6.1 BASR 03-24-2015Elk
River
Request for Action
To
Item Number
Board of Adjustments
6.1
Agenda Section
Meeting Date
Prepared by
Board of Adjustments
March 24, 2015
Chris Leeseberg, Park Planner - Planner
Items
Item Description
Reviewed by
Request by Farmers Insurance for height and size
Jeremy Barnhart, Deputy Director, CODD
variance for a sign, 312 Main Street NW, Case No.
Reviewed by
V 15 -04 — Public Hearing
Action Requested
By motion, approve, approve with conditions, or deny each of the five criteria for the proposed variance
for the following:
1. A sign height variance of 2 feet 8 inches; and
2. A sign size variance of 32.8 square feet.
If the Board of Adjustments finds that the request does not meet a criteria for a variance, specific
reason(s) shall be stated for each of the criteria that do not meet the requirements.
If one or more of the criteria are denied by motion, the request needs to be denied.
If the Board of Adjustments denies the request or an appeal is made by any interested party by April 3,
2015, the application will automatically be forwarded to the City Council for consideration. That meeting
will be held on Monday, April 20, 2015, at 6:00 p.m.
Overview
The subject property is zoned C -2 (Office District). The sign regulations for this district allow one
monument sign, not to exceed 40 square feet with a maximum height of seven feet.
The current sign is 5 feet 8 inches tall and 40 square feet, both of which currently meet the zoning
requirements. The size regulations are intended to provide signage for office uses primarily.
The applicant is requesting a sign that is 72.8 square feet and 9' -8" tall, in his words to meet corporate
requirements. The applicant stated they need to add the rounded Farmers logo.
The applicant is seeking a 2 foot 8 inch sign height variance and a 32.8 square foot sigh size variance.
Staff did receive a letter from a Farmers District Manager indicating the proposal would be compliant but
staff has not received any documentation of what the corporate requirements are specifically. Staff is not
sure if the proposed sign exceeds corporate requirements in size, height, or content.
P R IN E R E R R i
1 CIA R
If the applicant were to remove the digital message board (or other) and added the rounded Farmers logo
to comply with city requirements and comply with corporate requirements, a variance would not be
needed to accomplish this. Corporate requirements are not one of the five reasons listed in the ordinance
to grant variances.
Applicable Regulation
Below are the applicant's responses to the variance criteria.
Variances may be granted when the petitioner establishes that the variance:
1. Is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance, and
The modification is only approximately 19 square feet. The addition to the existing sign
would be professional installed and illuminated as required by the current ordinance. The
sign will be visually appealing and enhance the professional appearance of the location.
2. Is consistent with the City of Elk River comprehensive plan.
The address is located in city Zone 2 -C. This is a commercial zone with many similar
monument signs. The current sign was approved as recently as February, 2014. I am simply
requesting a minor alteration to my existing sign that would adhere to the Elk River
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;
The usage of the property will continue to be for a professional office building. Other than
the proposed minor alteration to the existing sign no other changes will occur.
4. The p light of the petitioner is due to circumstances unique to the property not a consequence of the petition's
onm action or inaction; and
The request of the variance is to meet the corporate compliance requirements regarding
signage for Farmers Insurance Group. The modification would meet corporate logo and
trademark guidelines. It is very imperative for my business success that I remain in good
standing with the companies I represent, and meet their advertising requirements.
5. The variance, iifgranted, will not alter the essential character of the locality.
The character of the locality will in no way be altered. The usage of the location remains as a
professional office. The requested alteration will not impair visibility to traffic as it is simply a
vertical expansion to the existing office sign. The alteration of the existing sign is intended as
a cosmetic enhancement while adhering to corporate requirements.
In summary, the sign alteration is required by Farmers Insurance Group. The variance
request is consistent with the City of Elk River comprehensive plan, and meets the five
criteria. The alteration to the existing sign will be professionally designed and installed, while
blending well with the surrounding area. The alteration will make me compliant with
corporate requirements, and allow me to serve and employ citizens of the surrounding area.
Thank you for your consideration!
N: \Departments \Community Development \Planning \Case Files \V \V 15 -04 Farmers Insurance \V 15 -04 sr BA Farmers Insurace.docx
Analysis
Comprehensive Plan
The subject property has an underlying Land Use of Mississippi Connections. The Mississippi
Connections document only discusses signs in the core downtown. An approval of the variance should
have no impact on the Land Use.
Transportation /Circulation
The subject property is located on the north side of Main Street just west of Evans Avenue. An approval
of the variance should have no impact on traffic in the area.
The "corporate requirement" argument is a commonly used, but rarely verified statement in variance
applications. While corporations and franchise agreements commonly require specific logos, items of
information, and general configuration, these same regulations also recognize the variations between local
ordinances and zoning districts and provide various options.
Mn Statute 15.99 deadline
The City must take action by April 23, 2015.
Attachments
• Location Map
• Applicants Narrative
• Comment Letter dated March 24, 2015
• Site Plans
• Sign drawings
• Letter from Farmers District Manager dated 3/3/15
• Emails regarding corporate requirements
• Exhibit referenced in the 3/19/2015 emails
N: \Departments \Community Development \Planning \Case Files \V \V 15 -04 Farmers Insurance \V 15 -04 sr BA Farmers Insurace.docx
il
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Farmers Insurance
Variance
FNRMERS
/� / / //1MSURARCE0
GROUP
t.,
Dear Board,
Brock A. Tatge
Insurance and Financial Services Agent
312 Main St NW
Elk River, MN 55330
Bus: 763 -441 -4761
Fax: 763- 441 -7837
www.brocktatge.com
My name is Brock Tatge and I am the agent and owner of Farmers Insurance in Elk River. The purpose of
the variance request is to comply with "Farmers Insurance Group" corporate signage requirements.
At this time I would ask that you please consider a city ordinance variance for my existing sign located
at: 312 Main St NW, Elk River, MN (parcel number 75 -401 -0230)
In order for me to adhere to Farmers Insurance group corporate requirements, I am asking that you
please approve the variance to make a small modification to my existing sign. The modification would
consist of adding the "Farmers" name and trademarked logo on top of the existing sign. This would only
increase the size of the existing sign by approximately 19 sq. ft. (Please see the attached photo.) The
modification would be professionally installed, luminated as required, and in harmony of the intent of
the ordinance. Due to the current placement of the existing sign (which was approved in 2014), the
modification in no way inhibits traffic visibility or alters the character of the locality.
In summary, the sign change is required by Farmers Insurance Group, and would be consistent with the
City of Elk River comprehensive plan and comply with all variance requirements.
Thank you for your consideration!
Regards,
&-e C/,/,, " 17,; �� r-
Brock A. Tatge
Securities offered through Farmers Financial Solutions, LLC
30801 Agoura Rd. Bldg 1 Agoura Hills, CA 91301 (818) 584 -0200
Member FINRA & SIPC
FRRMERS
ROUP �/1NSURRNC FARM R
G
3/3/2015
Dear Board,
Brock A. Tatge
Insurance and Financial Services .Agent
312 Main St NW
Elk River, MN 55330
Bus: 763-441-4761
Fax: 763-441-7837
www.brocktatge.com
My name is Brock Tatge, and I am the agent and owner of Farmers Insurance in Elk River. The purpose of
the variance request is to ask for your permission to vertically expand on my current sign (which was
recently approved by the City of Elk River), in order to comply with "Farmers Insurance Group"
corporate signage and branding requirements. The current ordinance allows a monument sign to be 50
square feet, which is the current size of my existing sign.
At this time I would ask that you please consider a city ordinance variance for my existing sign located
at: 312 Main St NW, Elk River, MN (parcel number 75- 401 - 0230). The request does address the five
necessary criteria required for the variance to be granted.
1.) The variance is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance.
The modification is only approximately 19 square feet. The addition to the existing sign would
be professional installed and illuminated as required by the current ordinance. The sign will be
visually appealing and enhance the professional appearance of the location.
2.) The variance is consistent with the City of Elk River comprehensive plan.
The address is located in city Zone 2 -C. This is a commercial zone with many similar monument
signs. The current sign was approved as recently as February, 2014. 1 am simply requesting a
minor alteration to my existing sign that would adhere to the Elk River comprehensive plan.
3.) The petitioner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the
zoning ordinance.
The usage of the property will continue to be for a professional office building. Other than the
proposed minor alteration to the existing sign no other changes will occur.
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.
The request of the variance is to meet the corporate compliance requirements regarding
signage for Farmers Insurance Group. The modification would meet corporate logo and
trademark guidelines. It is very imperative for my business success that I remain in good
standing with the companies I represent, and meet their advertising requirements.
Securities offered through Farmers Financi 1 Solutions, LLC
30801 Agoura Rd. Bldg 1 Agoura Hills, CA 91301 (818) 584 -0200
Member FINRA & SIPC
5.) The variance, if granted will not alter the essential character of the locality.
The character of the locality will in no way be altered. The usage of the location remains as a
professional office. The requested alteration will not impair visibility to traffic as it is simply a
vertical expansion to the existing office sign. The alteration of the existing sign is intended as a
cosmetic enhancement while adhering to corporate requirements.
In summary, the sign alteration is required by Farmers Insurance Group. The variance request is
consistent with the City of Elk River comprehensive plan, and meets the five criteria. The alteration to
the existing sign will be professionally designed and installed, while blending well with the surrounding
area. The alteration will make me compliant with corporate requirements, and allow me to serve and
employ citizens of the surrounding area. Thank you for your consideration!
Regards,
�Voc%(Q )ai�
Brock A. Tatge
Oty
Ells - -
River
13065 Orono Parkway
Elk River, MN 55330
March 10, 2015
Brock Tatge
312 Main Street
Elk River, MN 55330
VIA EMAIL: btatge @farmersagent.com
RE: Variance Site Plan Comment Letter
Dear Mr. Tatge,
Thank you for your application for a variance to increase the size and height of your sign located at
312 Main Street.
On February 20, 2015, the city received your application for the above use. After determining that
the application was complete, staff conducted a thorough site plan review on March 6, 2015.
Through this review, staff requests clarity on two items:
1. Please confirm if the blank white area as shown on the Monument Elevation will be removed.
2. The basis for your argument, and the need for a variance, is that the additional signage is required
by corporate policy. Elk River is home to a number of franchises and corporate regional offices,
all of whom answer to city ordinances and requirements. To differentiate between convenience
and requirement, please provide written corporate policy that requires all Farmers Insurance signs
include an electronic reader board as shown on your submittal (20 square feet ?) and be a
minimum of 9' -8" off the ground.
Please provide city staff these requirements on company letterhead by 4:30 p.m. March 16, 2015 to
include in the March 24, 2015 Board of Adjustment packet
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Chris I.eeseberg, Park Planner /Planner
Ph: 763.635.1033
Fx: 763.635.1090
cleeseberg(jjElkRivedy N.gov
Phone: 763.635.1000
www.EJkRiverMN.gov
P 0 IN I H I D 6f
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A. White Face w/ Vinyl Print To Match Farmers Colors
Farmers Dark Blue - Pantone 287
Farmers Light Blue - Pantone 2717
Farmers Dark Red - Pantone 201
Farmers Light Red - Pantone 186
Font: Imported Image & Slate Pro Med.
EXTEND EXISTING 5" SQUARE POSTS
TO ACCOMMODATE ADDITIONAL CABINET
Define your image.
8627 EAGLE CREEK CIRCLE
SAVAGE, AN 55378
P. 952 - 224 -9906
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ALL SIGN COMPONENTS PAINTED TO MATCH EXISTING SIGN Manager:
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Scale: 127
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File Name: F,rmer, M,n —Elk Mrer MN
Origin Date: X1212015
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INSURANCE
A 2" RETAINER Sign Type:
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+se sign and return drawing /s to SDDI Signs. Signature below indicates approval of BOTH design and /or placement of sigr
PLEASE r OR FAX YOUR APPROVAL BACK
Approved Approved Please Change
As Is With Changes and Resubmit
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03/03/2015
Dear Board,
Thomas lilies
District Manager
8441 Wayzata Blvd #220
Minneapolis, MN 55426
P: 763 - 460 -0750 x11
F: 763 -450 -0749
It is required of the Brock Tatge Agency, located in Elk River, MN to change their sign so it meets all
required company and logo requirements. The proposed alteration of the sign provided by SDDI Signs
that Mr. Tatge has submitted for your review would be considered compliant.
Thank you for your consideration!
egar(
Thomas lilies
FNRMERS
/� / / //1MSURARCE0
GROUP
t.,
Dear Board,
Brock A. Tatge
Insurance and Financial Services Agent
312 Main St NW
Elk River, MN 55330
Bus: 763 -441 -4761
Fax: 763- 441 -7837
www.brocktatge.com
My name is Brock Tatge and I am the agent and owner of Farmers Insurance in Elk River. The purpose of
the variance request is to comply with "Farmers Insurance Group" corporate signage requirements.
At this time I would ask that you please consider a city ordinance variance for my existing sign located
at: 312 Main St NW, Elk River, MN (parcel number 75 -401 -0230)
In order for me to adhere to Farmers Insurance group corporate requirements, I am asking that you
please approve the variance to make a small modification to my existing sign. The modification would
consist of adding the "Farmers" name and trademarked logo on top of the existing sign. This would only
increase the size of the existing sign by approximately 19 sq. ft. (Please see the attached photo.) The
modification would be professionally installed, luminated as required, and in harmony of the intent of
the ordinance. Due to the current placement of the existing sign (which was approved in 2014), the
modification in no way inhibits traffic visibility or alters the character of the locality.
In summary, the sign change is required by Farmers Insurance Group, and would be consistent with the
City of Elk River comprehensive plan and comply with all variance requirements.
Thank you for your consideration!
Regards,
&-e C/,/,, " 17,; �� r-
Brock A. Tatge
Securities offered through Farmers Financial Solutions, LLC
30801 Agoura Rd. Bldg 1 Agoura Hills, CA 91301 (818) 584 -0200
Member FINRA & SIPC
Leeseberg, Chris
From: Brock Tatge <btatge @farmersagent.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2015 5:36 PM
To: Leeseberg, Chris
Subject: RE: Variance Comment Letter
There is not a height and width requirement per guidelines. The size was illustrated in effort to maintain
and visually enhance the existing message board, while blending with the essential character of the
surrounding area. Yes, I could have the message board removed to meet the city size requirements as
you presented in your illustration. However, the message board was extremely expensive and would cause
financial peril. I would also need to have your illustration submitted for approval before I can comment on
whether or not it would be acceptable by Farmers corporate. This usually takes 10 -15 business days.
Thank You,
a
763 - 441 -471
Let as show you what we can do oryou ±
Call me for a pote tadg...
FARMERS
INSURANCE
- - - - -- Original Message - - - - --
Received: 03:51 PM CDT, 03/19/2015
From: "Leeseberg, Chris" <CLeeseberg @ElkRiverMN.gov>
To: Brock Tatge <btatge @farmersagent.com>
Subject: RE: Variance Comment Letter
Brock,
Thank you for that explanation. I sounds like in this explanation that corporate regulates their logo, colors, size /spacing
of lettering. Basically their branding?
What we are trying to understand, is "corporate" requiring your sign to exceed the city square foot code requirements by
nearly two times as well as exceed the city height code requirements by almost three feet? Does your sign need to be
72 square feet and 9' -8" tall according to corporate? We have to ask, regardless of what is already installed, would the
attached graphic meet corporate requirements?
Chris Leeseberg I Park Planner /Planner
763.635.1033 w 1763.635.1090 f
13065 Orono Parkway I Elk River I MN 155330
i I R 0 w E R E 1 6 T
E11
li ve�
From: Brock Tatge [btatge @farmersagent.com]
Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2015 12:38 PM
To: Leeseberg, Chris
Subject: RE: Variance Comment Letter
Hello Chris,
Corporate sign requirements currently include: Trademarked Logos, color schemes and size and spacing of
lettering. I can provide you with these guidelines if you feel it is necessary, but it will take a lot of paper
and not address the specific issue of company approval. Even signage that follows Farmers guidelines
must still be reviewed and deemed acceptable on a "submit for approval" basis. The "submit for approval"
process is somewhat arbitrary in nature, thus I am not sure of the importance of including corporate logo
requirements. Since my current sign has not met their approval, I had the draft produced by SDDI pre -
approved by corporate. It should be noted this draft includes the "arch" of the corporate logo on top. To
remain in good standing with Farmers, and since my compensation is directly tied to meeting company
approval, I initiated the request for the variance. Obviously, if it is not granted a financial hardship may
occur. You should have a copy of the draft from SDDI and the approval letter.
Let me know your thoughts...
Thank you!
Brock
Thank You,
&"
763- 441 -4761
Let as shore you ov al we ear. do or you r
Call mefor a quote fodg....
FARMERS
INSURANCE
- - - - -- Original Message - - - - --
Received: 11:26 AM CDT, 03/19/2015
From: " Leeseberg, Chris" <CLeeseberg @ElkRiverMN.gov>
To: Brock Tatge <btatge @farmersagent.com>
Subject: RE: Variance Comment Letter
Brock,
My apologizes for not calling you back yet. I have been out sick all week with some bug that started last Friday. I am
currently at home and started looking thought emails to catch up a bit. I hope to finish up your variance memo for next
weeks meeting today at home.
Will you be able to provide us specific corporate regulations? If you could get it to me by tomorrow a.m. it can be
included in the packet of info to the Board of Adjustments. If not by tomorrow a.m., we can hand it out to them at the
meeting.
I hope to continue checking my emails today so let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks.
Chris Leeseberg I Park Planner /Planner
763.635.1033 w 1763.635.1090 f
13065 Orono Parkway I Elk River I MN 155330
River [NATURE]
From: Brock Tatge [btatge @farmersagent.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2015 4:40 PM
To: Leeseberg, Chris
Subject: RE: Variance Comment Letter
Sounds good. Talk then..thx!
ThanA- You,
763 - 441 -¢76i
Let as show you what we can do foryou r
Call ire for o quote today..
fvh
FARMERS
INSURANCE
- - - - -- Original Message - - - - --
Received: 04:28 PM CDT, 03/11/2015
From: " Leeseberg, Chris" <CLeeseberg @ElkRiverMN.gov>
To: 'Brock Tatge' <btatge @farmersagent.com>
Subject: RE: Variance Comment Letter
Brock,
I have been busy all day today working on Parks and Recreation stuff. (my other hat)
I will try to call you tomorrow sometime.
The discussion regarding the message board is if you could remove the message board (or other) to comply with
city requirements and comply with corporate requirements, a variance would not be needed to accomplish this.
Corporate requirements are not a reason to grant variances but if that is your reasoning to be granted one, we
need to be able to show the Board of Adjustments what corporate requires specifically for sign size, height, and
content.
I have a meeting mid - morning and another mid - afternoon. I'll try to get ahold of you around those meetings.
Have a great day.
Chris Leeseberg I Park Planner - Planner
763.635.1033 w 1763.635.1090 f
13065 Orono Parkway I Elk River I MN 155330
P t I E A E E d [NATUPEE] Ever
From: Brock Tatge [ mailto:btatge @farmersagent.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2015 2:43 PM
To: Leeseberg, Chris
Subject: Re: Variance Comment Letter
Hello Chris,
The bottom (white on the illustration) panel on the sign will remain. Also, the LED message board is
currently active and was approved on the 2014 application. The reason for the variance application is to add the
rounded Farmers logo on top of the existing message board. They existing sign with the message board is not
compliant with Farmers. By adding the logo on top of the message board, I would become Farmers compliant as
stated in the letter from management that I had sent previously.
Please call me to discuss... thank you!
Brock
441 -4761
Thank You,
763 -41-4761
Let us shmpa wh al we can do for you!
all use fur a quale to( k...
rv,*A
FARMERS
INSURANCE
- - - - -- Original Message - - - - --
Received: 09:22 AM CDT, 03/10/2015
From: "Leeseberg, Chris" <CLeeseberg_gElkRiverMN.gov>
To: "btatgegfarmersagent.com" <btatge9farmersagent.com>
Subject: Variance Comment Letter
Brock,
Please find attached the comment letter that will be mailed today.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Thank You.
Chris Leeseberg I Park Planner - Planner
763.635.1033 w 1763.635.1090 f
13065 Orono Parkway I Elk River I MN 155330
9 E 1 E 1 1 T
R.r INATUREI
.ier
> ---------------------------------------------
> Attachment: Comment Letter.pdf
• MIME Type: application /pdf
> --------------------------------------- - - - - --
This e-mail message and any documents accompanying this transmission may contain confidential
information and are intended solely for the addressee (s) named above. If you are not the intended
addressee /recipient, any use of, disclosure, copying, distribution, or reliance on the contents of this e -mail
information is strictly prohibited. Please reply to the sender advising of the error in transmission and
immediately delete /destroy the message and any accompanying documents.
Farmers Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates, including Farmers Financial Solutions, LLC, reserve
the right to monitor and review the content of all e-mail communications and attachments sent or
received by or from this address and to retain them in accordance with the applicable regulatory
requirements. Securities are offered through Farmers Financial Solutions, LLC, 30801 Agoura Road,
Building 1, Agoura Hills, California 91301. Member FINRA & SIPC.
> ---------------------------------------------
> Attachment: 32 SQFT OPTION.jpg
• MIME Type: image /jpeg
> --------------------------------------- - - - - --