Planning commission backs conditional use permits for Kwik Trip dynamic display signs

The City Planning Commission on July 15 recommended the city council approve conditional use permits to allow dynamic display elements on freestanding signs at two proposed Kwik Trip convenience stores.

Assistant City Planner Ethan Jonck presented the request and said Kwik Trip is proposing to add a roughly 32.9-square-foot dynamic display element to an already permitted freestanding sign at each site. Jonck said the additions fall within allowable freestanding sign area and that “under recent text amendments, dynamic display signs now require a conditional use permit just to protect adjacent residential properties.” Staff reported that notices were sent to affected properties and that no written public comments had been received as of the hearing. Staff’s recommendation was to forward approval to city council subject to the 13 conditions listed in the packet.

A neighboring property owner, Ray Kwalbach, asked for clarification on the sign location and size for the 1100 Thirtieth Avenue South site and whether the display would be similar to a video screen. Jonck and City Planner Houston responded that the dynamic display will be a small, electronic reader-board-style element at the bottom of the 35-foot freestanding sign and not a full-screen video display. Jonck said the display would be used to advertise products at the convenience store.

After questions and a brief public comment period, a commissioner moved to recommend approval of the conditional use permits, including the 13 conditions in the packet; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. The commission’s action is a recommendation to the city council, which holds final approval authority.