8.2. SR 08-03-2020
Request for Action
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 8.2
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
General Business August 3, 2020 Zack Carlton, Planning Manager
Item Description Reviewed by
Continue Suspension of the Temporary Sign Fees Cal Portner, City Administrator
and Standards
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Approve, by motion, an extension to the suspension of temporary sign permit fees and standards to
September 30, 2020.
Background/Discussion
On May 18, 2020, the City Council approved a temporary suspension of the fees and standards for
temporary signs. The suspension was intended to support small businesses as they are permitted to
reopen in accordance with the Governor’s executive orders.
With the prevalence of the COVID-19 virus and the continued limits on business operations staff
recommends continuing the suspension of temporary sign fees and standards until September 30, 2020.
The location standards, 10 feet from the property line and outside of the right-of-way, would still apply.
Financial Impact
Suspension of the temporary sign fee will impact revenue. During the same time, August 3 to September
30, in 2019 the city collected fees on 12 temporary signs and in 2018 the city had 15 temporary signs.
Attachments
Council Agenda item dated May 18, 2020
Request for Action
To
Mayor and City Council
Item Number
8.6
Agenda Section
General Business
Meeting Date
May 18, 2020
Prepared by
Zack Carlton, Planning Manager
Item Description
Suspension of Temporary Sign Fees and Standards
Reviewed by
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Approve, by motion, suspension of the temporary sign permit fee and standards until July 31, 2020.
Background/Discussion
Many Elk River businesses have been closed for the past few months in response to the state’s COVID-
19 social distancing requirements. Current guidance from the Governor’s Office indicates that businesses
will slowly be allowed to re-open over the next few weeks and businesses owners will be looking for ways
to inform customers that their operations are opening. Temporary signage will likely be one of the tools
used by the business owners.
City ordinances limit temporary signs to one per business with a $40 fee. To support businesses as they
re-open, staff proposes suspending the limit on the number of temporary signs, and the fee until July 31,
2020. Council can also re-evaluate this suspension in July to see if an extension may be appropriate based
on the pace the social distancing requirements are loosened.
The location standards, 10 feet from the property line and outside of the right-of-way, would still apply.
Financial Impact
Suspension of the temporary sign fee will impact revenue. During the same time, May 18 to July 31, in
2019 the city collected fees on eight temporary signs and in 2018 the city had twelve temporary signs.
Attachments
None