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Apple Valley Council OKs sign setback variance, allows encroachment at Christchurch property
Summary
The council approved a five-foot variance and an encroachment agreement to allow a ground sign at Christchurch to remain eight feet from the property line and within a drainage and utility easement, with five staff-recommended conditions.
The Apple Valley City Council voted to approve a sign setback variance and a related encroachment agreement for Christchurch on Thursday night.
City planner Sydney told the council the applicant seeks to reduce the ground-sign setback from the 13-foot requirement to 8 feet to match an existing sign that was installed in 1994 and currently sits within a 40-foot drainage and utility easement along Johnny Cake Ridge Road. "The existing sign has been there for over 30 years," Sydney said, noting the planning commission unanimously recommended approval at its Nov. 19 meeting.
Staff said a literal application of the code would require the sign be placed on top of an existing storm utility pipe or be set much further back from the roadway, which would substantially change the sign's location. To address public-safety and operational concerns, the planning commission recommended five conditions: the sign permit be issued within one year; an electrical permit be approved prior to installation; an encroachment agreement must be signed, approved by the council and recorded; utilities must be located before any work begins; and the installation must be consistent with the approved sign plans.
Councilmember Melander moved to adopt a resolution approving a five-foot setback variance for the ground sign; Councilmember Bridal seconded the motion and the council voted in favor. The council also approved a separate resolution authorizing the encroachment agreement to allow the sign within the drainage and utility easement (motion by Councilmember Hebert, second by Councilmember Melander). No public objections to the variance were recorded at the planning commission meeting, staff said.
The council's actions approve permitting and an encroachment pathway; the conditions attached to the approvals require additional staff review before physical work may begin.
