Title
Requesting a Planning Commission study of zoning changes to the sign ordinance regarding murals, flexible dynamic display screens, and outdoor business signs.
Body
WHEREAS, a “sign” is defined under §64.121.S as: “The use of words, numerals, figures, devices, designs or trademarks the purpose of which is to show or advertise a person, firm, profession, business, product or message”; and
WHEREAS, a “wall sign” is defined under §64.125.W as: “A sign attached to or erected against the wall of a building or structure, with the exposed face of sign in a place substantially parallel to the plane of said wall”; and
WHEREAS, a "sign with dynamic display us defined under §64.121 as: "Any sign capable of displaying words, symbols, figures, or images that can be electronically or mechanically moved or changed by remote, automatic or electronic means, but not including merely the ability to turn the sign on or off," and
WHEREAS, the Saint Paul sign ordinance does not have a definition of a “mural” nor does it have any language defining what would and would not be a sign on a flexible dynamic display screen, nor does it distinguish between what is a sign and what is art; and
WHEREAS, art work or murals or flexible dynamic display screens occasionally contain advertising words or product or brand designs within the overall visual; and
WHEREAS, one of the intents and purposes of the sign ordinance under §64.101(d) is “To encourage a concern for the visual environment which makes the city a more desirable place to live”; and
WHEREAS, public art, according to Strategy 3 of the Land Use Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan, “strengthens the public realm and enhances the city’s identity. It promotes economic vitality and civic life. It advertises that Saint Paul is an attractive place to live, work, and visit”; and
WHEREAS, at a recent appeal before the City Council regarding Creative Kidstuff at 1074 Grand Ave., what city staff determined met the definition of a sign w...
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