WORKSHOP ITEM Robert Therres, Public Services Manager
Title
DIRECTIONAL SIGNS IN RIGHT OF WAY
Background
The Engineering Department has received several requests from churches for the installation of directional signage. Over the last ten years, staff has followed the City’s Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 34, Section 34.09 - Directional Signs. The ordinance allows offsite directional signs for organizations within the FR (Farm Residential) zoning district with frontage along Lexington Avenue, Radisson Road, and 125th Avenue. The requests received did not meet the requirement of the FR zoning or location on one of the County roads.
There are several examples of existing directional signs currently in place throughout the City in the right of way. Some photos are attached as examples. These signs are not part of a CUP or permit that the City has on file.
On March 22, 2016, the City received a complaint about allowing a church sign on a city street sign post in the median on University Avenue and 89th Avenue. The email stated that they did not feel it was appropriate for the City to allow private entities or religious institutions to have signage on public property or sign posts. This is one of the signs that has been at this location for many years and does not have a permit.
Direction
City Council is asked to provide direction on directional signs in the right of way:
1. Should the City continue to follow the ordinance and remove the existing directional signs that do not meet the ordinance?
2. Should the City amend the directional sign ordinance to allow directional signs for places of worship in other locations then currently allowed by permit?