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3601 Thurston Avenue
Anoka, MN 55303
763.231.5840
TPC@PlanningCo.com
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Daryl Morey
FROM: D. Daniel Licht, AICP
DATE: 11 July 2018
RE: Lakeville – Zoning Ordinance; Dynamic display sign height
TPC FILE: 135.01
BACKGROUND
Lakeville adopted amendments to the City Code and Zoning Ordinance in 2012 making
allowance for dynamic display signs with electronic changeable copy or graphic display within
the C-2 and C-3 Districts. The provisions allowing for dynamic display signs established
construction standards that include a height limitation of the sign structure of 15 feet. The
developer of a pending multiple tenant retail building has raised issue with the height limitation
as it limits the ability to have a freestanding sign that incorporates a dynamic display together
with fixed displays identifying individual tenants.
Exhibits:
Draft ordinance
Examples of multiple tenant sign with dynamic display element
ANALYSIS
The intent of the location and construction standards adopted within the Zoning Ordinance for
dynamic display signs within the C-2 and C-3 Districts are to place the dynamic display sign
within a freestanding sign close to the street to maximize visibility from passing vehicle traffic,
minimize driver distraction, and avoid compatibility impacts to adjacent properties. The 15
foot height limit for the freestanding sign is integral to this approach.
However, the 15 foot height limit applies to the total height of the freestanding sign structure
including static signs. Within the C-2 and C-3 Districts, freestanding sign structures without a
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dynamic display element are allowed to be constructed to a height of 20 feet. And for those
properties within the Freeway Corridor District adjacent to I-35, the total height of the
freestanding sign structure is allowed to be up to 30 feet (with additional flexibility for signs
located on grades below the elevation of I-35). The effect of the height limit required when a
freestanding sign structure includes a dynamic display limits the ability to utilize the sign to
identify the tenants of a multiple tenant building using static signs.
City staff has drafted an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to modify the height limits
required when the freestanding sign includes a dynamic display to respond to this issue. The
proposed amendment would allow for the freestanding sign structure to be constructed to the
height allowed within the zoning district. A dynamic display incorporated within the allowed
area of the freestanding sign would be limited to a height of not more than 15 feet. The
proposed amendment allows a property the same freestanding sign area and height regardless
if the sign includes a dynamic display. Furthermore, this amendment maintains consistency
with the original intent of the dynamic display construction regulations while allowing greater
flexibility in the use of the allowed area for a freestanding sign.
CONCLUSION
A public hearing has been noticed for the Planning Commission meeting on 19 July 2018 to
consider the proposed amendment modifying the construction standards for dynamic display
signs. City staff recommends approval of the proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment as
presented.
c. Justin Miller, City Administrator
Allyn Kuennen, Assistant City Administrator
Andrea McDowell-Poehler, City Attorney
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ORDINANCE NO.________
CITY OF LAKEVILLE
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE LAKEVILLE CITY CODE
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKEVILLE ORDAINS:
Section 1. Section 11-23-15.T.2.c(2)(c) of the Lakeville Zoning Ordinance (Signs
– Changeable Copy) is hereby amended to read as follows:
(c) The total height of the sign structure including the base
electronic changeable copy or graphic display within the sign
structure shall not exceed fifteen feet (15').
Section 2. This Ordinance shall be effective immediately upon its passage and
publication according to law.
ADOPTED by the Lakeville City Council this ___ day of ______, 2018.
CITY OF LAKEVILLE
BY: _______________________
Douglas P. Anderson, Mayor
ATTEST
BY: ________________________
Charlene Friedges, City Clerk