7.2. SR 01-22-2013t I REQUEST FOR ACTION
Rimier
TO
ITEM NUMBER
Mayor and City Council
7.2
AGENDA SECTION
MEETING DATE
PREPARED BY
Public Hearings
January 22, 2013
Jeremy Barnhart, Planning Manager
ITEM DESCRIPTION
REVIEWED By
Variance: Cornerstone Auto for Variance to City of Elk River
Peter Beck, City Attorney
REVIEWED BY
Land Use Regulations, Section 30 -870 — C3 Highway
Commercial District - Signs, Case No. V 13 -01
Suzanne Fischer, Community Operations
and Development Director
ACTION REQUESTED
Review of automatic appeal of Board of Adjustment's denial of the variance application for 484 square
feet of signage where 272 square feet is allowed.
DISCUSSION
The City Council is reviewing this application because the Board of Adjustment denied the variance
application at their meeting on January 8. Board of Adjustment denials are automatically appealed to the
City Council.
The zoning ordinance allows for variances provided they meet the state criteria incorporated into the
ordinance in 2011.
Section 30 -635:
(b) A variance may be granted by the board only if it finds that:
(1) The variance is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance.
(2) The variance is consistent with the City of Elk River comprehensive plan.
(c) Variances may be granted when the petitioner establishes that there are practical difficulties in
complying with the zoning ordinance. Practical difficulties means that:
(3) The petitioner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the zoning
ordinance;
(4) The plight of the petitioner is due to circumstances unique to the property not a consequence of
the petition's own action or inaction; and
(5) The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality.
(d) Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties. Practical difficulties include,
but are not limited to, inadequate access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems.
F It It E E E D By
M \Departments \Community Development \Planning \Case Files \Variance \V 13 -01 Comerstone Auto \V 13 -01
Comerstone Auto SR to CC 1- 22- 13.docx
The burden on proving practical difficulties is on the applicant: "...the petitioner establishes that there
are practical difficulties..." Emphasis added.
The petitioners written arguments start on page 2 of their memorandum dated November 28, 2012. This
memorandum is found in the Board of Adjustments packet dated January 8, 2013. Staff's analysis of
these arguments is found in the staff report in this same packet.
During the Board of Adjustments meeting, the petitioner raised a number of additional arguments.
1. The oil change aspect of the operation was a different occupancy, and therefore entitled to 200
square feet of signage.
2. The oil change /car wash building is on its own lot of record, and entitled to a free standing sign,
which they are willing to `give up' in favor of a wall sign.
3. The business needs signage to succeed, and not granting the variance will destroy the business.
4. The signs needed to be visible from Highway 10.
While these are fair opinions, they do not satisfy the requirements of a variance. The opinion of staff and
the Board Adjustment is that the applicant has failed to successfully satisfy the criteria required to warrant
a variance.
In response to these additional comments:
Signage in the applicable zoning district (C -3) is based on occupancy. The central question is what
constitutes `occupancy ?' The code defines Occupancy as "...the portion of a building or premises
owned, leased, rented, or otherwise occupied for a given use." Is the sale of four different brands,
car washes, and now oil changes equal to six different occupancies, and therefore each occupancy is
permitted 200 square feet of signage? The Board of Adjustments is of the position that this did not
apply to the accessory car wash and oil change facility as the original use was a car dealership.
2. The project is either based on the approved plat of Jabez or it isn't. The expansion of the parking
lots to the north of the car dealership building are appropriate if the approved plat is recorded and in
effect. However if the plat is not recorded, these expansions are illegal by virtue of accessory parking
lot without a principle structure and setback infringement.
3. The sign ordinance imposes fair and reasonable signage limitations on all businesses. It is the
property owner's choice of how signage is distributed. If the Council is of the position that there are
two occupancies in the building, they are limited to 400 square feet total for signage, where the
applicant is requesting 484 square feet. If the Council believes there is one occupancy, they are
grandfathered in for 272 square feet.
4. Regardless of sign size, the amount of visibility from Highway 10 is very limited due to the car
dealership /car repair business at the NE corner of Highway 10 and 1715`
BACKGROUND
In 2006, the city approved a land use amendment, rezoning, preliminary /final plat, and conditional use
permit for the expansion of the Cornerstone Auto Dealership, then known as Elk River Ford. This
project was to be completed in phases. In 2006 and 2007, portions of the project were completed,
N: \Departments \Community Development \Planning \Case Files \Variance \V 13 -01 Cornerstone Auto \V 13 -01 Cornerstone Auto SR to CC 1-22 -
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including expansion of the car dealership building, expansion of the parking lots, and construction of the
car wash building. The plat has not been recorded, and in 2011, the plat expired.
In November 2012, the applicant received approval of a new plat (identical to the expired plat of Jabez), a
conditional use permit for an addition to the main dealership showroom, and a variance for additional
signage. A condition was placed on the conditional use permit approval that the property be platted prior
to receiving a building permit. A similar condition is recommended for the conversion of the oil change
facility.
The 2006 (and 2012) Plat of Jabez combined seven lots into one buildable lot and two outlots. The car
dealership and accessory car wash building were proposed to be located on the buildable lot.
Expansion of the car dealership was initiated in 2006. In 2007, the city granted a building permit for the
car wash building with the belief that recording the plat was forthcoming. The lot of the car wash
building is non - conforming as it does not have the required street frontage.
Board of Adjustment comment
The board discussed the variance application at their January 8, 2013, meeting. The board voted 5 -1 to
deny the application. Johnson voted nay, and Bell was absent.
The board deemed that standards for granting a variance were not satisfied, and noted that the issue was
not whether signage was allowed on the building, but rather whether 484 square feet of signage was
appropriate and allowable.
Based on Board of Adjustment action, staff prepared a draft finding of fact resolution for denial. If the
Council desires to grant the variance, they may disregard the resolution.
Public comment
Other than those from the applicant, no other comments have been received.
ATTACHMENTS
• January 8, 2013, Board of Adjustment packet
• April 17, 2006, staff report for land use amendment, rezoning, preliminary plat, and
conditional use permit
• Resolution/ finding of fact for denial
Action Motion by Second by Vote
Follow Up
N: \Departtnents \Community Development \Planning \Case Files \Variance \V 13 -01 Comerstone Auto \V 13 -01 Comerstone Auto SR to CC 1-22 -
13.docx
TO
ITEM NUMBER
Board of Adjustment
4.1
AGENDA SECTION
MEETING DATE
PREPARED BY
Planning
January 8, 2013
Terernv Barnhart, Planning Manager
ITEM DESCRIPTION
REVIEWED By
Request by Scott Powell for Variance to Sign Requirements,
REVIEWED BY
Public Hearing — Case No. V 12 -02
ACTION REQUESTED
Staff recommends denial of the variance application. Should the Board of Adjustment and/ or City
Council approve the variance, staff recommends the following conditions
1. Subject to the approval of the conditional use permit allowing the oil express.
2. Subject to the expiration of the 10 day appeal period
3. Subject to the platting of the Plat of Jabez.
Applicant
Cornerstone Auto Resource
Location/ Address
17219 Highway 10
60 Day Rule
The City must take action by January 21, 2013
OVERVIEW
Cornerstone Auto is converting their existing car wash building to a combination car wash/ oil change
building. See planning application CU 13 -01.
Cornerstone Auto Resource is requesting a variance from the sign requirements. The ordinance alloy =s
"two wall signs, not to exceed 200 square feet total per occupancy." The applicant, in his narrative, asks
for 212 square feet of additional signage. The applicant further notes that they are "willing to forgo a 150
square foot free standing sign ".
As proposed, total signage would equal 484 square feet of signage, a variance of 284 square feet.
The signs are desired to promote the new oil express operations in the same building.
ANALYSIS
The car wash/ oil express building serves as an accessory structure/ use for the principle car dealership
use. This building was planned and constructed, as part of the Cornerstone Auto master plan, approved
initially in 2006. This building is not permitted its own free standing sign, because freestanding signage is
allocated based on the frontage of a lot in the district; based on the approved plat, this building would not
be located on its own lot. (See also plat file p 12 -04.)
POWERED 0 Y
NA THWERl
Case File: V 13 -01
Page 2
Cornerstone Sign variance
In 2007, as part of the original construction of the car wash building, two "Car Wash" signs were
installed, each one 4 feet by 36 feet, or 136 square feet. In addition to these signs, which are on facades
adjacent to 171" and High\vay 10/ 169, the applicant proposes adding the phrase "Oil Express & ". The
proposal in square feet, in table form:
Highway 10
136
•ss •
176
171st
136
36
Total
272
212
Total_..
The existing 272 sq ft are considered `permitted, non conforming' and are allowed to continue. If the
variance is not approved, the business is still allowed 272 sqft. The additional text brings the signage well
over double the maximum allotted for the `business'.
BACKGROUND /PRECEDENT
In April, 2006, the City Council approved Elk River Fords (nka Cornerstone Auto Resource) expansion
and platting project, which included a consolidation of several parcels, expansion to the existing car
dealership, and construction of a car wash facility.
APPLICABLE REGULATIONS
Variance Criteria
The petitioner has the burden to prove practical difficulties (items 3 -5 below).
A variance may be granted by the board only if it finds that:
(1) The variance is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance.
Staff Response 1. The sign regulation establishes appropriate limits as to number and size
of signage, which are applied equally, to everyone. This balances the business goals with
community goals. This proposal increases by more than doubles the amount of wall
signage allowed.
Staff Response 2. The applicant implies that under the older ordinance, they would be
allowed 300 square feet of signage. Tice, but the ordinance applied signage to the lineal
frontage of the building. The facade facing Highway 10 would be allowed 242 sqft (2 sqft
per 121 feet of frontage). The sign facing 171St would be allowed a maxu-nuzn of 176 sqft,
although one or both of these would have been altered to fall under the 300 sqft maximum.
Staff Response 3. The petitioner makes several statements that the signage would not be
visible from Highway 10, 550 feet away. This is not true. In fact, in the evening, the
signage can be easily read from as far away as Highway 101, on the west side of the
I /lississ' pi river.
(2) The variance is consistent with the City of Elk River Comprehensive Plan.
Staff Response 1. The petitioner states that the variances is consistent with the City of Elk
River Comprehensive Plan because the Comprehensive Plan anticipates that Highway
businesses need highway visibility to succeed. This is true, in the sense that businesses
relying on highway traffic are located along highways. A property owner is permitted to put
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Case File: V 13 -01
Page 3
Cornerstone Sign variance
their building anywhere on the property- not within the setbacks. The petitioner chose to
place this accessory structure away from the front of the lot.
Staff Response 2. More directly, the Comprehensive Plan discusses signage in the
Community- Image section of the Plan. Specifically, it states:
"Without public guidance, business signs can diminish the overall image of
commercial districts and corridors." The plan continues: "Local ordinances
should seek a balance between private and public objectives. At a minimum,
the size and appearance of signs should not detract from a positive
community image."
The City completed a comprehensive review of the sign ordinance in 2009 which further
refined signage regulations, the result being a sign ordinance that encourages commercial
communication, but while maintaining the cities community) image goals, balancing private
and public objectives. A major departure from these regulations (an increase in signage from
200 sgft to 484 sqft) cannot be viewed as consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
Variances may be granted when the petitioner establishes that there are practical
difficulties in complying with the zoning ordinance. Practical difficulties means that:
(3) The petitioner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted
by the zoning ordinance;
Staff Response 1. The petitioner states that the valiance request is "slightly larger than
permitted..." This is an opinion. In fact, the increase is almost 1.5 times what is allowed.
The use of the property is a car dealership, with accessory car wash and (if permitted) oil
changes. A 2009 relrieu of the sign ordinance confirms that an adequate amount of signage
is allotted to the business.
Staff Response 2. The petitioner cautiously suggests that these two businesses should get
their own 200 square feet of signage. It should be noted that this is an accessoly building;
accessory to the principle business, the car dealership. By definition, the functions of this
building is to support the operations of the car dealership, and cannot be considered
separate businesses.
(4) The plight of the petitioner is due to circumstances unique to the property not a
consequence of the petition's own action or inaction; and
The petitioner does not make an argument that the lot is unique. His argument is that they
could add a free standing sign (which they could not, unless a variance is granted), and that
the variance for the larger building sign makes more sense from a recycling standpoint. Staff
appreciates the need to recycle, but a recycling argument does not meet the property
uniqueness argument.
(5) The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality.
Staff Response 1. In the Highway Business District, the character is established by wide
setbacks, expansive parking lots, and signage. Significant departures from the ordinances
drat define these characteristics cannot help but alter the locality.
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Case Pile: V 13 -01
Page 4
Cornerstone Sign variance
Staff Response 2. "Essential character" can be difficult to quantify. In reviewing changes to
the character, often a commission is looking for a single event that will change the character.
These single events are common, yet subtle. It is the erosion of minimum standards over
tune, the reluctance to replace dead trees, replace broken windows, and the approval of 284
sqft variances that alter the character of an area.
(d) Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties. Practical
difficulties include, but are not limited to, inadequate access to direct sunlight for
solar energy systems.
While not said, it is certainly understood that the petitioner desires to further utilize their
investment of the Car Wash sign by merely adding onto it. This is an economic hardship
unposed on the petitioner by the petitioner, and relief from the ordinance via a variance is
not appropriate.
ANALYSIS
Recall that this property is allocated 4 free standing signs, plus two freestanding "area identification
signs ". This variance is for additional signage, not sii nage. If the variance is not granted, the petitioner
may install up to 200 square feet of signage.
This property has been the recipient of 4 sign variances and 2 ordinance amendments (menu boards and
free standing signage) since 2006.
ATTACHMENTS
• Location Map
• Applicant's Narrative
• Building elevations
Action Motion by Second by Vote
Follow Up
N: \Departments \Communiry Development \Planning \Case Piles \Variance \N' 13-01 Cornerstone Auto \V 13 -01 Cornerstone Auto SR to PC 1 -8-
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CORNERS
/-\uLro Resource
TONE.
MEMORANDUM
To: Mayor, City Council and Planning Commissioners
From: Stephen Rohlf, Cornerstone Auto Resource
Date: November 28, 2012
Subject: Conditional Use Permit and Variance Request - Cornerstone Auto
Resource
................................................ ..............................�
In an effort to stay profitable and better serve our customers (a more competitive 30 minute oil
change) Cornerstone Auto Resource is proposing to change our detail shop into an oil change
facility. The car wash will remain, but details will be subcontracted out.
Requests
Conditional Use Permit
Cornerstone auto resource is requesting a conditional use permit to allow a change of use from a
detail center to a "Motor Vehicle Specialty Shop ". A site plan of our entire campus, an enlarged
site plan of the current detail /car wash building and plan of the proposed interior layout of this
building are attached. Modifications to the building to accommodate this change of use are very
minor and include:
Customer Waiting Area
A 12 foot long non - bearing wall that currently separates an existing office area and the detail
shop will be removed to expand that office into a 16' x 24' "Customer Waiting Area ". The new
walls of the Customer Waiting Area will be sheetrock with windows for customers to view their
vehicle being worked on and the floors will be tile. An enclosed hallway to the restrooms will be
constructed of the same materials.
Shop
A 21' x 39' area in the southwest corner of the detail shop that is currently being used as a photo
booth will remain devoted to that use. A small irregular shaped room will be used as screening
for bulk storage tanks. There are nine doubled walled tanks (one of which is 500 gallons and the
others are 280 gallons and one plastic tank for windshield washer fluid) and equipment like the
break lath. Five hoists and an alignment rack will be installed.
Wet Area
Finally, a wet area for cleaning sold vehicles prior to delivering them to customers will still be
needed in this building. This work will be done in the southeast corner of the former detail shop
where it is currently being conducted. The walls of tank area will be used to deflect water
overspray from this wet area.
Variance
We are opening a new business and we are asking for 212 total square feet of signage. We are
requesting an additional 176 square feet facing Highway 10 that states: "Oil Express &" and an
additional 36 square feet stating the same thing facing 171 st Avenue. A business is allowed 2
walls signs for a maximum accumulation 200 square feet. We are willing to forego a 150 square
foot freestanding sign to gain the additional 12 square feet. Drawings of the proposed signage
are attached.
Currently there are two wall signs on the building made up of individual internally lit red letter
that say "Car Wash ". The two existing "Car Wash" signs measure 4' x 36' or 144 square feet
each. These existing signs met the city's requirements when they were put up (two walls signs
per occupant for a maximum accumulation of 300 square feet). Their combined square footage
is 288 square feet so now they are 88 square feet out of compliance with the city code as it exists
today.
Standards for granting a variance:
1) The variance is in harmony with the general puf pose and intent of the ordinance
We content our request is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the
ordinance. There is no issue with the type and placement of our proposed signage, only
the size. One of the stated purposes of the City's sign regulations is to recognize the
commercial communication requirements of all sectors of the business community. We
are opening a new highway business in a Highway Commercial zone. Highway visibility
is critical to our business. The few square feet we are requesting in addition to what the
ordinance provides will allow us to be seen from Highway 10. Foregoing the square
footage of a freestanding sign, we feel, keeps us within the eg neral intent of the ordinance
as far as the physical dimensions, while staying with the dimensions of the existing
signage on the building.
2) The valiance is consistent with the 00) of Elk River comprehensive plan
The comprehensive plan shows the property in question as Highway Business and it has
been zoned Highway Commercial. We are proposing a highway commercial business
that needs highway visibility to be successful. The comprehensive plan doesn't
guarantee the success of a business, but nor would it anticipate the failure of a business
due a minor variation of the ordinances that are meant to implement that plan. The
signage variance will give this business the highway visibility it needs.
3) The petitioner proposes to use the properly in a reasonable manner not permitted by the
zoning ordinance
Our proposed use of this building makes sense with the area and it has a clear sightline to
the highway, it just needs slightly larger signage than permitted to be seen. Due to the
large set back from Highway 10, which is the proposed business's traffic generator, it
seems reasonable to have signage that is large enough to be read from this roadway. In
addition, staff will probably view this building as one business, but both the car wash and
the oil change facility need to be advertised to be successful. It could be argued that they
should both be allowed 200 square feet of wall signage.
4) The plight of the petitioner is due to circumstances unique to the proper,O) not a
consequence of the petitioner's own actionn or inaction
We could add a freestanding sign, but does that make any more sense than placing the
sign on the building. We could also remove the existing wall signage and replace it with
a 200 square foot sign with both Oil Express & Car Wash on it, but it would be
impossible to read from highway 10. In addition, the existing wall signs cost $16,000
when they were put up. In a time when we are all promoting recycling, it seems like an
incredible waste to throw these signs out, which are unlikely to be reused by anyone. It
would take the recycling of a lot of pop bottles to make up for these signs.
5) The variance, ifgranted, will not alter the essential character of the locality.
The neighbor adjacent to the larger sign facing Highway 10 is our car lot and it doesn't
bother us. The sign facing 171St, although it probably does have some advertising
benefit, is mostly to let people know where to turn and it has been reduce in size. If
granted, this building will have less wall signage per square foot of building wall than
some of our neighbors with multiple tenant buildings. Granting this variance will not
alter the essential character of the locality.
SPECIFICATIONS
24" Channel LED letters
Red faces
Red Returns
Red edgetrim
Red LED
Remote mounted electrical
Font: Helvetica Bold condensed
Cornerstone auto resource Car Wash & Oil Express South elevation version 1 B
submirzeE "vow v ov a »lep s of yom ultlem0a. olwl M1e acbare wrblm a ram
DlrMbw
o rM1a avrnlx err" aorytazM1 omploe ammnywoo^I a vof o mllwa rg
rbat xM i wsy Lrc. I a 11. b bww 111, Min onelrl weartJ M1areln.ls larbNtlen.
creamy rM1is tlrswmg.
Existing wall
-� -
1'Trimcap
Acrylic lens/ Vinyl overlay
LEDs white
_
PK Housings
"
Power supply & Cabinet
-
Through wall sleeve
Tapcon concrete screws
-
/ Quik bolts
Returns
Channel Led Letter remote
SPECIFICATIONS
24" Channel LED letters
Red faces
Red Returns
Red edgetrim
Red LED
Remote mounted electrical
Font: Helvetica Bold condensed
Cornerstone auto resource Car Wash & Oil Express South elevation version 1 B
submirzeE "vow v ov a »lep s of yom ultlem0a. olwl M1e acbare wrblm a ram
DlrMbw
o rM1a avrnlx err" aorytazM1 omploe ammnywoo^I a vof o mllwa rg
rbat xM i wsy Lrc. I a 11. b bww 111, Min onelrl weartJ M1areln.ls larbNtlen.
creamy rM1is tlrswmg.
SPECIFICATIONS
48" Channel LED letters
Red faces
Red Returns
Red edgetrim
Red LED
Remote mounted electrical
Font: Helvetica Bold
Cornerstone auto resource Car Wash & Oil Express
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Front version 1
_ -
Existing wall
-
t'Trimcap
-
Acrylic lens/ Vinyl overlay
-
LEDs white
- -
PI( Housings
Power supply & Cabinet
-
Through wall sleeve
Tapcon concrete screws
/Quik bolts
Returns
Channel Led Letter remote
SPECIFICATIONS
48" Channel LED letters
Red faces
Red Returns
Red edgetrim
Red LED
Remote mounted electrical
Font: Helvetica Bold
Cornerstone auto resource Car Wash & Oil Express
. wiag is them firer. ,5 d m5�gns,
ned ru yaL P YlnrarM1e snleWm ecolyaur rddera ar nl wirerberm mcbaaeasignlslm nulamured auord h, Ibex plain j, SarMinann5lRns, Nl .
n al rbb plan to anyane arM1er than empbyen P —bcompany or use lbpds plan rm comrmr- d a s 1tar lhl to rM1e Pnelsl vested M1eretn islorbitlden.
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RESOLUTION 13-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ELK RIVER
A RESOLUTION DENYING
VARIANCE REQUEST V 13 -01
AND ESTABLISHING
FINDINGS OF FACT THEREFORE
WHEREAS, Application was made on November 26, 2012, by Stephen Rohlf for a
Variance for additional signage for his existing car wash building for the
property legally described as that part of the Northwest ' /a of Northwest
1/4 of Section 11, Township 32, Range 26, Sherburne County, Minnesota,
and
WHEREAS, The application for approval (the Application) was referred to the City
Council; and
WHEREAS, The City Council conducted a public hearing on the Application, after
proper publication and due notice thereof as required by ordinance and
statute, on January 22, 2013; and
WHEREAS, Following completion of the public hearing, the City Council made the
following findings of fact with respect to the application:
The application does not meet variance criteria 1 -5 set forth in
Section 30 -635 (b):
(1) The variance is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance.
Finding: This proposal represents a significant departure from the purpose
and intent of the ordinance.
(2) The variance is consistent with the City of Elk River Comprehensive Plan.
Finding: The Comprehensive Plan discusses signage in the Community
Image section of the Plan, including the statement "Without public guidance,
business signs can diminish the overall image of commercial districts and
corridors." "At a minimum, the size and appearance of signs should not
detract from a positive community image." A major departure from these
regulations is viewed as consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
Variances may be granted when the petitioner establishes that there are practical difficulties
in complying with the zoning ordinance. Practical difficulties means that:
(3) The petitioner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the
zoning ordinance;
N: \Public Bodies \City Council \Council RCA \Agenda Packet \01 -22- 2013 \Resolution - Denial.docx
Finding: The amount of signage requested by the applicant exceeds a
reasonable amount of signage for the accessory building.
(4) The plight of the petitioner is due to circumstances unique to the property not a
consequence of the petition's own action or inaction; and
Finding: The petitioner does not make an argument that the lot is unique.
(5) The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality.
Finding: In the Highway Business District, character is established by wide
setbacks, expansive parking lots, and signage. Significant departures from
the ordinances that define these characteristics cannot help but alter the
locality. The erosion of minimum standards over time alter the character of
an area.
(d) Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties. Practical
difficulties include, but are not limited to, inadequate access to direct sunlight for solar
energy systems.
Finding: The applicant desires not to `waste' the investment of existing "Car
Wash" signage.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Elk
River, based on the findings of fact set forth above, hereby denies the Application for a
Variance to allow additional signage.
Passed and adopted this 22 °d day of January 2013.
ATTEST:
Tina Allard, City Clerk
John J. Dietz, Mayor
N: \Public Bodies \City Council \Cound RCA \Agenda Packet \01 -22- 2013 \Resolution - Denial.docx
C -;fir,,-. 7
Allard, Tina ` �°`^ .. ` � 0
From: Barnhart, Jeremy
Sent: Friday,January 18, 2013 1:13 PM
To: Burandt, Barb; Dietz,John; Mayor John Dietz; Motin, Paul; pmotin;Westgaard, Matt;
Westgaard, Matt
Cc: Allard,Tina; Portner, Cal;srohlf @cornerstoneauto.com
Subject: FW:Oil Express
Mayor Dietz and City Council members,
The city received the following email from the applicant regarding the variance appeal on the January 22,2013 agenda.
While staff feels that the standards for granting a variance have not been satisfied,the Council may wish to consider this
information during their review of the variance application.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
Best regards,
Jeremy Barnhart,AICP I Planning Manager
763.635.1034 w 1 763.635.1090 f
13065 Orono Parkway I Elk River I MN 1 55330
t I
°T ENATUREI
From: Steve Rohlf
Sent: Thursday, January 17, 2013 11:44 AM
To: Barnhart, Jeremy
Subject: Oil Express
Jeremy
We previously had a 114 sq.ft. freestanding Mahindra sign and a 66 sq. ft. Mahindra wall badge that we will no longer
need. This reduces our overall signage on our property by 180 sq.ft. We are still requesting an 212 sq.ft. of additional
(stating"Oil Express") on the carwash building making the net gain in the signage on our property after the removal of
the Mahindra signage 32 sq.ft. We hope the removal of the Mahidra signage makes it more agreeable to the city to
show us favor on the Oil Express signage.
Stephen Rohlf
1