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Planning commission approves two sign variances for Meeting House Church
Summary
The commission approved two sign variances at Meeting House Church, allowing one sign to sit closer to a natural water feature and another to be taller to account for highway elevation; illuminated signage must meet city code.
The Edina Planning Commission on March 26 recommended approval of two sign variances for Meeting House Church, 6200 Colonial Way. The commission voted to allow one freestanding monument sign to be placed at about 20 feet from an on‑site pond (a 30‑foot setback variance from the 50‑foot ordinary‑high‑water setback) and to allow a second monument sign adjacent to Highway 62 to stand 14 feet tall (a 6‑foot height variance) to achieve visibility above the highway grade.
Staff told the commission that the church’s property is a 13‑acre single‑dwelling‑unit district site with past permitted signage and that one of the prior freestanding signs had fallen over in recent years. Engineering staff reported no concerns with the proposed sign locations in proximity to the pond. Staff’s report concluded practical difficulties exist because the combination of the water setback, curb setback and a drainage/utility easement leaves no viable place at the corner for a freestanding sign in the same general location as the historic sign.
The applicants — represented at the hearing by sign consultant Mike Hasboom and facility manager Eric Hansen — said the new signs replace prior permitted signs, will use backlit LED illumination, and that the taller sign is needed to be visible above the Highway 62 centerline because of the difference in elevation. The church’s representatives said the illuminated signs would be operated in conformance with city lighting standards and that the church expects to limit hours of operation consistent with city rules.
No members of the public testified during the public hearing. Commissioners noted the visibility constraints created by the highway elevation and the site’s wetlands and drainage easement. The commission approved the two variances with the condition that any illuminated sign comply with Edina’s illumination limits in the sign code.
The commission’s decision will go to City Council for final action; staff said engineering review and sign‑permit application materials will be required before installation of the signs.
