City Council Minutes 2014 11 03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes November 3, 2014 Page 16 of 18 Planning and Building Safety Director Russ requested a continuance to allow the Applicant to be present. COUNCIL COMMENTS Council member Keany asked Council member Stolzmann why she requested Resolution No. 66 be taken off the consent agenda. He stated if it were a minor issue, perhaps it can be settled without having the applicant come back sometime in the future. Council member Stolzmann stated she pulled this item because the requested sign did not meet the criteria of the Downtown Sign Manual. She referred to Page 17, which states a monument sign mounted to the ground with a monolith pole will not be allowed in downtown Louisville. Page 26 references the types of materials to be used in the sign, none of which are being used in the requested sign. She felt if Council does not agree with the Downtown Sign Manual then it should be changed. Planning and Building Safety Director Russ explained the staff report acknowledges the requested waivers. He noted the Downtown Sign Manual has provisions for waivers. He noted there are properties adjacent to Highway 42, which are not comparable in their current design nor match the current guidelines in the Downtown Manual. Staff is recommending using the Commercial Design Standards and Guidelines, similar to what City Council allowed for Pine Street Plaza. Staff believes there is relevancy to the Downtown Manual for this portion of town, not for the replacement of signs, but for the redevelopment of the property. Once the Highway 42 Plan is in place, the buildings will be closer to a more pedestrian oriented street. Staff finds this sign is consistent with the time and the architecture of structure. The Downtown Sign Manual is reflective of a different age. Because the applicant is not present, staff recommends continuing this matter. Council member Keany agreed with staff and the Planning Commission that the location of this sign does not match the Downtown Sign Manual, but does meet the Commercial Design Standards and Guidelines. He voiced his support for the resolution and voting on its approval this evening. Council member Loo and Mayor Muckle agreed. Mayor Muckle asked staff what would happen when the roadway changes. Planning and Building Safety Director Russ stated this sign would be a grandfathered sign until they met the 50% criteria for legal non- conforming structures. City Attorney Light added until the structure was changed or it suffers a casualty loss over 50% of its values it can remain in place. If approved, it would be considered lawful as long as it was maintained in its current condition. Council member Stolzmann stated she would vote against this sign at this location as it is the gateway into Louisville.