4.1. DRAFT BA MINUTES 11-24-2020 WA
City of
Elk -�
Weer Meeting of the
Elk River Board of Adjustments
Held at Elk River City Hall
Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Members Present: Chair Jill Larson Johnson, Commissioners Perry Beise,Alexander
Feinstein, Eric Johnson,John Jordan, Robert Rydberg, and Brad
Thiel
Members Absent: none
Also Present: Councilmember/Liaison Nate Ovall,
Staff Present: Planning Manager Zack Carlton, Senior Planner Chris Leeseberg, and
Sr. Admin. Assistant/Recording Secretary Jennifer Green
I. Call Meeting to Order 'Ne
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Board of
Adjustments was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair Larson-Vito.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Consider October 27, 2020, Board of Adjustments Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Thiel and seconded by Commissioner Feinstein to
approve the October 27, 2020, Board of Adjustments agenda.
Motion carried 7-0.
4. Consider September 22, 2020, Board of Adjustments Minutes
Moved by Commissioner Thiel and seconded by Commissioner Feinstein to
approve the September 22, 2020, Board of Adjustments minutes.
Motion carried 7-0.
5.1 City of Elk River, Case No. V 20-16
■ Allow additional wall signage on the multi-purpose facility, 1000
School St. NW
■ Allow an additional freestanding sign at the entrance to Elk
River High School parking lot, 900 School St. NW
Board of Adjustments Minutes Page 2
October 27,2020
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Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report.
Commissioner Thiel asked if there were other signs of a similar size on buildings in
the city.
Mr. Leeseberg stated the closest example was the Ashley Furniture building and that
property was a PUD when the sign was approved, and it was also a commercial use
where this would be a community/school use in a residential district. He stated if the
commission needed other similar signs, he could research that information.
Commissioner Rydberg asked if this would affect other entities and felt there was a
conflict with the city asking for a variance. He wondered if this was a conflict and
should the city adjust the sign ordinance. He stated he has o problem with this sign,
but would other businesses receive the same variance.
Chair Larson-Vito opened the public hearing.
There being no one to speak, Chair Lar.; . -Vito closed the public hearing.
Chair Larson-Vito has the same concerns.
Commissioner Johnson stated he felt this request is consistent with past request
requiring consideration whether city-owned or private business, each with a unique
set of circumstances. He stated in this case,the building and its use are unique
circumstances. He stated that since the building is a destination and is set back from
the road, the community will seek it out especially for people from out of town. He
noted there are similar buildings on this site and signage would be helpful to identify
this specific building.
Commissioner Thiel agreed with this sign being designed for providing
advertisement and wayf nding because it is set back from the road and is not
opposed to the sign but felt it should be smaller and closer to what the current
ordinance dictates,noting he felt it seemed too big for the building.
Mr. Carlton stated the city regulates signage in permitted non-residential uses in
residential districts separately and generally the uses are closer to the street and signs
are smaller and not meant to have the same impact as commercial areas. Commercial
sites are allowed freestanding signs of 30' tall, 100 or more square feet, and 15% of
the entire facade can be wall sign. He stated in this case, the sign will be used for
wayfinding and identification for people from out of town to find the building they
are going to.
Chair Larson-Vito and Commissioner Johnson discussed the need for clearly
identifying the building for out of town attendees as there are several school
buildings along that street.
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Board of Adjustments Minutes Page 3
October 27,2020
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Commissioner Thiel stated he was not opposed to the sign but did not think it
needed to be that big as you could still find where you are going.
Commissioner Rydberg stated he did not feel a sign of this size would ease in
drawing more people to that building and asked if the commission is setting
themselves up for more exceptions to this rule. He again requested a review of the
ordinance.
Chair Larson-Vito stated for this variance request it would be an approval or denial
and noted perhaps the commission should review the ordinance.
Commissioner Jordan agreed and with the request before them,he felt the building
requires a sign that fits the building size and design and would approve this request.
Moved by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Jordan to
approve the variance request by the City of Elk River for a wall sign variance
at 1000 School St. NW and one additional freestanding sign on the property
located at 900 School St. NW for the following reasons:
1. The general purpose and intent of the ordinance are met.
2. The property has a land use of residential and the use is consistent with
the Comprehensive Plan.
3. The proposed use is reasonable and is permitted in the zoning
ordinance.
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.
5. The variances will not alter the essential character of the locality.
and; 4%4, A
with the following condition:
1. Any changeable copy signage exceeding 30 square feet will require a
Conditional Use Permit.
Motion carried 6-1. Commissioner Thiel opposed.
Any appeals to this variance approval need to be turned in by November 6, 2020, to
be reviewed at the November 16, 2020, City Council meeting.
6. Adjournment
There being no further business, Chair Larson-Vito adjourned the meeting of the
Elk River Board of Adjustments at 6:44 p.m.
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Board of Adjustments Minutes Page 4
October 27,2020
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Minutes prepared by Jennifer Green.
Tina Allard
City Clerk
Jill Larson-Vito
Planning Commission Chair
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