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Oak Park Heights planning commission recommends city council review of Mango Cannabis exterior design
Summary
The planning commission voted March 12 to recommend that the city council consider Mango Cannabis’s proposed exterior redesign of the former Joseph’s restaurant site, noting concerns about bold orange‑and‑green color wraps and a prohibition on LED strip lighting; the council will decide March 24.
The Oak Park Heights Planning Commission voted March 12 to forward a recommendation to the city council on a design‑guideline review for Mango Cannabis’s proposed exterior changes at the former Joseph’s restaurant site.
Planner Mr. Richards told the commission the application is a design‑guideline review rather than a regulatory variance and reviewed key items staff will enforce at permitting: the proposed freestanding pylon sign will require permits, wall signage is subject to an 80‑square‑foot per‑façade limit, LED strip lighting is not permitted under current city ordinance, and trash/recycling must be enclosed. Richards noted: “the wall sign that’s proposed just one is 100 square ft. … we will assure that it’s compliant with that 80 square ft requirement” and said parking, site footprint and circulation would not change.
Applicant representatives Justin Dascis of Dascis Consulting and Kevin Pat of Mango Cannabis presented exterior material choices and brand rationale. Dascis said the proposed modifications “are going to bring the building much more substantially in compliance with these guidelines,” and Pat said Mango’s brand palette uses “orange and green,” which the company prefers to keep for visibility and identity.
Commissioners discussed durability, community fit and precedent. Some members pointed to recent approvals allowing vivid colors for other businesses in the area; others said the commission must balance design‑guideline intent with community expectations for a long‑standing building. Several commissioners urged close permit review of signage and lighting so the final construction meets code.
The commission closed the public hearing and approved a motion recommending approval of the design‑guideline modifications as submitted. Mr. Richards said the item will be considered by the Oak Park Heights City Council on March 24 for final action.
What’s next: The commission’s recommendation will be part of the council packet on March 24. Any permit approvals will be subject to code checks at the building permit stage for signage, lighting and required enclosures.
