5.2. PCSR 10-10-2006Elk _
River
City of Elk River Ite
REQUEST FOR PLANNING COMMISSION 5.2
ACTION
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
-Planning Items October 10, 2006 Chris Leeseber , Park Planner
Item Description Reviewed by
Request by City of Elk River for an Ordinance Amendment to Jeremy Barnhart, Planning Manager
Section 30 -851 Regarding Signs, Public Hearing
Case No. OA 06 -02
Introduction
At its July 17, 200 meeting, the Elk River City Council instructed staff to compose an ordinance that
prohibits all temporary /portable signs and facilitate a dialogue with the business community.
Attachments
• Exhibit A - July 17, 2006 Proposed Language
• Exhibit B - Proposed Language Prohibiting Temp Signs
• Exhibit C - Planning Commission Proposed Language
• Exhibit D — Definitions
• Temporary Sign Overview
• Chamber of Commerce Emails
• List of Temporary Signs
Action Requested
Recommendation from the Planning Commission regarding signage and definitions.
Planning Commission Action Motion by Second by vote
Follow Up
Case File: OA 06 -06
Page 2
Overview
On July 17, 2006 staff had presented an ordinance amendment to the City Council that reduced the
number of and duration of temporary signs. Staff had reviewed a few other ordinances of adjoining
communities and our current time frame is one of the longest allowed:
city
# of Days
# of Permits
Elk River
90 days
6 permits
Big Lake
60 days
No Limit
Ramsey
(42) 7 days @ a time
6 permits
Otsego
21 days
No Limit
Maple Grove
10 days
1 permit
Staff had drafted an ordinance addressing the concerns with the temporary signs and includes
changes as listed:
0 30 days per calendar year vs. 90 days currently permitted
0 3 permits per year to a property vs. 6 permits currently permitted to a business
o Sign must be located on an approved surface vs. 10 -feet from property lines
o Only signs for City functions can be placed on City property
The intent of what the temporary signs are to be used for is for grand openings and special events,
not for general advertising. Almost all of the temporary sign permits the City receives are for sales,
promotions and /or employment opportunities and are rarely for grand openings and special events.
In order to get back to the intent of what temporary signs were intended for, the Elk River City
Council instructed staff to compose an ordinance that would ban temporary signs but would also
allow exceptions for grand openings, special events. They asked that the plan be phased in (begin
January 1, 2007) and to notify the business community to get their input.
Staff drafted an amendment that in summary states that portable (temporary) signs are prohibited.
However, the temporary use of banners for grand openings and special events would be allowed for
a ten consecutive days once a year.
September 26 Planning Commission Workshop
The Planning Commission reviewed language for an ordinance that would ban temporary signs but
would also allow exceptions for grand openings, special events. Staff gave brief a presentation on
the proposed language and then asked for feedback from both the Planning Commission and also
the business community.
One business owner was in attendance and stated that a ban on the signs would adversely affect
their business. They also stated that education to the business community would be beneficial as
most business owners, including themselves, had little to no knowledge of what the current
ordinance states.
S: \PLANNING \Case Files \2006 \OA \OA 06 -06 Signs \OA 06- 06_PC -2.doc
Case File: OA 06 -06
Page 3
Jeff Gongoll, president of the Chamber of Commerce, was also in attendance and presented a list of
13 business owners' emails who objected to a ban. He had stated that approximately 250 members
were notified of the Planning Commission Workshop meeting and were given a copy of the
proposed ordinance. He also indicated how crucial the temporary signs are for business in Elk
River.
There was substantial discussion regarding what a "special event" was and whether or not the City
wants to regulate what the signs say. The consensus was that the content of the sign is not the issue.
It is the general negative appearance of the signs in the community and was the consensus that the
signs do not promote a positive image within the City.
After reviewing the previous language they had recommended for approval, the Planning
Commission decided that 30 days per property was not adequate enough time for properties that
have multiple businesses. They then recommended that the ordinance state 90 days per property.
The requirement that the signs be placed on an approved surface was agreed to be an easy way to
communicate to the public where signs can be located as well as for enforcement.
Staff Comments
Staff had stated that duration and number of permits would have little effect on the enforcement of
the signs. In the 2006 year to date, three business /properties have pulled 2 permits; one
business /property pulled 6 permits (the current max). They remainder of the permits were single
ones. If the allowed number of signs was three or six, it still takes considerable staff time to process
each permit and verify the sign is taken down to refund the applicant's deposit. Staff would like to
propose that there not be a limit on the number of permits, just the duration of the temporary sign
located on a property. Staff also question if a quarter of a year is too long a duration for such
temporary signs. Staff would recommend that it be limited to 30 days.
After the workshop meeting, staff had a more theoretical question and that is, if these signs are
generally seen as a negative image within the City, why is it acceptable to have these "temporary"
signs on a property for a quarter of the year? The ordinance goes to great lengths to regulate how,
where and what size permanent signs can be. Temporary signs are more or less arbitrarily placed on
a property without regard to their context. If they are a negative image, why not prohibit them?
Definitions
Staff is recommending that the language for portable signs and temporary signs be changed as not to
indicate what they are made of nor give an example of what one might be. Also, staff is
recommending that the definitions for both be the same.
S:\PLANNING \Case Files \2006 \OA \OA 06 -06 Signs \OA 06- 06_PC -2.doc
Case File: OA 06 -06
Page 4
Recommendation
Staff is recommending approval of the revised definitions with the following condition:
1. Definitions shall be as stated in Exhibit D.
Staff is looking for a recommendation from the Planning Commission for Temporary /Portable
signs that would be one of three proposals:
1. Exhibit B, Proposed Language Prohibiting Temporary Signs;
2. Exhibit C, Planning Commission Proposed Language (As recommend at the
September 26, 2006 Workshop meeting);
3. Exhibit C with revised language not limiting the number of permits and to reduce
the duration of the signage to 30 days.
S: \PLANNING \Case Files \2006 \OA \OA 06 -06 Signs \OA 06- 06_PC-2.doc
Exhibit A
July 17, 2006 Proposed Language
Sec. 30 -866. District regulations.
The following signs are allowed in all districts:
(1) All signs not requiring permits as set forth in section 30- 860(b).
(2) One on- premises tempaiftry eambiafftion area idefttifieatiai# construction °aa reftl ..swe sign
not to exceed 64 96 square feet in sign area or 15 feet in height
Sign may be erected 30 days
prior to the beginning of construction and shall be removed 30 dgys following completion of
construction. Such signs shall not be illuminated. A sign, permit is not required for
construction signs. v
(3) One on- premises nonilluminated real estate sign per lot.orpremises not to•,±exceed six square feet
in sign area for residential lots and one on- premises nonilluminated real estate sign per lot or
premises not to exceed 64 .96 square feet in sign area for commercial lots. Such," a sign must be
removed ten days following closing, rental, or lease. ,A sign permit is required lot real estate
signs that exceed six square feet.
(4) One on- premises attached nameplate per occupancy, not to exceed four square feet in sign area.
(5) Political signs. Political signs are permitted in -all zones. Such signs .shall be consistent with state
statutes. Political signs may be placed only on, private "property and only with the permission of the
property owner. Such signs shall not be illuminated.
(6) On- premises directional /informational signs not to exceed four square feet per sign in sign area.
(7) One on- premises temporary or portable sign per aremises (1roperW may be installed, as
allowed by the director of planning or.their +tie designee ,
ds. Temporary 'br portable ".signs are also subject to the following:
a. Signs map not be displayed for` °more than 99 30 days totah per calendar year.
b. Signs.may not be displayed without a permit. Up to six three permits per year may be issued to a
premise (propetW business, not to exceed the number of days allowed in subsection (7)a of this
section. Each permit must indicate the number of days, and the dates_ the sign is to be displayed.
apart. A fee and
deposit at a level established by ordinance adopted by the Elk River City Council is required. The
deposit, when requested in °writing, is refundable when the sign if the sir meets ftR reqttirements
in thAs seetion an is removed on time.
c. Maximum sign size small be limited to thirty -two square feet.
,
2. Sixty fatir sqtt"e feet if the adjiteent readve" hfts ft posted speed of 45 fftiles per hour ai, me
d. Signs must be located on property of the business with the special event and the advertising
message must only relate to business conducted on that premises, except that nonprofit or charitable
organizations as defined by Internal Revenue Code section 501(C)(3) may have off - premises signs for
their fundraising activities, provided that they obtain permission from the property owner. Signs
from nonprofit organizations shall not be counted as one of the three sip permits allowed to the
property owner. Nonprofit organizations shall be limited to three eight signs per event and be
limited to three events Uer vear and the signs shall not exceed the number of days allowed in
subsection (7)a of this section.
SAPLANNING \Case Files \2006 \OA \OA 06 -06 Signs \Proposed Ordinance Exhibit A.doc
e. Signs may not be placed in any the right -of -way and must be located on an approved surface;
not including fire lanes and /or circulation drive lanes. imeet sign setbiteks. Approved surfaces
include: asphalt, concrete, class -5, crushed concrete.
f. Only signs for City of Elk River functions can be placed on City of Elk River properties
g For purposes of this ordinance, City of Elk River property leased to other entities shall not
be considered City of Elk River propert.
h. fl. Signs must not be unsafe or dangerous and must be securely anchored.
g. On nl+mises rs -b b .b i 64 3 feet or less Y .7
(8) No more than one permanent area identification sign shall be allowed per neighborhood,
subdivision, or development. However, if the neighborhood, subdivision, or development has
entrances on arterial and /or collector roads, then a single area identification, sign may be allowed at
each of these entrances. Each sign shall not exceed 16 square feet in sign area. The area identification
sign shall be placed on the same premises as the development which it identifies.
(9) One on- premises permanent identification sign per apartment or condominium complex, not to
exceed 16 square feet in sign area.
(10) For permitted nonresidential uses, such as churches,.synagogues, and schools, one on- premises
freestanding sign and one wall business sign, not to exceed 96 square feet in total slm area. Where a
zoning lot has in excess of 1,000 linear feet of combined street frontage, the total signage area shall
not exceed 192 square feet with no more than 96 square feet per sign., Freestanding signage shall not
exceed 20 feet in height.
(11) Any combination of on- premises freestanding and wall' = mounted real estate signs for model
homes having a combined total sign area not to exceed 32 square,.feet. Freestanding signs for model
homes shall have a maximum height of five feet-, ,
0-3� Rural -based bus nessie'S :shall be allowed four off - premises directional signs subject to the
following restrictions
a. Individual directional'sins shall.not exceed 18 square feet.
b. Such signs shall be setback ten feet from any public right -of -way as measured to any portion of
the sign.
c. Such signs shall lie located on private property which is adjacent to an arterial road, provided that
the property owner's permission is obtained.
d. Such signs shall only contain the naine.of the rural -based business and the direction and distance
to the facility. Signing for straight -ahead movements shall not be allowed.
e. At any one.ntersection, any number of off - premises directional signs may be erected provided
that they can be accommodated on two sets of posts in no more than two locations. The director of
planning shall deter ru I e whether the posts can accommodate any more signs.
£ Except as otherwise provided, all freestanding signs in residential zones shall have a maximum
height limit of eight feet and shall have a setback of ten feet from any public right -of -way.
(Code 1982, 4 900.22(4) (A), (4) (B); Ord. No. 00 -06, § 1, 3 -20 -2000; Ord. No. 04-13, § 1, 8 -27 -2004)
SAPLANNING \Case Files \2006 \OA \OA 06 -06 Signs \Proposed Ordinance Exhibit A.doc
Exhibit B
Proposed Language Prohibiting Temp Signs
Sec. 30 -866. District regulations.
The following signs are allowed in all districts:
(1) All signs not requiring permits as set forth in section 30- 860(b).
(2) One on- premises , construction and reA4 estftte sign
not to exceed 64.96 square feet in sign area or 15 feet in height
Sign::may be erected 30 dates
construction. Such signs shall not be illuminated.
construction signs.
(3) One on- premises nonilluminated real estate sign per lot or premises not to:txceed six square feet
in sign area for residential lots and one on- premises =nilluminated real estate sign per lot or
premises not to exceed 64 96 square feet in sign area for commercial lots. Such a sign must be
removed ten days following closing, rental, or lease.: A sig_n permit is required for 'real estate
signs that exceed six square feet.
(4) One on- premises attached
(5) Political signs. Political signs are permj'
statutes. Political signs may be placed only
property owner. Such signs shall not be illuw
(6) On- premises
occupancy, not t6texceed four square feet in sign area.
tted in;all zones. Such signs`slall be consistent with state
on privat&pibperty and only with the permission of the
ninated.
signs not to exceed four square feet per sign in sign area.
S:APLANNING \Case Files \2006 \OA \OA 06 -06 Signs \Proposed Ordinance Exhibit B.doc
(7) Portable (temporaj:4 signs are Prohibited However, the temporary use of banners for
special events, grand openings or holidays is only permitted when the following regulations
are satisfied:
a) The banner shall require a permit.
b) A fee at a level established by ordinance adopted by the Elk River City Council is
required.
c) The permit for the banner shall be valid for ten (10) consecutive days and shall be
prominently displayed during the period of its validity.
d) Permits shall be available only for banners located on property of the business with
premises.
e)
fl
g)
h)
i)
(8) No more than one permanent area
subdivision, or development. However,
entrances on arterial and /or collector roac
each of these entrances. Each sign shall no
sign shall be placed on the same premises a
(9) One on- premises permanent identificc
exceed 16 square feet in sign area.
ident
if the
then a single ar
Kceed 16 square
allowed per neighborhood,
ision, or development has
tion sign may be allowed at
area. The area identification
complex, not to
rches, synagogues, and schools, one on- premises
exceed 96 square feet in total sign area. Where a
bined street frontage, the total signage area shall
care feet per sign. Freestanding signage shall not
and wall- mounted real estate signs for model
!d 32 square feet. Freestanding signs for model
{l-3j Rural -based businesses shall be allowed four off - premises directional signs subject to the
following restrictions: _
a. Individual directional signs shall not exceed 18 square feet.
b. Such signs shall be set back ten feet from any public right -of -way as measured to any portion of
the sign.
c. Such signs shall be located on private property which is adjacent to an arterial road, provided that
the property owner's permission is obtained.
d. Such signs shall only contain the name of the rural -based business and the direction and distance
to the facility. Signing for straight -ahead movements shall not be allowed.
e. At any one intersection, any number of off - premises directional signs may be erected provided
that they can be accommodated on two sets of posts in no more than two locations. The director of
planning shall determine whether the posts can accommodate any more signs.
f. Except as otherwise provided, all freestanding signs in residential zones shall have a maximum
height limit of eight feet and shall have a setback of ten feet from any public right -of -way.
(Code 1982, § 900.22(4)(A), (4)(B); Ord. No. 00 -06, § 1, 3 -20 -2000; Ord. No. 04-13, � 1, 8 -27 -2004)
SAPLANNING \Case Files \2006 \OA \OA 06 -06 Signs \Proposed Ordinance Exhibit B.doc
Exhibit C
Planning Commission Proposed Language
Sec. 30 -866. District regulations.
The following signs are allowed in all districts:
(1) All signs not requiring permits as set forth in section 30- 860(b).
(2) One on- premises nbinftfian areit identifieatieft-, construction and real estftte sign
not to exceed 64 96 square feet in sign area or 15 feet in height
Sign may be erected 30 dates
construction. Such signs shall not be illuminated.
construction signs.
(3) One on- premises nonilluminated real estate sign per lot or premises not to exceed six square feet
in sign area for residential lots and one on- premises nonilluminated real estate sign per lot or
premises not to exceed 64 96 square feet in sign area for commercial lots. Such.a. sign must be
removed ten days following closing, rental, or lease. A sign permit is required.for` real estate
signs that exceed six square feet.
(4) One on- premises attached nameplate per occupancy, not to, exceed four square feet in sign area.
(5) Political signs. Political signs are permitted in Oones. Such signs shall be consistent with state
statutes. Political signs may be placed only on private property and only with the permission of the
property owner. Such signs shall not be illuminated.
(6) On- premises directional /informational signs not to exceed four square feet per sign in sign area.
(7) One on- premises temporary orportable sign per premisea (property may be installed, as
allowed by the director of planning or their ,ha.designee for speeial eveets,
lieiidays. Temporaiy orportable signs are also"- ect to the following:
a. Signs may not be dts laved form"mre than 90 days total, per calendar year.
b. Signs %nay not be displayed without a permit. Up to six permits per year may be issued to a
premise ropeMt business 'hot to exceed the number of days allowed in subsection (7)a of this
section. Each "permit must indicate the number of days, and the dates, the sign is to be displayed.
. A fee and
deposit at a level established by ordinance adopted by the Elk River City Council is required. The
deposit, when requested in writing, is refundable when the sign
in this seetieft ftft is removed on time.
c. Maximum sign size shall be limited to thirty -two square feet.
d. Signs must be located on the property of the business with the speeisl event and the advertising
message must only relate to business conducted on that premises, except that nonprofit or charitable
organizations as defined by Internal Revenue Code section 501(C)(3) may have off - premises signs for
their fundraising activities, provided that they obtain permission from the property owner. Signs
from nonprofit organizations shall not be counted as one of the six permits allowed to the property
owner. Nonprofit organizations shall be limited to three eigl+ signs per event and be limited to
three events ner vear and the signs shall not exceed the number of days allowed in
subsection (7)a of this section.
SAPLANNING \Case Files \2006 \OA \OA 06 -06 Signs \Proposed Ordinance Exhibit C.doc
e. Signs may not be placed in Any fide right -of -way and must be located on an approved surface;
not including fire lanes and /or circulation drive lanes. ks. Approved surfaces
include: asphalt, concrete, class -5, crushed concrete.
f. Only signs for City of Elk River functions can be placed on City of Elk River properties.
g. For purposes of this ordinance, City of Elk River property leased to other entities shall not
be considered City of Elk River 12ropeM.
h. Signs must not be unsafe or dangerous and must be securely anchored.
(8) No more than one permanent area identification sign shall be allowed per neighborhood,
subdivision, or development. However, if the neighborhood, subdivision, or development has
entrances on arterial and /or collector roads, then a single area identificatto3<.sign may be allowed at
each of these entrances. Each sign shall not exceed 16 square feet in sign area. The area identification
sign shall be placed on the same premises as the development which-it'identifies.
(9) One on- premises permanent identification sign per apartment or condominium complex, not to
exceed 16 square feet in sign area.
(10) For permitted nonresidential uses, such as churches, synagogues, and schools, one on- premises
freestanding sign and one wall business sign, not to exceed 96 square feet in totalaign area. Where a
zoning lot has in excess of 1,000 linear feet of combined street frontage, the total signage area shall
not exceed 192 square feet with no more than 96 square fget per sign. Freestanding signage shall not
exceed 20 feet in height.
(11) Any combination of on- premises freestanding and wall - mounted real estate signs for model
homes having a combined total sign area not.to exceed 32 square feet. Freestanding signs for model
homes shall have a maximum height of five feet.
U {-1-3} Rural -based businesses shall be allowed four off - premises directional signs subject to the
following restrictions:
a. Individual directional signs shall not exceed 18 square feet.
b. Such signs shall be setback ten 'feet.from any public right -of -way as measured to any portion of
the sign.
c. Such signs shall e located on;private property which is adjacent to an arterial road, provided that
the property owner's permission is "obtained.
d. Such,signs shall only contain the name of the rural -based business and the direction and distance
to the facility. Signing for straight- ahead,movements shall not be allowed.
e. At any oneintersection, any;, number of off - premises directional signs may be erected provided
that they can be accommodated on two sets of posts in no more than two locations. The director of
planning shall determine whether the posts can accommodate any more signs.
f. Except as otherwise provided, all freestanding signs in residential zones shall have a maximum
height limit of eight feet and shall have a setback of ten feet from any public right -of -way.
(Code 1982,5 900.22(4)(A), (4)(B); Ord. No. 00 -06, � 1, 3 -20 -2000; Ord. No. 04-13, § 1, 8 -27 -2004)
S: \PLANNING \Case Files \2006 \OA \OA 06 -06 Signs \Proposed Ordinance Exhibit C.doc
Exhibit D
Definitions
Section 30 -1. Definitions
Portable sign (see temporary sign)
edier hght raffteriEd and designed ar intended to be dispkyed at ft site for R short period of 6me.
7'em peta , T sign means any sign which is erected or displayed for a specified period of time
and designed to be to be movable from one location to another and which is not permanently
attached to the ground and /or structure.
SAPLANNING \Case Files \2006 \OA\OA 06 -06 Signs \Proposed Ordinate Exhibit D.doc
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River Case Number:
P 06 -15 CRANBERRY RIDGE
PROPOSED ORDINANCE
PROHIBITION OF PORTABLE (TEMPORARY) SIGNS
ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION
ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
The following comments were received by the Elk River Area Chamber of
Commerce in response to the proposed draft ordinance.
******* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * **
We have had a few in our area. I don't see a problem with them as long as they
are actually temporary. I would not be in favor of a ban. I would be in favor of a rule
to control the number of days allowed per year, say 12 or so. I am sure some of
these signs are important to some businesses at periodic times of the year. The
businesses that use them year round will have to have permanent signs made and
displayed appropriately.
Thanks,
Mark Orluck
I think this ordinance is totally unnecessary and chasing for a permit for every little
thing is ridiculous.
John Weicht
I see no problem with the signs as long as they have a temporary use permit on
them and are for special occasions such as open house, grand opening,
anniversary, etc... They should not be up for longer than 3 weeks. Please take
my comment into the record at the meeting.
Kay Reynolds
PROHIBITION OF TEMPORARY SIGNS
Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce
Page 1 of 6
Jeff, I would like to go on record as saying this is a very bad proposal and I do not
support it....
Signed,
Jon A. Smith
THIS SOUNDS LIKE AN ANTI BUSINESS ACTION PLAN BY THE COUNCIL OR
CITY. NOT ONLY WOULD THIS BE HARD ON THE BUSINESS THAT MAKES
THE SIGN /S, BUT IT WOULD HURT BUSINESSES IN ELK RIVER THAT NEED
SIGNS FOR PROMOTING THEIR BUSINESS OR EVENT. HAVING SIGNS IS A
POSITIVE FOR THE COMMUNITY AND CITY, (IT BUILDS AN AWARENESS OF
HAPPENINGS IN THE CITY) RESTRICTIONS BECOME PART OF A
BUREAUCRACY FROM THE CITY THAT ALREADY HAS TOO MANY
RESTRICTIONS IN TOO MANY AREAS. LET'S PROMOTE BUSINESS, NOT
MAKE IT MORE DIFFICULT.
Signed but asked to remain confidential
I just had an opportunity to review the proposed sign
ordinance. Unfortunately, I will be at work on Tuesday night and will be
unable to attend the meeting to discuss the proposal. As a business
owner and as a volunteer for several Elk River community groups, I do
have some concerns. I agree that unkempt signs in poor repair are a
blight to our Elk River landscape and something needs to be done about
them. I think that we have to be careful in crafting language for the
ordinance that doesn't put a burden on those who put out signs or
banners on occasions to promote their businesses or community events -
an example being the side of Kemper Drug where we put up banners for
ourselves, the Rivers Edge Downtown Business Group, Arts Alliance, YMCA,
etc. There are also businesses who have well crafted decorative signs
that are well maintained and put out daily to advertise daily specials -
an example being Diamond City Bread. I believe that the ordinance as
written now would prevent us from doing this. Our signs are not 8 feet
off the ground and we put them up more than once a year. Would it be
possible for businesses or community groups to request a variance from
the sign ordinance if we have demonstrated a responsible history of sign
usage? If we use a sandwich board on the sidewalk to advertise flu
shots or diabetes screening would we need to get a permit?
I hope that you will work closely with the Chamber of Commerce to
develop an ordinance that serves the City of Elk Rivers needs without
putting an undue burden on the businesses who rely on signs to promote
their businesses.
Please forward my concerns to your ordinance planning group. Wendy Simenson
Kemper Drug
PROHIBITION OF TEMPORARY SIGNS
Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce
Page 2 of 6
If this is the ordinance then it is definitely restrictive. Here are a couple of my
thoughts:
7a — ok
7b — ok
7c — ok, but kind of a pain.
7d — doesn't this limit non - profit, election specific items or other special event
advertising because the event is not likely to be held at that location?
7e -ok
7f — who decides who gets the banner up on that site?
7g — ok
7h — some landlords will not allow it to be "affixed" to the structure — also this might
conflict with 7i
7i — they want the signs 8 feet up in the air? Wouldn't it be better to allow a close
to the ground sign for a temporary sign? The costs of having these temporary
signs would become prohibitive if you have to have a 12 or 14 foot pole to stick into
the ground.
Best Regards,
Jeff Knollenberg
Jeff,
I don't use the "black" signs that you were talking about, but I do use banners for
special promotions to advertise a promotion for a radio personality or a banner on
the Green house stating the hours of operation. I think that we've always use good
judgement on use and placement of such banners, and I would hate to have to run
and get a "temporary use" permit to hang a 3'X 5' banner. If this is a situation that
is getting out of control for Elk River, I would be willing to follow some guidelines,
but I share my building with four other business's, and I think it would be hard to
have only one sign out for all these business's.
Thank you for your concern,
Gary Reff
PROHIBITION OF TEMPORARY SIGNS
Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce
Page 3 of 6
I am unable to attend the meetings and request my comments be included.
I would request that the ordinance be less restrictive. I am a very small business
located in Elk River. Although my primary business is repeat business it is
imperative that new people find me. I have tried many different advertising
mediums and have found that using the portable sign once or twice a year has
been one of the better ways for the cost. I have had people say they drive by my
building twice a day and have not noticed the building sign, but when I used the
portable sign, they found I was there and called.
Victoria:
I am in favor of using these signs. They stand out and encourage all of us to be
apart of community events. This is just my opinion. Thank you, Nancy Ruhl
Jeff,
I would like to voice my displeasure with the proposed city ordinance on portable
signs.
It is a way for us to get the word out to prospective customer's when we are doing
something special at our business in a very economical way.
We have made the investment & we own our own portable sign. At present we
probably only use it a couple of times per year.
It would seem to me with the amount of tax dollars that all the business in the City
of Elk River are paying & expected to pay in the future that the City should be
doing everything in there power to try to help the local business's stay in business
not put on restrictions that could lead to there demise.
Thank you,
Kenneth Dehn Jr.
Dehn's 4 Seasons Hq Inc
Jeff,
After thinking about this issue all afternoon another items comes to mind & that is
all of the Realtor signs & all of the other little signs that people are putting on both
private property as well as public property. You know the ones that I am talking
about that come on the wire frame that you just push in the ground. It's nothing for
us to come by our business on a Sunday morning & have 25 Realtor signs on our
property in the ditch in front of our place.
I guess not being at the meetings I am not sure what they are objecting to as far as
portable signs but would think that these small signs would have to fall into the
portable sign category also.
Actually I feel that these small signs that seem to be popping up everywhere are
more of an eyesore than our larger portable reader board signs.
Thanks again,
Jay
PROHIBITION OF TEMPORARY SIGNS
Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce
Page 4 of 6
Jeff,
We are grateful for your attention in bringing our opinion on the proposed
portable sign changes to the City Counsel meeting.
At A #1 Battery Source we depend on innovative means of advertising as
our location on highway 10 is difficult to see.
In the past we have used banners and the portable black signs for
advertising. The response from our customers is positive, by increasing sales by
up to 50 %.
On the proposed regulations we have the following concerns.
1). Part (b), Cost of a permit, if this cost could be kept to $25, which breaks
down to $2.50 per day on a 10 day permit, it would remain affordable.
2). Part (e), only allowing one permit per year, we would suggest a change
to 4 times per year.
3). Part (f), a concern of ours has been the black signs left up for long
periods of time, with 2 or more displayed at the same location. The appearance is
cluttered
and distracting to drivers
3). Part (h), in our location if the banner were to be attached to the building
there would be no visibility.
4). Part (i), we are in favor of this as banners are often difficult to see
around causing traffic concerns.
Thanks for your attention on this matter,
Joy DuBois (Manager) and Karen Sharpe (Owner)
Hi Victoria,
Although Christ Lutheran is in Otsego, as a member of the Elk River
Chamber, I want to express my desire that this type of signage continue to be
allowed. We frequently utilize special signage like this to announce our holiday
worship schedules or other special events. I believe that the Otsego ordinance on
the same matter limits the size of these portable signs and also the amount of time
they can be left out — which I believe is three weeks. Perhaps something like this
would provide a fair compromise.
Thanks, Pastor Greg Pagh
PROHIBITION OF TEMPORARY SIGNS
Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce
Page 5 of 6
Dear Jeff,
Rich and I do not support an ordinance prohibiting us from using
temporary/portable signs on our property.
My property is the only place I may advertise and not have to pay any one else.
We have already paid enough for that right.
Sincerely,
Richard and Dawn Schulz
PROHIBITION OF TEMPORARY SIGNS
Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce
Page 6 of 6
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