be illuminated.
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Business Identification Signs. Total sign area shall not exceed fifteen (15)
percent of the total front building facade except that both front and side
facades shall be counted on a corner lot. Signs chosen to comprise the total
gross sign area shall be consistent with the following provisions:
a. Freestanding. Not more than one (1) double sided freestanding
sign. Sign area may not exceed one hundred (100) square feet each
side with a maximum height of twenty (20) feet.
b. Wall, Canopy or Marquee. Not more than one (1) wall, canopy or
marquee sign per building. However, on corner lots, two (2) such
signs shall be allowed, one (1) per street frontage. Individual sign
area shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet.
C. Advertising messages shall not comprise more than twenty-five (25)
percent of any freestanding or wall sign.
Business Area Identification Signs. One (1) sign for each primary entrance
to the qualifying area from major collector or arterial streets and consistent
with the following provisions:
a. Total sign area, including the sign structure, shall not exceed two
hundred (200) square feet with a maximum height of twelve (12)
feet for freestanding signs.
b. Each property owner and/or tenant of the area identified shall be
permitted space upon the identification sign for the name of the
business only.
3
C. Signs shall be located on outlots of sufficient size and area to
accommodate them. A landowners or tenants association or other
legal mechanism binding the properties or businesses involved shall
own and be responsible for the upkeep, perpetual maintenance,
taxes, insurance, utilities, and other costs associated with the sign(s)
and the outlot property. The association rules or by-laws or other
legally recorded document shall specify how the aforementioned
sign responsibilities will be delegated and paid for. Such legal
document shall be subject to the review and approval of the City
Attorney.
d. Outlots for signs shall be considered and planned for at the time of
preliminary plat application and be included in the final plat. The
subdivision development contract between the City and the
developer shall specify the designated use of the outlot, its
ownership and the respective land owners association
responsibilities regarding the outlot.
e. Signs shall be located not less than five (5) feet from a property
line.
f. Lighting of signs shall be permitted, provided that glare or light
from such lighting does not illuminate any adjacent properties,
buildings, structures or public rights-of-way. The electric costs and
maintenance of such lighting shall be the responsibility of the land
owners or tenants association of the area identified by the sign(s)
and shall be clearly noted in the association by-laws or rules or
other such legal document.
g. The outlot area around the sign shall be landscaped in such a
manner to accent and enhance the sign while remaining sensitive to
the natural features of the site. Detailed site and landscape plans
shall be included with each sign permit application and be subject
to City Council review and approval.
h. The design and construction of business area identification signs
shall be done with the highest quality materials and workmanship
to keep maintenance and upkeep costs to a minimum and to
minimize the potential for vandalism. Business area identification
signs are to be aesthetically pleasing when designed and
constructed. The sign shall be compatible with nearby or potential
homes and other structures in the area. Detailed construction plans
and a materials list shall be included with each sign permit
M
application and shall be subject to City Council review and
approval.
i. The City reserves the right to require the removal, at the owner's
expense, any sign when the requirements of this Section are not
completely followed and adhered to or if the sign is not properly
maintained or falls into a state of disrepair. The City shall not have
any obligation or liability to replace any sign when removed by the
City.
Message Signs. Temporary message signs, not exceeding thirty-two (32)
square feet on each side may be allowed by temporary permit under the
following provisions:
a. Message signs may be illuminated, but flashing signs are prohibited.
b. Electronic changing message/reader boards are prohibited.
C. A temporary permit shall be valid for a period of ten (10) days and
no more than three (3) permits per property shall be granted during
any twelve (12) month period.
d. In the case of a business center where two (2) or more uses are
located in the same structure or on the same parcel of land, that
center shall be considered one property.
Section 5. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its passage and
publication.
ADOPTED by the Otsego City Council this day of 1995.
ATTEST:
La
CITY OF OTSEGO
M_
Norman F. Freske, Mayor
Elaine Beatty, City Clerk/Zoning Administrator
E
rAC
Northwest Associated Consultants, Inc.
C O M M U N I T Y PLANNING a DESIGN o MARKET R E S E A R C H
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
RE-
FILE NO:
Otsego Planning Commission
Bob Kirmis
15 November 1995
Otsego - Zoning Ordinance - Sign Regulations
176.08 - 95.22
This memorandum is intended to respond to comments made by the Planning Commission
at its 1 November meeting concerning a draft amendment to the City's "construction" and
"real estate development" sign requirements.
The following is a summary of primary points raised at the said meeting:
• Consistency in square footage and height of various freestanding signs would be
desirable. Specifically, a sign area of 100 square feet and height of 20 feet was
recommended. It is assumed such comment relates to the majority of sign types in
the City and beyond the "construction" and "real estate development" signs under
immediate consideration..
• Concern was raised that existing/proposed sign areas and heights may not allow
adequate message conveyance.
• The creation of a chart summarizing existing sign ordinance provisions which allows
comparison to proposed changes was recommended.
SCOPE OF REVIEW
As noted above, some concern was raised in regard not only to the area and height of
construction and real estate development signs, but other freestanding sign types as well
(i.e., business identification signs).
5775 Wayzata Blvd. • Suite 555 • St. Louis Park, MN 55416 • (612) 595-9636•Fax. 595-9837
At this time, the City Council has directed that the City's sign regulations be amended to
address only construction and real estate development signs. At the 13 November
meeting of the Council, staff inquired as to the appropriateness of expanding the scope of
the amendment to address provisions relating to other sign types. In response, the
Council confirmed its original directive of addressing only the construction/real estate sign
issue at this time.
SIGN AMENDMENT
The elements of the sign amendment previously submitted to the Planning Commission
are summarized below. As noted previously, a greater allowance in area and height
(construction signs only) has been proposed in recognition of sign adjacency to principal
arterial streets.
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW
As noted previously, the Planning Commission has suggested that height and area
requirements for construction and real estate development signs be modified to provide
a level of consistency. Specifically, a maximum area requirement of 100 square feet and
height requirement of 20 feet has been recommended.
While our office concurs that a level of consistency would be beneficial in terms of user
understanding and staff application, it is our opinion that sign height and area should
relate directly to a sign's purpose and the ability of the message to be conveyed. In this
regard, it is felt that the amount of sign area needed to convey the name of a builder,
architect, etc. on a construction sign is (and should be) less than that used to advertise a
new subdivision or development which commonly includes a graphic (map) component.
Also to be noted is that sign height and area requirements are intended to recognize
typical right-of-way widths (setbacks) and the speed of vehicular passersby.
We request that this particular issue be discussed further at the upcoming 6 December
meeting.
2
Along Principal Arterial Streets
Area Height
Along Other Streets
Area Height
Construction
64 sq.ft.
15 feet
32 sq.ft.
6 feet
Signs
Real Estate
100 sq.ft.
15 feet
64 sq.ft.
15 feet
Development
Project Signs
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW
As noted previously, the Planning Commission has suggested that height and area
requirements for construction and real estate development signs be modified to provide
a level of consistency. Specifically, a maximum area requirement of 100 square feet and
height requirement of 20 feet has been recommended.
While our office concurs that a level of consistency would be beneficial in terms of user
understanding and staff application, it is our opinion that sign height and area should
relate directly to a sign's purpose and the ability of the message to be conveyed. In this
regard, it is felt that the amount of sign area needed to convey the name of a builder,
architect, etc. on a construction sign is (and should be) less than that used to advertise a
new subdivision or development which commonly includes a graphic (map) component.
Also to be noted is that sign height and area requirements are intended to recognize
typical right-of-way widths (setbacks) and the speed of vehicular passersby.
We request that this particular issue be discussed further at the upcoming 6 December
meeting.
2
At the Planning Commission request, we have prepared a matrix (attached) which
summarizes the City's regulations for both permitted signs and signs which do not require
a permit. Hopefully, the matrix can be a useful tool in comparing the City's various signage
requirements.
PC.. Elaine Beatty
Andy MacArthur
3
CITY OF OTSEGO
SIGN REGULATION SUMMARY
GENERAL DISTRICT STANDARDS
(PERMITTED SIGNS)
SIGN TYPE
Zoning
District
Home
Exten-
Residen-
tial Area
Real
Estate
Direc-
tional
Con-
struction
Identi-
fication
Business I.D. Signs:
Business
Area I. D.
Message
Sign
Motor
Fuel
Multi -
Occu-
ded
1. D.
Develop-
Sign
Sign
Sign
Free- Wall
Sign
(Max.
Station
pancy
Business
Signs
ment
(Max.
(Max.
(Max.
standing Canopy
(Max.
Area/
(Max.
Business
Occupa-
(Max.
Project
Area/
Area/
Area/
(Max. or
Area/
Height)
Area/
and
tion
Area/
Sign
Height)
Height)
Height)
Area/ Marquee
Height)
Height)
Industrial
(Max.
Height)
(Max.
Height) (Max.
Buildings
Area/
Area/
Area/
(Max.
Height
Height)
Height
Area/
Height)
Agricul-
2 S.F./
------
------
------
------
------
------
------
------
------
------
tural
5 Feet
Resi-
2 S.F./
32 S.F./
64 S.F./
16 S.F./
16 S.F./
32 S.F./
------
------
------
------
------
------
dential
5 Feet
8 Feet
15 Feet
6 Feet
6 Feet
6 Feet
R -1-R-7
+R -MH
Busi-
2 S.F./
------
32 S.F./
------
------
------
100 S.F./
100 S.F./
200 S.F./
32 S.F./
32 S.F./
Per City
ness &
5 Feet
------
20 Feet
------
12 Feet
------
15 Feet
Council
Indus-
Approval
trial
B -1 -B -C
1-1 +1-2
7
E: See Zoning Ordinance for specific sign type definitions S.F. = Square f=eet
CITY OF OTSEGO
SIGN REGULATION SUMMARY
(NON -PERMITTED SIGNS)
SIGN TYPE
Zoning
Informational
Temporary
Real Estate
Campaign
S.F. Name
Farm Ident.
Historical
Crop
Rummage
District
(Maximum
(Maximum
(Maximum
Sign - when
and Street
(Maximum
Sign
Demostration
(Garage)
Area/Height)
Area/Height)
Area/Height)
no State
Address
Area/Height)
(Maximum
(Maximum
Sale
general
(Maximum
Area/Height)
Area/Height)
(Maximum
election
Area/Height)
Area/Height)
(Maximum
Area/Height)
Agricultural
4 S.F./
32 S.F./
16 S.F./
32 S.F./
2 S.F./
32 S.F./
8 S.F./
4 S.F./
16 S.F
--------
6 Feet
6 Feet
--------
6 Feet
6 Feet
---------
---------
---------
Residential
4 S.F./
32 S.F./
8 S.F./
9 S.F./
2 S.F./
32 S.F./
8 S.F./
4 S.F./
16 S.F
R-1 - R-7
--------
6 Feet
6 Feet
--------
6 Feet
6 Feet
---------
---------
---------
+ R -M H
Business &
4 S.F./
32 S.F./
16 S.F./
32 S.F./
------/
------/
8 S.F./
--------
16 S.F
Industrial
--------
6 Feet
6 Feet
--------
6 Feet
6 Feet
---------
---------
B-1 - B -C
1-1 +1-2
*NOTE: S.F. = Square Feet
See Zoning Ordinance for specific sign type definitions.
CITY OF OTSEGO
PLANNING COMMISSION
8 P
OTSEGO CITY HALL
JANUARY 17, 1996
1 _ Chair call meeting to order.
Chair Carl Swenson called the January 17, 1996 Planning Commission Meeting to order at
8 PM.
Roll Call: Carl Swenson, Richard Nichols, Eugene Goenner, Arleen Nagel and Suzanne
Ackerman, Council Representative.
Staff: Elaine Beatty, City Clerk/Zoning Administrator.
Eugene Goenner motioned to approved the January 3, 1996 Planning Commission
Minutes. Seconded by Arleen Nagel. All in favor. Motion carried.
Noticing of property owners did not meet legal requirements for January 17, 1996 Hearing
due to application not being received in time.
Arleen Nagel motioned to continue the Hearing to February 7, 1996, 8 PM.
Seconded by Richard Nichols. All in favor. Motion carried.
The Planning Commission requested copies of the half -section maps of Sections 13 and 14
be handed out outlining the area this Hearing involves.
The Planning Commission decided to postpone reviewing these videos.
Richard Nichols motioned to adjourned. Seconded by Arleen Nagel. All in favor.
Motion carried.
Arleen Nagel, Secretary
Recorded by: Judy Hudson, Deputy Clerk