HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-11-20 PC Packet
AGENDA
CITY OF MAPLEWOOD
PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday,November 20, 2018
7:00PM
Council Chambers -Maplewood City Hall
1830 County Road B East
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Approval of Minutes
a.October 16,2018
5.Public Hearing
6.New Business
a.North End Study Presentation and Discussion
b.Amend City Code To Require Developer Open House Meeting For Major Land Use
Applications
c.Amend City Code To Require Removal of Abandoned Signs
7.Unfinished Business
8.Visitor Presentations
9.Commission Presentations
a.November 13, 2018 city council meeting –Commissioner Dahm
Conditional Use Permit Resolution,Community Center, 1800 White Bear Avenue North
ResolutionAuthorizing Submittal to the Metropolitan Council,2040 Comprehensive Plan
10.Staff Presentations
11.Adjournment
MINUTESOF THE MAPLEWOOD PLANNING COMMISSION
1830 COUNTY ROAD B EAST, MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16,2018
7:00 P.M.
1.CALL TO ORDER
A meeting of the Commissionwas held in the City Hall Council Chambers and was called to order
at 7:01p.m.byChairperson Arbuckle.
2.ROLL CALL
Paul Arbuckle, ChairpersonPresent
Frederick Dahm, CommissionerPresent
Tushar Desai,CommissionerPresent
John Donofrio, CommissionerPresent
John Eads, CommissionerPresent
Allan Ige, CommissionerPresent
Bill Kempe, CommissionerPresent
Staff Present:Shann Finwall, Environmental Planner
Jane Adade, Planner
3.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
CommissionerKempemoved to approve the agenda as submitted.
Seconded by CommissionerIge.Ayes –All
The motion passed.
4.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
CommissionerDesaimoved to approve theSeptember 18,2018, PCminutes as submitted.
Seconded by CommissionerDonofrio.Ayes –Chairperson Arbuckle,
Commissioner’s Dahm, Desai,
Donofrio & Eads
Abstention –Commissioner’s Kempe,
& Ige
The motion passed.
5.PUBLIC HEARING
a.7:00 p.m. or later: Conditional Use Permit Resolution, Community Center, 1800 White
Bear Avenue North
i.Planner, Jane Adade gave the presentation for the CUP Resolution for the Community
Center at 1800 White Bear Avenue North and answered questions of the commission.
ii.Environmental Planner, Shann Finwallanswered questions of the commission.
iii.Applicant, Toyer Moua, 1800 White Bear Avenue, Maplewood addressed and answered
questions of the commission.
October 16, 2018
1
Planning CommissionMeetingMinutes
Chairperson Arbuckle opened the public hearing.
1.Sue Allhiser, 1799 White Bear Avenue, Maplewood, spoke in opposition of the project.The
resident lives across the street from this proposal and she handed apetition that neighbors
had signed in opposition to the proposal and read her comments aloud.
2.Torin Gustafson, 1773 White Bear Avenue, Maplewood. The resident also lives across the
street from this proposal but he spoke in favorof the project.
Chairperson Arbuckle closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Kempe wanted to add acondition that the word Maplewood should not be allowed
in the business name.
Commissioner Kempemoved to approvethe Conditional Use Permit Resolution for the
community center which includes the uses of a banquet hall, sports bar, restaurant, fitness gym
and office space at 1800 White Bear Avenue Northwith an added condition that the word
“Maplewood” should not be allowed in the business name.
Seconded by CommissionerDesai..Ayes –Chairperson Arbuckle,
Commissioner’s Desai,
& Kempe
Nays–Commissioner’s Dahm,
Donofrio, Eads, Ige
The motion failed.
Commissioner Kempe asked if he removed the condition regarding the restriction of using
Maplewood in the business name would that change the vote? Commissioner Dahm said it would
for him. Commissioner Kempe stated he wanted to restate his motion.
Commissioner Kempemoved to approvethe Conditional Use Permit Resolution for the
community centerwhich includes the uses of a banquet hall, sports bar, restaurant, fitness gym
and office space at 1800 White Bear Avenue North with the following conditions:
1.The applicant must submit for staff approval a plan for traffic control during large banquet
events.
2.The applicant must submit to staff a copy of the executed parking lease agreement between
1800 White Bear Avenue and 1762 White Bear Avenue.
3.Prior to issuance of a building permit the applicant must:
a.Submit a landscape plan which shows three additional trees and a shrub planting bed on
the intersection of White Bear Avenue and Ripley Avenue.
b.Submit trash and recycling dumpster screening plan.
c.The applicant shall comply with all the requirements set forth in the engineering report
dated September 18, 2018, by Tyler Strong, Civil Engineer I.
d.The applicant shall comply with all requirements set forth in the building report dated
September 19, 2018, by Jason Brash, Building Official.
October 16, 2018
2
Planning CommissionMeetingMinutes
e.The applicant must comply with all conditions outlined by Molly Wellens, Environmental
Health Officer as follows:
1)The applicant must go through the plan review process and pay all associated fees.
2)The applicant must obtain a food license to open, and must maintain the license
annually.
f.Prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy the applicant must:
1)Restripe the parking lot.
2)Clear the site of all debris.
3)Construct trash and dumpster enclosure.
g.The applicant is required to obtain all applicable licenses for alcohol and food from the
city.
4.Any exterior site improvements in the future would be subject to the city’s design review
process. This site is regulated under the mixed use zoning district which has specific design
standards and landscaping requirements.
5.This permit only allows for a banquet hall, sports bar, restaurant, fitness gym and office space
at the site. Any additional uses would require city review and approval.
6.All signs require a separate sign permit and must meet city code requirements.
7.The city council shall review this permit in one year.
Seconded by Commissioner Dahm.Ayes –Chairperson Arbuckle,
Commissioner’s Dahm, Desai
& Kempe
Nays–Commissioner’s Donofrio,
Eads & Ige
The motion passed.
Commissioner Eads voted Nay because of traffic concerns that were raised by the surrounding
residents. Commissioner Eads also felt shorted by the public safety department due to the lack
of comments made in the staff report about the resident’s concern about traffic.
Commissioner Donofrio voted Nay because he felt the city could have done a better job validating
property values going down with this use being across the street from the residential
neighborhood. He couldn’t imagine living across the street from a bar that is open until 2 a.m.
and he struggles with that in this area.
Commissioner Ige voted Nay because he is concerned with how these businesses fit in with the
general public and is concerned with alcohol being served in this setting. He is also concerned
with the traffic and how it will affect the area. He is aware of the traffic that already exists at
Aldrich arena when there are events but he would have liked more information regarding how the
traffic will affect the area when the event center has a performance.
This item goes to the City Council on November 13, 2018.
October 16, 2018
3
Planning CommissionMeetingMinutes
8.7:00 p.m. or later: Resolution Authorizing Submittal to the Metropolitan Council, 2040
Comprehensive Plan
i.Environmental Planner, Shann Finwallgave a brief report on the Resolution Authorizing
Submittal of the 2040 Comprehensive Planto the Metropolitan Counciland introduced the
speaker.
ii.Planner, Jesse Thornsen, Huisington Koegler Group Inc., addressed and answered
questions of the commissionregarding the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
Chairperson Arbuckle opened the public hearing.
1.Sue Allhiser, 1799 White Bear Avenue, Maplewood, addressed the commission regarding the
2040 Comprehensive Plan.She expressed concern on how housing is impacted by
business, similar to the community center proposal the commission just reviewed.
Chairperson Arbuckle closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Desaimoved to approvethe Resolution AuthorizingSubmittal of Maplewood’s
2040 Comprehensive Plan to the Metropolitan Council.
Seconded by Commissioner Kempe.Ayes -All
The motion passed.
The city council makes the final decision on this.
This item goes to the city council on November 13, 2018.
6.NEW BUSINESS
None.
7.UNFINISHEDBUSINESS
None.
8.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
None.
9.COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS
a.November 13, 2018, City Council Meeting(Commissioner Dahm)
•Conditional Use Permit Resolution, Community Center, 1800 White Bear Avenue North
•Resolution Authorizing Submittal to the Metropolitan Council, 2040 Comprehensive Plan
10.STAFFPRESENTATIONS
None.
11.ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Arbuckleadjourned the meeting at 8:30p.m.
October 16, 2018
4
Planning CommissionMeetingMinutes
PLANNING COMMISSIONSTAFF REPORT
Meeting Date November 20, 2018
REPORT TO:
Melinda Coleman, City Manager
REPORT FROM:Michael Martin, AICP, Economic Development Coordinator
PRESENTER:
Michael Martin, AICP, Economic Development Coordinator
AGENDA ITEM:North End Study Presentation and Discussion
Action Requested:MotionDiscussionPublic Hearing
Form of Action:ResolutionOrdinanceContract/AgreementProclamation
Policy Issue:
The city’s Draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan identified the North End as an area needing extra study
and visioning because of this area’s overall importance to the city.The city has contracted with
Perkins+Will to conduct a planning process focused on the North End. Perkins+Willwill be at the
Planning Commission meeting on November 20 to provide an update and lead a discussion on this
project.
Recommended Action:
No action required.
Fiscal Impact:
Is There a Fiscal Impact?NoYes, the true or estimated cost is$0.
Financing source(s):Adopted BudgetBudget ModificationNew Revenue Source
Use of Reserves Other:N/A.
Strategic Plan Relevance:
Financial SustainabilityIntegrated CommunicationTargeted Redevelopment
Operational EffectivenessCommunity InclusivenessInfrastructure & Asset Mgmt.
The city’s Draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan calls out the North End region of Maplewood as an area
of opportunity to do additional visioning and planning in order to help this important part of the city
staff healthy. The draft 2040 plans states the city should:
Complete a subarea plan or district plan for the Maplewood Mall area, to help define the following:
a.Expectations regarding anticipated mixes of land uses on a block by block basis.
b.Expectations regarding urban design principles guiding redevelopment in the area.
c. Opportunities for connections and synergy with the HealthEast St. Johns campus
and surrounding supportive health care facilities.
d.Improvements to support pedestrian, bicycling, and transit connectivity, particularly
the METRO Rush Line stations.
e.Further definition of implementation tools and steps to be completed, to support
redevelopment and revitalization.
As referenced above, a regional transit line is being planned that would traverse through this
neighborhood in Maplewood. The proposed Rush Line will have five stations in Maplewood –
including stations near the Maplewood Mall and St. John’s Hospital in this neighborhood. City staff
is working to ensure these two processes are developed in coordination and inform each other.
Background
Anchored by the Maplewood Mall and St. John's Hospital, the North End is an important economic
generator for the City of Maplewood and of one the premier activity centers in the northeastern
portion of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. Furthermore, the City of Maplewood is currently
working with Ramsey County and the Metropolitan Council on planning fora new multimillion dollar
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line - the Rush Line - that will have two stations serving the North End
district and three more stations serving other parts of Maplewood.
Although the North End has been constantly evolving since it was first developed over 40 years
ago, significant changes in the real estate industry and our overall economy are rapidly redefining
where and how we live, work, and play. Activity centers once designed to be accessible only by
automobile are losing their viability unless they can transform into truly connected places defined
not only by multi-modal systems but by new uses and development that reinforce walkability,
livability, and placemaking. Therefore, it is critical that the City of Maplewood work with key
stakeholders and other important constituents to create a consensus vision and framework for the
North End that will ensure its position as a hub of vital activity well into the future.
Attachments
1.Perkins+Will Presentation
Attachment 1
Maplewood Planning Commission // November 20, 2018
Attachment 1
Attachment 1
Attachment 1
Attachment 1
(another 10,000 within 1 mile)(another 6,000+ within 1 mile)
Attachment 1
thru 2024
fastest and
Healthcare:
job sector in
the metro area
largest growing
(4% in 2009)
occur on-line
Nearly 10% of all retail sales
Attachment 1
Create an Action Plan and Get to Work
Create Design Guidelines that Reinforce the Vision
Solicit input from the community
Refine Ideas to Best Meet Vision Goals and Objectives
Draft alternative vision plan concepts
Test Ideas for Change
City CouncilCity Comm.Open HousesWebsiteTargeted OutreachEvent AttendanceEtc.
Gather Input
2040 Comp Plan2030 Comp PlanRush Line BRT PlanEtc.
Build on Previous Plans/ Studies
Market StudyBuilt FormRoadsUtilitiesTransitParksEtc.
Analyze Existing Conditions
Attachment 1
Economic
Housing &
Commission
Development
Parks &
Recreation
County
Ramsey
Authority
Regional Rail
TEAM
CITY
GROUP
COUNCIL
WORKING
CONSULTANT
Planning
Commission
Design
Community
Review Board
Attachment 1
c
p
c
c
ppp
Deliverable
Aug 21
Attachment 1
Attachment 1
perkinswill.com
Attachment 1
Attachment 1
HousingEducationOfficesGovernment services
Attachment 1
Attachment 1
Attachment 1
70
Units
Government
114 Units
Services Center
240 Units
185 Units UC
375 UnitsProposed
Suites
and Condos
232 Units
Westin Hotel
Homewood
Roundabouts
LifetimeFitness
Target
St
th
66
Mall
e
Pedestrian
Promenade
175 UnitsProposed
Southdale
Galleria Mall
241
Units
Shake Shack
Restoration Hardware
195 Units
Pedestrian
Improvements
Attachment 1
Attachment 1
Attachment 1
Attachment 1
Attachment 1
Attachment 1
Attachment 1
perkinswill.com
Attachment 1
Attachment 1
1513
Concern
Challenge/
69104
25
106107
Strength/
Opportunity
Categories of Issues Mentioned
General Transportation/LocationDevelopment PotentialIndustry/BusinessCommunity/DemographicsHealth/Well BeingGreen/Open SpaceLand Uses
Attachment 1
perkinswill.com
Attachment 1
Attachment 1
Attachment 1
Attachment 1
www.maplewoodmn.gov/northend
Attachment 1
PLANNING COMMISSIONSTAFF REPORT
Meeting Date November 20, 2018
Melinda Coleman, City Manager
REPORT TO:
Jane Adade, Planner
REPORT FROM:
Jane Adade, Planner
PRESENTER:
Amend City Code To Require Developer Open House Meeting For Major
AGENDA ITEM:
Land Use Applications.
Action Requested:MotionDiscussionPublic Hearing
Form of Action:ResolutionOrdinanceContract/AgreementProclamation
Policy Issue:
The city council adopted community inclusiveness as one of its strategic objectives in 2018. The key
outcome indicator of this strategic objective is to receive feedback from diverse groups within the
community. With this objective the city council is looking to identify new approaches for effective
communication and feedback from community members.
In an attempt to help city council advance this objective, city staff researched other cities in the Twin
Cities and foundseveral require the developer to hold an open house or neighborhood meeting prior
to submitting an application for a major development to the city for consideration.
Minnesota State Statute gives municipalities discretion in making land use decisions based on
advancing the health, safety, and general welfare of the community. Requiring open house meetings
for major land use developments would help advance this goal and ensure that community members
are more involved in decisions that impact their lives.
Recommended Action:
Amend the city code to require developer open house meetingsfor major land use developments.
Fiscal Impact:
Is There a Fiscal Impact?NoYes, the true or estimated cost is$0.00
Financing source(s):Adopted BudgetBudget ModificationNew Revenue Source
Use of ReservesOther: n/a
Strategic Plan Relevance:
Financial SustainabilityIntegrated CommunicationTargeted Redevelopment
Operational EffectivenessCommunity InclusivenessInfrastructure & Asset Mgmt.
Developer open house meetings as a form of community engagement and participationhelps
community members to be informed about upcoming developments. It empowers residents to
influence city government decisions that shape their city and lives. It ensures that the city is working
collaboratively with its members toaddress issues and advance growth.
Background
Overview
Certain proposals or applications for development may constitute significant departures from the
present or historical use and/or zoning of a property. Prior to submitting an application for a major
land use development,an applicant shall hold an open house meeting with property ownersin the
locality of the potential development in order to provide a convenient forum for engaging community
members in the development process, to describe the proposal in detail, andto answer questions
and receivefeedback.
Major Land Use Development
Major land use developmentrefers to development applications thatwould significantly modify a
neighborhoodincluding Variance, Conditional Use Permit (CUP), Planned Unit Development (PUD),
Subdivision, Rezoning and Land UseChangerequests.
Timing
The open house shall be held not less than 15 days and not more than 45days prior to the submission
of an application for approval of a proposal requiring a developer open house meeting. The open
house meeting shall be held on aweekday evening beginning between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and
ending by 10:00 p.m.
Location
The open house shall be held at a public location in or near the neighborhood affected by the
proposal, and (in the case of a parcel situated near Maplewood’s boundaries) preferably in
Maplewood. In the event that such a meeting space is not available the applicant shall arrange for
the meeting tobe held at acity facility.
Invitation
The applicant shall prepare a printed invitation identifying the date, time, place, and purpose of the
open house and shall mail the invitation to property owners within the public hearing notificationarea
as established in section 44-1096 of the city code.The invitation shall clearly identify the name, phone
number, and emailaddress of the host of the open house to be contacted by invitees who have
questions but are unable to attend the open house. The invitations shall also include a sentence that
is substantially the same as the following:
This open house meeting is an important source of feedback from surroundingproperty ownersand
is a required step in the process of seeking city approval for the proposed \[variance, CUP, PUD,
subdivision, rezoningor land use change\], and a summary of the comments and questions raised at
the open house meeting will be submitted to the city as part of the formal application.
Summary
The applicant must submit a written summary of the open house as a requirement of an application
for approval of a proposal requiring developer open house meeting. The summary shall include a list
of potential issue(s) and or concern(s). Property ownersare also encouraged to submit their own
summary of the meeting highlighting concerns/issues and anymitigations and resolutions. A sign-in
sheet shall be provided on which attendeesmay, but are not required, to enter their name and
address. The sign-in sheet shall be submitted by the developer with the open house summary.
Exemption
The city manager may allow an exemption to the open house requirement for major land use
development, based on the size and impact of the proposed development. The applicant must apply
in writing to the city manager, explaining why an exemption is being requested and what other means
they intend to create awareness about the proposed development and get feedback from residents.
Ordinance Placement
The ordinance attached is a sample ordinance requiring open house meeting for CUP applications.
The ordinance would either live as a separate chapter in the city code or be a sub-section under each
ofthe major land use application.
Attachments
1.Sample of Proposed Ordinance
Attachment 1
ORDINANCE NO. ___
ANORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO ALLOW
DEVELOPER OPEN HOUSEMEETING FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS
The Maplewood City Council _________the following revisionto the Maplewood Code of
Ordinances. (Additions areunderlined.)
Section 1. Section 44-1095(Conditional Use Permit Application) of the Maplewood Code of
Ordinancesis hereby amended as follows:
Sec. 44-1095. APPLICATION.
(C) Purpose:Certain proposals or applications for development may constitute significant
departures from the present or historical use and/or zoning of a property. Prior to
submitting an application for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) or Planned Unit
Development (PUD), an applicant shall hold an open house meeting with property owners
in the locality of the potential development in order to provide a convenient forum for
engaging community members in the development process, to describe the proposal in
detail, and to answer questions and receive feedback.
(1) Timing: The open house shall be held not less than 15 days and not more than 45
days prior to the submission of an application for approval of a proposal requiring a
developer open house meeting. The open house meetingshall be held on a weekday
evening beginning between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and ending by 10:00 p.m.
(2) Location: The open house shall be held at a public location in or near the
neighborhood affected by the proposal, and (in the case of a parcel situated near
Maplewood’s boundaries) preferably in Maplewood. In the event that such a meeting
space is not available the applicant shall arrange for the meeting tobe held at a city
facility.
(3) Invitation:The applicant shall prepare a printed invitation identifying the date, time,
place, and purpose of the open house and shall mail the invitation to property owners
within the public hearing notification area established in section 44-1096 of the city
code, members of the planning commission and city council, and other community
members that have registered to receive the invitations. The invitation shall clearly
identify the name, phone number, and email address of the host of the open house to
be contacted by invitees who have questions but are unable to attend the open house.
The invitations shall also include a sentence that is substantially the same as the
following: “This open house meeting is an important source of feedback from
surroundingproperty ownersand is a required step in the process of seeking city
approval for the proposed \[CUP\], and a summary of the comments and questions
raised at the open house meeting will be submitted to the city as part of the formal
application”.
(4) Summary: The applicant must submit a written summary of the open house asa
requirement of an application for approval of a proposal requiring developer open
house meeting. The summary shall include a list of potential issue(s) and or
Attachment 1
concern(s). Property ownersare also encouraged to submit their own summary of the
meeting highlighting concerns/issues and any mitigations and resolutions. A sign-in
sheet shall be provided on which attendeesmay, but are not required, to enter their
name and address. The sign-in sheet shall be submitted by the developer with the
open house summary.
(5) Exemption: The city managermay allow an exemption to the open house requirement
for major land use development, based on the size and impact of the proposed
development. The applicant must apply in writing to the city manager, explaining why
anexemption is being requested and what other means they intend to create
awareness about the proposed development and get feedback from residents.
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect after the approval by the city council and publishing
in the official newspaper.
The Maplewood City Council ________this ordinance revision on ___________.
_________________
Mayor
Attest:
______________________
City Clerk
PLANNING COMMISSIONSTAFF REPORT
Meeting Date November 20, 2018
REPORT TO:
Melinda Coleman, City Manager
REPORT FROM:Jane Adade, Planner
Shann Finwall, Environmental Planner
PRESENTER:Jane Adade, Planner
AGENDA ITEM:
Amend City Code to Require Abandoned Signs to be Removed
Action Requested:MotionDiscussionPublic Hearing
Form of Action:ResolutionOrdinanceContract/AgreementProclamation
Policy Issue:
The city council directed staff to look into requiring the removal of abandoned signs.
Recommended Action:
Motion to approve an ordinance amending City Code to requireabandoned signs to be removed.
Fiscal Impact:
Is There a Fiscal Impact?NoYes, the true or estimated cost is$0.00
Financing source(s):Adopted BudgetBudget ModificationNew Revenue Source
Use of Reserves Other:n/a
Strategic Plan Relevance:
Financial SustainabilityIntegrated CommunicationTargeted Redevelopment
Operational EffectivenessCommunity InclusivenessInfrastructure & Asset Mgmt.
According to Section44-731of the City Code (Sign Regulations - Purpose and Intent), signs are
regulated in order to balance effective visual communication including business identification with the
need for a safe, well-maintained, and attractive community. Signs must be maintained and kept in a
proper state of preservation.Requiring abandoned signs to be removed would help operational
effectiveness by requiring the removal of signs that can potentially become nuisances.
Background
Abandoned SignDefinition
An abandoned sign is defined as asign or sign structure on a site where all buildings have been
demolished or removed or any sign that advertises a business, lessor, owner, product, service, or
activity that is no longer located on the site premises where the sign is displayed.
Surrounding Communities
Upon conducting research, staff found cities such as St. Paul, Roseville, White Bear Lake, Vadnais
Heights, Fridley, NorthSt. Paul,and South St. Paul require abandonedsigns to be removed within
14 days to one year after the sign is abandoned.
City Code
The following existing definitions and code language should be reviewed prior to amending city code
to require abandoned signs to be removed:
Definitions(Section 44-733)
The proposed definition of an abandoned sign would include the “sign” or “sign structure.”
Sign -Any structure, device, advertisement, advertising device, or visual representation
intended to advertise, identify, or communicate information and to attract the attention of the
public for any purpose. A sign includes any illuminated or nonilluminated symbol, letter, logo,
figure, illustration or form painted or otherwise affixed to a building or structure, excluding
murals. A sign also includes any beacon or searchlight intended to attract the attention of
the public for any purpose. For the purpose of removal, signs shall also include all sign
structures. Architectural lighting, such as neon that has no sign copy, shall not be considered
to be a sign.
Sign Structure -The supports, braces, and framework of a sign.
Nonconforming Sign Regulations(Section 44-735)
It should be noted that the removal of an abandoned sign may include the removal of a
nonconforming sign. Once the sign is removed, any newsign would have to meet the current city
code requirements. Many property owners intentionally maintain nonconforming signs, even
when not in use, so that they can reface those signs which may vary in size or placement than the
existing code.
Anonconforming permanent signlawfully existing on the effective date of this article shall
be allowed to continue in use, but shall not be rebuilt, relocated or altered, other than
minor alterations including routine maintenance, painting, or refacing the copy of sign,
without being brought into compliance with this article. After a nonconforming sign has
been removed, it shall not be replaced by another nonconforming sign.
Notice to Abate (Section 18-36)
The proposed method for enforcing the removal of anabandoned sign is outlined in the notice to
abate section.
In summary, if a public nuisance is being maintained or exists within the city, the city shall notify
the property owner in writing of the nuisance requiring them to remove the nuisance within 30
days. Noncompliance of the order is reported to the City Council for action.
Property Management Interview
City staff interviewed Tom Schutte, a local property manager with Tyme Properties. Tyme Properties
removes wall signs and freestanding sign faces on properties they lease where the business is no
longer operating. They do not remove the base of a freestanding sign, instead allowing a new
business to reface that sign for their business. The main reason a business is no longer operating is
because they filed for bankruptcy. In which case removal of the sign would fall to the property
manager or property owner. Removal of a standard size wall sign or freestanding sign face could
cost $500 to $1,000. Removal of a freestanding sign base would cost much more as it includes
removal of the foundation and structure itself.
Proposed Abandoned Sign Ordinance
The attached abandoned sign ordinance includes the following:
Abandoned sign definition.
Requirement that abandoned signs and their structures be removed within three months of a
vacant or unoccupied business or any sign that pertains to a time, event, or purpose that no
longer applies.
Enforcement of the abandoned sign ordinance as outlined in the notice to abate section of city
code.
Commission Actions
The Community Design Review Board and Planning Commission will review this proposed City
Code amendment at their November 20, 2018, meetings.
Attachments
1.Abandoned Signs Ordinance
Attachment 1
ORDINANCE NO. ___
AN ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO REQUIREABANDONED SIGNS TO BE REMOVED
The Maplewood City Council _________the following revisionto the Maplewood Code of
Ordinances. (Additions areunderlined.)
Section 1. Section 44-733 of the Maplewood Code of Ordinances (Sign Regulations –
Definitions) is hereby amended as follows:
Abandoned signmeans a sign or sign structure that is located on a building or property that has
been vacant or unoccupied for a period of three months or more or a sign which pertains to a
time, event, or purpose that no longer applies.
Section 2. Section 44-736of the Maplewood Code of Ordinances (Enforcement
Procedures) is hereby amended as follows:
(a)Permanent signs. The city shall send a notice to the owner of any permanent sign in
violation of the provisions of this article. The notice shall require that the owner correct all
ordinance violations. If the sign is not a safety hazard, the city shall allow 30 days for the
owner to correct the violation. If the sign is a safety hazard the city shall take immediate
action to end the hazard.
(b)Temporary signs.Thecity shall send a notice to the owner of all other illegal temporary
signs and allow seven days for the owner to correct all ordinance violations or remove the
sign.
(c)Abandoned signs. The city shall send notice to the owner of the property on which
exists any abandoned sign in violation of the provisions of this article. The notice shall
require that the owner correct all ordinance violations. If the sign is not a safety hazard,
the city shall allow 30 days for the owner to correct the violation. Ifthe sign is a safety
hazard the city shall take immediate action to end the hazard.
(d)Removal of signs. If the sign owner does not obey the city’s orders, the city may remove
or alter the sign at the owner’s expense under the procedures of sections 18-36 through
18-38 (notice to abate). The city may remove illegal signs on a public right-of-way
without notice. If the city removes a sign the city may sell or dispose of it if the owner
does not reclaim the sign and pay any removal costs within 30 days of the sign’s
removal.
Section 3. Section 44-737 of the MaplewoodCode ofOrdinances(Prohibited Signs) is
hereby amended as follows:
(k)Abandoned Signs
Section4. This ordinance shalltake effect after the approval by thecity council and
publishing in theofficialnewspaper.
The Maplewood City Council________this ordinance revision on ___________.
___________________________________
Mayor
Attest:
__________________________________
City Clerk