Variance-Sign Height & AreaOctober 24, 1984
To: Zoning and Planning Commission
From: Nancy Anderson
Subject: Variance request for sign height and area
at 314 West Excelsior Avenue
The applicant is requesting a variance to exceed the maximum
allowable height for a sign and also to exceed the maximum area of a
single sign. These requests are in conjunction with the previous grant-
ing of a Conditional Use Permit for construction of an auto sales lot.
The applicant had originally proposed a height of 63 feet. Ordinance
427.42(14) limits the height of signs to 35 feet, a variance of 18 feet
is being requested. At the last meeting the applicant was requested to
provide data on the elevations to justify the request for the variance.
As of this date no data has been received. The applicant still is re-
questing a variance to have the three building facia signs exceed the
maximum square footage for a single sign by 58 feet each. The three
proposed signs are 308 square feet. Ordinance 427.42(17) limits the
maximum area of a single sign in a B -3 District to 250 square feet.
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September 19, 1984
Case No: 84 -33
Applicant: Ryan Construction /Walser Properties
Location: 314 West Excelsior Avenue
Request: Variance for sign height and area
STAFF FINDINGS AND COMMENTS: Anderson
I. Applicant is requesting a sign variance to exceed maximum allowable height of a
sign by 28 feet and also a variance to exceed maximum area of a single sign by
58 feet. This request is in conjunction with a Conditional Use Permit request
for construction of an auto sales lot.
2. Applicant is proposing a sign with a height of 63 feet. Ordinance 427.42(14)
requires signs, including any superstructures standing or erected free of any
building or other structure, shall not exceed an overall height of thirty -five
(35) feet from ground level and shall be located on land in an area which is
landscaped or if such land is part of an approved parking area, it shall be
surfaced or paved as required in Section 427.44.
3. The proposed sign will be 215 square feet per side and located on the east side
of the subject site. It will be made of herculite and will be blue and white in
color. The lighting will be indirect, internal floresent.
4. Applicant is requesting the variance to capture visibility from County Road 18.
5. The three building facia signs exceed the maximum area for a single sign.
Ordinance 427.42(8) states that if letters or graphics be mounted directly on
a wall or fascia or in such way as to be without a frame the dimensions for
calculating the square footage shall be the area extending six (6) inches be-
yond the periphery formed around such letters or graphics in a plane figure
bounded by straight lines connecting the outermost points thereof. Each sign
is 308 square feet. Ordinance 427.42(17) limits the maximum area of a single
sign in a B -3 District to 250 square feet.
6. The building facia sign on the east and south side will be illuminated. The
north side sign will be non - illuminated.
7. Ordinance 427.23 states that variances shall be approved only by circumstances
unique to the property under consideration would cause undue hardship to owner.
The applicant has stated that a variance is needed to provide the visibility to
the site as required by Chrysler.
8. The applicant has met with the neighborhood association and has received approval.
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FOR VARIANCE APPLICATION ONLY
NOTE: The purpose of a variance is to provide relief to a property owner when
the strict enforecment of the Zoning Ordinance would cause an undue hard -
ship to the property owner or deny reasonable use of the property.
Hardship to the applicant is the crucial test. Variances will be granted
only in unusual situations which were not foreseen when the Zoning Ordin-
ance was adopted. Economic situations are seldom unique and are rarely
considered a valid hardship.
Hardship A.
Explain why strict enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance would cause undue
hardship:
AS
Conditions B.
What are the special conditions (shape of lot, exceptional topographic
conditions, etc.) of this request that are unique to this property and
do not apply generally to other properties in the district?
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List of Homeowners
Contacted by Applicant C.
Submit a list of names and addresses of neightobrs contacted.
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3555 South Highway 100
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
(612) 927 -7187
WA ER
CHRYSLER •PLYMOUTH
September 14, 1984
City of Hopkins
Dear Sir:
Our sign size requests are as follows and in appearance as
diagramed:
1 Illuminated - Chrysler - Plymouth Brand Identification Sign
215 Square Feet per side (2 Sides) = 430 Square Feet
1 Illuminated - Used Car Identification Sign
80 Square Feet per side (2 Sides) = 160 Square Feet
2 Illuminated - Building Facia Letters
. 308 Square Feet, East Side (1 Side)
308 Square Feet, South Side (1 Side) = 924 Square Feet
1 Non - illuminated
308 Square Feet, North Side (1 Side)
2 Non - illuminated - Service, Sales, Parts; Exit Only
21 Square Feet per side (2 Sides) = 42 Square Feet
21 Square Feet per side (2 Sides) = 42 Square Feet
(Both signs are externally illuminated.)
Total Square Feet
= 1598 Square Feet
We would like to request a sign variance for the following:
1.) A height of 65 Feet for brand identification neces-
sary to adequately identify our location to County Road 18
traffic.
2.) An overall square footage of 1598 square feet is
proposed. Our wish is for a variance approval of 82
additional square feet.
Thank you for your consideration.
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