5.1 BASR 11-12-2013 ./
Elk ..,.-.. Request for Action
River
To Item Number
Board of Adjustments 5,1
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Board of Adjustments November 12, 2013 Zack Carlton,Planning Intern
Item Description Reviewed by
Consider request by Little Lambs Christian Jeremy Barnhart,Deputy Director, CODD
Learning Center for variance to allow construction Reviewed by
of a second freestanding sign, Case No. V 13-09
Action Requested
Approve, by motion the variance request from Little Lambs Christian Learning Center,permitting a
second freestanding sign on the property,no more than 12 square feet as shown on the plan dated
February 13, 2013.
Background/Discussion
Little Lambs Christian Learning Center, a ministry located within Central Lutheran Church,has
submitted a variance request to allow construction of a second freestanding sign measuring 12 square
foot in sign area. Institutional uses,including Churches located in residential districts are permitted one
freestanding and one wall sign up to 96 total square feet. When a lot has in excess of 1,000 lineal feet of
street frontage the limit is increased to 192 square feet between the two signs. The subject property has
approximately 1,042 feet of frontage on School Street and Lions Park Drive.
Central Lutheran has an existing freestanding sign measuring 64 square feet in area. The proposed sign
would be the second freestanding sign, and create a combined freestanding sign area of 78 square feet,
below the permitted maximum for a single freestanding sign. Total signage on the property is 64 square
feet, and there are currently no wall signs on the building.
Little Lambs explored placing the proposed sign on the wall of the building. However, a wall sign does
not achieve the applicant's goal of directing patrons to the appropriate entrance, or increasing awareness
of the business within the community.Additionally,there are a number of trees blocking a clear view to
the wall sign.
Variance
A variance may be granted by the Board of Adjustments if it meets the following criteria:
1. The variance is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance.
The freestanding sign limits for institutional uses in residential districts preserves the
character of the typical residential neighborhoods the signs and uses are located in. Central
Lutheran Church is not located in a typical single family residential neighborhood as it fronts
a very busy street and is surrounded by Vandenberg Middle School, three apartment
buildings, and Lions Park. The second sign is relatively small,unlit, and the combined area is
below the limit for a single sign. Additionally, there are no wall signs used by the church, and
the overall impact of the signage is well below the ordinance limits.
[POWERED R Y
NATURE
2. The variance is consistent with the City of Elk River comprehensive plan.
The variance will not affect future development or plans in the area.
3. The petitioner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the zoning ordinance
The additional sign is a reasonable use,will meet all other requirements, and will not
adversely affect adjacent property owners.
4. The plight of the petitioner is due to circumstances unique to the property not a consequence of the petitioner's
own action or inaction
Central Lutheran Church has two entrances, one primary and one secondary.The existing
freestanding sign is located near the primary entrance, directing traffic to the parking lot and
the main building entrance. Little Lambs uses the secondary entrance for their operations on
the backside of the building,navigating to the appropriate entrance can be confusing for
drivers. The additional sign would direct traffic to the appropriate entrance,increasing safety
as drivers will easily be able to identify the correct entrance.
5. The variance, ifgranted, will not alter the essential character of the locality.
The church Little Lambs is located in is surrounded by apartment complexes,Vandenberg
Middle School, and Lions Park. The additional sign would not alter the essential character of
the locality,and some of these uses already have multiple freestanding signs.
Financial Impact
None
Attachments
• Location Map
• Applicants Narrative
• Sign Plan
• Site Plan
N:\Departments\Community Development\Planning\Case Files\V\V 13-09 Little Lambs\V 13-09 Little Lambs SR_BOA 12-Nov-13.docx
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Ver Case Number V 13-09 Location Map Little Lambs Christian Learning Center N
Variance Request for Little Lambs Christian Learning Center
Little Lambs Christian Learning Center is requesting a variance to place a sign on the property of
Central Lutheran Church, as we are a Learning Center within the church. We do not have
separate signage on the property and find it is necessary for informational/directional
information of our location.
Currently under Section 30-866 of the City Code, Little Lambs would be allowed to hang signage
from the building that it is housed in that does not exceed96 square feet. The best placement
for this signage would be placed on the north end of the building facing School Street but to be
legible from School Street, Little Lambs would need to remove two large pine trees and one
large maple tree on the northwest corner of the lot, altering the landscape of Central Lutheran
Church and School Street. This would not compliment the vision of Community Image in the
Comprehensive Plan of Elk River.
The sign Little Lambs is proposing is much smaller at 12 square feet than what Section 30-866
allows and would be more pleasing to the eye. Therefore, Little Lambs feels strongly that the
proposed sign would be in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance.
Little Lambs has multiple entrances on Central's property so directional signage is important to
our current and new families, and the community searching for a Learning Center. By allowing
Little Lambs the signage variance will support the Vision Statement of Elk River and the
Comprehensive Plan through generating safety and ascetically pleasing sight line.
School Street is a busy road any given day, specifically in the mornings and evenings during the
school year. A directional sign will allow families awareness of Little Lambs entrance, providing
a safer environment for all who use School Street from Jackson Street to Proctor Street.
Little Lambs does not believe a sign this size will alter the essential character of the locality but
rather enhance the area by not placing a larger signage on the Central Lutheran Church
building.
Project: Little Lambs Post & Panel Sig n Date: 2/13/13
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Description: 6098 Shingle Creek Parkway
•All aluminum surfaces chemically
i ' s i bIGNS Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
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with two-part acrylic polyurethane More than fast. More than signs. www.fastsigns.com/392
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survey and is not Intended to be used asone.This Map Name
drawing is a eomglation of records,intoma[ion,and data
located in various city,county,and state offices,and
other sources affecting the area shown,and is to be used
for reference purpocec only.The City a'Elk giver is not
responsible for any inaccuracies herein contained.
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