Planning commission backs sign-size increases in 105th redevelopment district after franchisees cite poor visibility

The City of Blaine Planning Commission on Dec. 10 recommended approval of an ordinance amendment to change the sign regulations in the 105th redevelopment district, allowing larger wall signage (proposed increase from 150 to 300 square feet total per building and up to three wall signs) and a larger monument sign (from 15 to 45 square feet featuring tenant names) on parcels south of 105th Avenue.

Planner presentation: staff explained the redevelopment district's current rules (150 sq ft total wall signage, two wall signs per building, 15 sq ft monument sign intended as a district identifier) and presented the applicant’s proposal to increase those allowances for the subject parcel. Staff noted the amendment would be limited to parcels south of 105th Avenue and that the sign ordinance change would be combined with the applicant’s sign plan at second reading so City Council could see both items together.

Applicant testimony: developer Michael Breeze and Scooter’s Coffee franchisees Susan and Brent Nygaard said the tenant has been open about 2½ months and is seeing very low customer traffic because the new turnoff from Radisson/105th is not obvious on maps, there is little directional signage or monument visibility, and the store’s exterior color and signage are atypical compared with other Scooter’s locations. Susan Nygaard said the opening produced “one of the worst openings that Scooter has ever seen” and described marketing and canopy work planned to improve access; she asked the commission to support increased signage to make the tenant viable and to encourage future tenants.

Commissioner discussion focused on precedent and how directional signage and sign plans would be handled; staff confirmed directional signs are allowed under existing code (8 sq ft) but the applicant’s approved sign plan did not include them. Commissioner Scherer moved to approve the ordinance amendment for the parcel south of 105th Avenue; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The commission will present the ordinance amendment and the applicant’s sign plan together at second reading before the City Council on Jan. 6, 2025.