08-25-1988 Public Hearing and Regular Meeting

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Sign Amendment Report 2 From the northern approach, a fifty five foot (55') sign is clearly visible in time to exit the controlled access highway. From the southern approach however, a sign height of sixty five feet. (65') appears to be warranted in order to be seen above existing visual obstructions. The interim sign regulations limit all signs to a height of forty five feet (45') regardless of the zoning classification. As we consider the request of McDonald's, we need to think of the options available for consideration. They are as follows: 1. Increase the height limits of all signs in all zoning classifications. 2. Increase the height limits of signs for only the General Commercial zones. 3. Establish a "Controlled Access Highway Zone" where signs might be higher. 4. Maintain status quo and do nothing. Staff would prefer to consider option number three (3) since it would. be able to be incorporated into a future comprehensive sign ordinance. The basic reason for a business to be located on or near a freeway is two fold - accessibility and visibility. Limitations must be placed for the width and height of the corridor or else there will be additional requests in both areas. The sign survey conducted by McDonald's and members of the Planning and Zoning Commission reflect the Visibility of a sixty five foot (65') sign. This height would be compatible with other signs in the area such as Burger King's sixty five feet (65'), La Quinta's fifty feet (50'), Texaco's sixty seven feet (67'), and Shell's eighty feet (80'). A height of seventy five feet (75') as requested would alter the skyline along the controlled access highway frontage. As we consider option number three (3) further, a maximum width should be considered. The staff would recommend a five hund red foot (500') width measured from each right-of-way line of the controlled access highway. This would allow development of lots located one (1) block off the freeway wich uses like McDonald's only if the sign was located at the rear of their lot. This offers an approach to solving the sign problem along the controlled access highways without raising the heights of signs in all the comme rc ial and indust ri al zoned areas. Fu rthe r, the Cont rolled Access Highway Zone may provide the Planning and Zoning Commission with a tool they are comfortable with until work on the sign ordinance is resumed.