03-26-2024 BOA MINMeeting of the Elk River Board of Adjustments
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Members Present: Chair Jill Larson -Vito, Commissioners Perry Beise, Eric Johnson, Tony Mauren, and Rob
Rydberg
Members Absent: Commissioner Dennis Booth
Council Liaison: Councilmember Matt Westgaard
Staff Present: Community Development Director Zack Carlton, Senior Planner Chris Leeseberg, and Sr.
Administrative Assistant Jennifer Green
I . Call Meeting to Order
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 Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Beise to approve the March 26,
2024, Board of Adjustments agenda as presented.
Motion carried 5-0.
4. Consider Minutes
Moved by Commissioner Beise and seconded by Commissioner Johnson to approve the November
28, 2023, Board of Adjustments minutes.
Motion carried 5-0.
5.1 Holiday Station Store — 18823 Freeport St. NW
■ Sign Height Variance, Case No. V 23-01
Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report.
Commissioner Johnson asked about the upcoming sign ordinance amendment to be reviewed during the
Planning Commission meeting. He asked if staff is recommending 40' and will that height meet the
proposed ordinance amendment. He asked if the Board of Adjustments should deny the applicant's request.
Mr. Leeseberg indicated the recommendation of 40' will meet the proposed ordinance amendment. He
clarified that staffs recommendation for this variance application reflects the new ordinance amendments.
Chair Larson -Vito opened the public hearing.
Board of Adjustments Minutes
March 26, 2024
Page 2
Michael Dick, JDI Signs & Graphics, 14000 Sunfish Lake Blvd., Suite 1, Ramsey — stated he realized the
100' sign wasn't going to be supported but asked if they could approve any heights above 40' such as 50'.
He stated they measured the height of the Burger King sign, and it is 49' as measured from grade. He asked
if Holiday's sign could be similar to Burger King's and requested a 50' height. He noted prior to application,
Holiday was requesting a 100' sign, which is their sign package standard height. He explained a flag test
could be performed to determine if the 50' height is visually more beneficial.
Mr. Leeseberg stated the applicant's request before them today is for 80' and that is what the Board of
Adjustments will act on. Mr. Leeseberg stated the proposed sign will be approximately 30' from the base of
the sign but 40' from the grade of the road, which is 9' lower than the base of the sign.
Commissioner Johnson asked if Mr. Leeseberg could confirm the Burger King and McDonald's signs are
50' in height above their base.
Mr. Leeseberg confirmed they are at a height that was approved as part of a Planned Unit Development
agreement at the time of construction.
Commissioner Johnson asked Mr. Dick what a flag test was.
Mr. Dick explained it involved a boom truck and measurements to determine the appropriate height for
visibility.
There being no one else to speak, Chair Larson -Vito closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Rydberg wondered if there was concern for sight line and safety issues due to the possibility
of the sign height being at the same height of the bridge.
Mr. Leeseberg explained how he didn't feel any issues with blocking any site lines at School Street.
Moved by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Rydberg to approve the request
by Holiday Station Store for a Sign Height Variance, for one sign, not to exceed 40 feet, as
measured from the nearest point grade of the main line of Highway 169 for the store located at
18823 Freeport St. NW, as all criteria for a variance are satisfied with the recommended increase in
height.
Motion carried 5-0.
6. Motion to Adjourn Regular Meeting
Moved by Commissioner Rydberg and seconded by Commissioner Johnson to adjourn the meeting
of the Board of Adjustments.
Motion carried 5-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:46 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Jennifer Green.
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Board of Adjustments Minutes Page 3
March 26, 20"
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Ji parson-1 tto, Chair
Tina Allard, City Clerk
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