HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. R25-103 RESOLUTION NO. R25-103
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING THE VARIANCE
REQUESTED BY LOVE'S TRAVEL STOPS & COUNTRY STORES TO ALLOW
SIGNAGE EXCEEDING THE MAXIMUM SIGNAGE LIMIT FOR ON-PREMISES
SIGNAGE IN THE LAUREL HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL (HC) ZONING
DISTRICT.
WHEREAS, the City of Laurel has adopted zoning regulations pursuant to §76-2-301
et seq., MCA, which establish standards for height, bulk, and location of structures including
outdoor advertising signs;
WHEREAS,Love's Travel Stops&Country Stores,the Applicant,requested a variance
from the maximum signage limit for on-premises signage in the Laurel Highway Commercial
(HC) Zoning District;
WHEREAS, the subject property is located at 415 191h Avenue West, Laurel MT (the
West Laurel Interchange), more particularly described as Westbrooks Subdivision, Lot 7A1,
Amended Tract 6A and 7A and a portion of Tract 5 less Highway Right-of-Way in Section 17,
Township 02 South, Range 24 East P.M.M.;
WHEREAS,the request is to install signage that will exceed the maximum allowed by
the regulations by approximately 410 square feet;
WHEREAS, the application was duly submitted by the Applicant on November 25,
2025, and the Laurel Zoning Commission held a public hearing on December 18, 2025, to
consider the variance request;
WHEREAS, the Zoning Commission reviewed the application, supporting
documentation, and testimony presented at the public hearing;
WHEREAS, the Zoning Commission, based upon its findings of fact, determined that
the variance request met the applicable standards of review for approval of a variance under
the City's zoning ordinance;
WHEREAS, on December 18, 2025, the Zoning Commission voted 6-0 to recommend
approval of the variance request by Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores to the City Council;
WHEREAS, the City Council considered this matter on December 22, 2025 at 6:30
p.m.; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed the Zoning Commission's
recommendation, findings of fact, and supporting documentation, and determined that the
variance request meets the applicable standards of review for approval of a variance under the
City's zoning ordinance.
R25-103 Approve Love's Variance Request
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel,
Montana, as follows:
1. The City Council hereby approves the variance request submitted by Love's Travel
Stops & Country Stores to allow signage that will exceed the maximum allowed by the
regulations by approximately 440 square feet.
2. The variance approval is granted based upon the findings of fact and recommendation
of the Laurel Zoning Commission.
3. The variance shall expire one (1)year from the date of approval if the next logical step
in the development process is not commenced, including but not limited to applying for
a building permit, commencing the use, or applying for a Development Permit.
Introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 22"d day of December 2025
by Council Member Canape.
PASSED and APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel, Montana on the
22"d day of December 2025.
APPROVED by the Mayor on the 22"d day of December 2025.
CITY OF LAU 'L
M9./
Dave Waggoner, M y r
ATTEST:
�..'LA UPF�
1 Str Vr, Clerk-Treasurer z SEAL.i
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
,-t h t L L pov__��
Michele L. Braukmann, Civil City Attorney
R25-103 Approve Love's Variance Request
,,
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Jason Gonzales
From: Jason Gonzales
Sent: Wednesday, December 17, 2025 9:41 AM
To: Kevin Keup
Subject: FW: Love's Annexation and Initial Zoning Staff Report
Attachments: 20251201102320.pdf
Thank You
Jason Gonzales
Building Inspector
City of Laurel
406-628-4796 ext. 5304
From:Jason Gonzales
Sent: Monday, December 1, 2025 10:26 AM
To: Forrest Sanderson <ForrestSanderson@PeaksPlanning.onmicrosoft.com>
Subject: RE: Love's Annexation and Initial Zoning Staff Report
Forrest,
I have attached the whole scope of the sign package from Love's' lf we t rWe are owed 300 squalre
ate the signagefor the rise, Arby's and the CAT scale.We end up with a total of 708.5 square fee
feet by zoning. Our overage is 408.53 square feet.
Jason Gonzales
Building Inspector
City of Laurel
406-628-4796 ext. 5304
From: Forrest Sanderson < - _s,,Sanaerson aPeaksPlanning.onmicrosoft com>
Sent: Friday, November 28, 2025 1:31 PM
To: Kurt Markegard << ,. = .. -� mt gov>; Jason Gonzales< Gcntales jaurel.mt.�ov>
Subject: Love's Annexation and Initial Zoning Staff Report
Kurt and Jason:
Attached is the Report for the Love's Annexation and Initial Zoning request.
i
LOVE'S SIGN PACKAGE-LAUREL, MT 41043
SIGN SQ,FT-
HI-RISE SIGN: 130 OAH 52.41
6'6"x 8'1,4"Heart-LED 131.39
7'4"x 17'11"Love's 182.56
12'lo%"x 14'2%"Arby's(B-16) 456.50
ll'x 41'6"Price Sign-89"Numeral 144.00
6'x 24'Casino 966.96
TOTAL HI-RISE SQUARE FEET:
25'OAH y'xla` ArfbYS y000
STREETSIGN: —=-9-+3 q� A3
13'loll x 10'Loves/price Sign/Arby's 138.33
TOTAL STREET SIGN SQUARE FEET:
DIRECTIONAL SIGNS: 8'OAH 32.00
4 x 8'Love's Directional 32.00
4'x 8'Love's Directional
4'OAH 390
3'3"x 3'1"Arby's Directional 3 3U /D if
/ C s 5> Gin lO K+ 1'3"x 3'V Arby's Directional 71 80
I-7 �� 3-7 TOTAL DIRECTIONAL SQUARE FEET:
BUILDING SIGNS:
SOUTH ELEVATION: 3146
5'x 5'3%"Heart 4084
3'6"x 11'8"Love's 80.00
8'x 10'Heart 12.08 4
loll It's the love that drives us 2.5.J8 1 g( -3 D
58"x 64"Arby's logo 25.00
30 Caswo 215.16
TOTAL SOUTH ELEVATION SQUARE FEET:
EAST ELEVATION: 31A6,
5'x 5'3%"Heart 40.84 q 7
3'6"x ll'8"Love's 80.00 I
8'x 10'Heart 17.45
12-5/8"Driven by love,fueled by you. 169 7575
TOTAL EAST ELEVATION SQUARE FEET:
WEST ELEVATION: 35.67
2'7-5/B"z 9'lOti'Arby's Letter 95 57
TOTAL WEST ELEVATION SQUARE FEET:
TOTAL BUILDING SIGN SQUARE FEET: 420.58
FUEL CANOPIES: 23.39
GAS CANOPY LOGOS: 2'3',S"x 10'2'S"Vinyl Logo-North Elevation 23 39
2'3%"x 10'2h"Vinyl Logo-East Elevation 23 39
2'3%"x 10'2%"Vinyl Logo-South Elevation 23.39
2'3h"x 10'2Y."Vinyl Logo-West Elevation 7.
DIESEL CANOPY LOGOS: 2'3%R"x 10'2Y."Vinyl Logo-North Elevation 23.3923.39
2'3'/V x 10'2%"Vinyl Logo-East Elevation 23 39
2'3%"x 10'2%"Vinyl Logo-South Elevation 23 39
2'3%"x 10'21W Vinyl Logo-West Elevation 12
TOTAL FUEL CANOPY LOGO SQUARE FEET:
CAT SCALE SIGNS: 10750
5'4K"x 20'Cat Scale Sign
7.48
2'5 34 x 3'A Cat Scale Sign
r�5 to 1 �5 E 'AgMSCALE SQUARE FEET:
114-98
TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1899.77
pAIE: it JA:E A}
�qiE REV.-51
tv N'
=Lov:veejs
- . •2/12/25 REV i2 REV N3:
effective ima9es,In-. DR A'NN By: REV N3 REV 17:
REV NB:
1027 S1h Avenue NW Watertown,SO 57201 605.753.9700 JLW Rw^' 21
LOVE'S SIGN PACKAGE- LAUREL, MT#1043
HI-RISE SIGN: 145'OAH SIGN SQ.FT.
8'x 10'Heart-LED 80.00
9'x 22'Love's 198.00
15'x 16'6%"Arby's(B-18) 248.13
11'x 41'6"Price Sign-89"Numeral 456.50
TOTAL HI-RISE SQUARE FEET: 982.63
STREET SIGN: 25'OAH
13'10"x 10'Loves/Price Sign/Arby's 32 33
TOTAL STREET SIGN SQUARE FEET: 138.33
DIRECTIONAL SIGNS: 8'OAH
4'x 8'Love's Directional 3200
4'x 8'Love's Directional 32.00
4'OAH
1'3"x 3'1"Arby's Directional 3.90
1'3"x 3'1"Arby's Directional 3 90
TOTAL DIRECTIONAL SQUARE FEET: 71.80
BUILDING SIGNS:
SOUTH ELEVATION:
5'x 6'3%"Heart 31.46
3'6"x 11'8"Love's 40.84
5'11X"x 7'6"Heart 4469
10"It's the love that drives us. 12.08
58"x 64"Arby's logo 25.78
30"Casino 25.00
TOTAL SOUTH ELEVATION SQUARE FEET: 179.85
EAST ELEVATION:
5'x 6'3%"Heart 31.46
3'6"x 11'8"Love's 4084
5'11%"x 7'6"Heart 44.69
12-5/8"Driven by love,fueled by you. 17.45
TOTAL EAST ELEVATION SQUARE FEET: 134.44
WEST ELEVATION:
2'7-5/8"x 9'10%"Arby's Letters 35.67
TOTAL WEST ELEVATION SQUARE FEET: 31 .67
TOTAL BUILDING SIGN SQUARE FEET: 349.96
FUEL CANOPIES:
GAS CANOPY LOGOS: 2'3%"x 10'2%"Vinyl Logo-North Elevation 23.39
2'3W'x 10'2%"Vinyl Logo-East Elevation 23.39
2'3%"x 10'2%"Vinyl Logo-South Elevation 23.39
2'3%"x 10'2W'Vinyl Logo-West Elevation 23.39
DIESEL CANOPY LOGOS: 2'3%"x 10'2W'Vinyl Logo-North Elevation 23.39
2'3%"x 10'2%"Vinyl Logo-East Elevation 23.39
2'3%"x 10'2%"Vinyl Logo-South Elevation 23.39
2'3Y,"x 10'2%"Vinyl Logo-West Elevation 23.39
TOTAL FUEL CANOPY LOGO SQUARE FEET: 187.12
CAT SCALE SIGNS:
5'4%"x 20'Cat Scale Sign 107.50
2'5%x 3'%Cat Scale Sign 7.48
TOTAL CAT SCALE SQUARE FEET: 114.98
TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1844.82
DATE: DATE: BY. DATr 5 r
b% LoVeS effective images '2/12/25 Rev.4i siiziss "w REV as:
images,Inc. REV.d2 REV#6:
DRAWN BY:
1027 Sth Avenue N W Watertown,SD 57201 605.753.9700 REV 13 REV 48
�LW REV pA REV NB:
HI-RISE SIGN - LAUREL, MT #1043
OVERALL HEIGHT: 145' TOTAL SQ.FT.:982.63
8'X 10' LED HEART=80 SQ.FT. -
9' X 22' LOVE'S= 198 SQ.FT. _
1 1' X 41' 6" PRICE SIGN=456.5 SQ.FT.
-89"NUMERALS
•
15' X 16' 6'/2"ARBY'S B-18=248.13 SQ.Ff.
1 1 I FROM BOTTOM OF PRICE SIGN TO GRADE S
r
LOVE'S&DIESEL INSTALLED TOWARDS
INTERSTATE/HIGHWAY
SIDE 8
• NOT TO SCALE
` Loves
■ ■ ■ • ■ ■
' ALL SIGN GRAPHICS ARE FOR REPRESENTATION PURPOSES ONLY MANUFACTURER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR
NOTE: PRODUCT PANEL COPY AND NUMERAL DETAILS TO BE CONFIRMED BY OTHERS. WRITTEN FRANCHISE APPROVAL TO VERIFY SIGN LAYOUTS AND MANUFACTURE SPECIFICATIONS
LOCATION: DATE: DRAWING#: REVISION#/DATE SCALE: DRAWN BY: ^��^��I 23
0 e C
LAUREL, MT 2/12/25 E182502-1201 3/32" - 1' JLW image
#1043 PHONE.605.753.
STREET SIGN - LAUREL, MT #1043
OVERALL HEIGHT: 25' TOTAL SQ.FT.: 138.33
13' 10"X 10' LOVE'S/PRICE SIGN/ARBY'S _
5' 10"X 10' LOVE'S
4'X 10' PRICE SIGN-24"NUMERALS
4'X 10'ARBY'S
1 1' 2"FROM BOTTOM OF ARBY'S TO GRADE
UNLEADED INSTALLED TOWARDS ROAD
1
1 1 1
SIDE B
'SCALE: 1/8"= 1'
� us
4Ad3*
NOTE PRODUCT PANEL COPY AND NUMERAL DETAILS TO BE CONFIRMED BY OTHERS. ALL SIGN GRAPHICS ARE FOR REPRESENTATION PURPOSES ONLY.MANUFACTURER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR
WRITTEN FRANCHISE APPROVAL TO VERIFY SIGN LAYOUTS AND MANUFACTURE SPECIFICATIONS.
LOCATION: DATE: DRAWING#: REVISION#/DATE: SCALE: DRAWN BY:
LAUREL, MT 2/12/25 EI82502-1202 1 5/12/25 1/4" = 1' effecti
#1043 JLW JLW Image 24
PHONE:605.753.
DIRECTIONAL SIGNS - LAUREL, MT #1043
SOUTHEAST SIDE NORTHWEST SIDE
� Enter Love's Directional Sign C
Enter at Main Entrance
4' LED Illuminated
INK (32 Sq.ff./sign)
w
0
a
O
O
v
NORTHEAST SIDE SOUTHWEST SIDE
T Thank trucks ARV s Love's Directional Sign D
at Auto Entrance
4 You Hookups LED Illuminated
(32 Sq.ff./sign)
w
0
a
O
0
SOUTHEAST SIDE NORTHWEST SIDE
Arby's Directional Sign E
T at Drive-Thru Entrance
y LED Illuminated
4 (3.9 sq.ff./sign)
2,I9 -
NORTHEAST SIDE SOUTHWEST SIDE
Arby's Directional Sign F
I---3'-1"---'I
� T at Drive-TIIRJ EXIt
-3 IT LED Illuminated
(3.9 sq.ff./sign)
2'ly..
4'
••ALL SIGN GRAPHICS ARE FOR REPRESENTATION PURPOSES ONLY.MANUFACTURER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR WRITTEN FRANCHISE APPROVAL TO VERIFY SIGN LAYOUTS AND MANUFACTURE SPECIFICATIONS.
LOCATION: DATE: DRAWING#: REVISION#/DATE: SCALE: DRAWN BY: f
1 -5/12/25 effects
LAUREL, MT 2/12/25 EI82502-1203 3/16"= 1' JLW Image 25
#1043 JLW PHONE:605.753.9700
BUILDING SIGNS - LAUREL, MT #1043
6'-3'A
Qty(1)South elevation
Qty(1) East elevation
LED Illuminated
(31.46 Sq.ff./sign)
l �.)
Qty(1)South elevation
Qty(1) East elevation
LED Illuminated
(40.84 Sq.ff./sign)
I � .
3'-6" -�
Qty(1)South elevation
Qty(1) East elevation
e'a' LED Illuminated
(80 Sq.ff./sign)
1
lOV2 ( )South elevation 2.0tY 8 Sq.ft./sign)
12 5/8" f love, you. Qty(1) East elevation
(17.45 Sq.ff./sign)
"ALL SIGN GRAPHICS ARE FOR REPRESENTATION PURPOSES ONLY.MANUFACTURER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR WRITTEN FRANCHISE APPROVAL TO VERIFY SIGN LAYOUTS AND MANUFACTURE SPECIFICATIONS.
LOCATION: DATE: DRAWING#: REVISION#/DATE: SCALE: DRAWN BY:
LAUREL, MT12/12/25 EI82502-1204 1 5/12/25 3/16 = 1 effects
#1043 JLW JLW image 26
PHONE:605./53.
BUILDING SIGNS - LAUREL, MT #1043
64"
I Qty(1)South elevation
58„ LED Illuminated
• (25.78 sq.ft./sign)
9'-10 3/4"
MLANWFW�—T Qty(1)West elevation
2'-7 5/8" 3-7 1/4!' LED Illuminated
Py
(35.67 Sq.ft./sign)
12'•0"
Qty(1)South elevation
LED Illuminated
30"
IC N (25 Sq.ft./sign)
f ASI 6
"ALL SIGN GRAPHICS ARE FOR REPRESENTATION PURPOSES ONLY.MANUFACTURER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR WRITTEN FRANCHISE APPROVAL TO VERIFY SIGN LAYOUTS AND MANUFACTURE SPECIFICATIONS.
LOCATION: DATE: DRAWING#: REVISION#/DATE: SCALE: DRAWN BY: f4e l/
LAUREL, MT 1 -5112/25 image
27
2/12/25 EI82502-1205 3/16" = 1' JLW g
#1043 JLW PHONE:605./53.
FUEL CANOPY LOGOS - LAUREL, MT #1043
�'---10'-2 1/2" -.
T LOVI&
Qty(4)Gas Canopy Logos
7 1w,
(23.39 Sq.ff./sign)
�'- 10'-2 1/2"
: &'W
Qty(4) Diesel Canopy Logos
2._3/Vlav, (23.39 Sq.ff./sign)
op
Gas/Diesel Canopy illustration
LOCATION: DATE: DRAWING#: REVISION#/DATE: SCALE: DRAWN BY:
LAUREL, MT 2/12/25 E182502-1206 0 3/16" = 1- effec i
#1043 JLW image 2a
PHONf,.60S5!3. u
CAT SCALE SIGNS - LAUREL, MT #1043
OVERALL HEIGHT: 21'53/4" TOTAL SQ.FT.: 114.98
5' 4'/2"X 20' CAT SCALE SIGN= 107.5 SQ.FT
2' 5''/2"X 3' '/2"SPEAKER POST SIGN=7.48 SQ.FT.
16' V/4"FROM GRADE TO BOTTOM OF CAT SCALE
FRONT VIEW
20'-(r -�
CERTIFIED
5-4 1/2" L-PAT, SCALES
ENTER o
**BACK VIEW NOT TO SCALE
CERTIFIED
21'-5 3/4" SCALES 3'-0 1/2"
-3'0 1/2 DO NOT ENTER
a 16'-1 1/4" T e
uL
2'-5 1/2" uaw[ 2'-5 1/2"
CERTIFIED
SCALE
e 1
6'-1 1 718'
6'-0_ �i RIGHT END
LEFT END VIEW
VIEW
LOCATION: DATE: DRAWING#: REVISION#/DATE: SCALE: DRAWN BY:° effect
29 a
LAUREL, MT 2/12/25 EI82502-1207 3/16" = 1 JLW image,
#1043 PHONE:605.753.
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115W.�T. City Of LaurelPLANNING:628-4796 WATER OFC.:628-7431 P.O.Box 10
COURT:628-1964 Laurel,Montana 59044
FAX 628-2241
J
J
Office of the City Planner
VARIANCE REPORT VAR-25-02
Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores
Maximum Outdoor Advertising
December 2, 2025
BACKGROUND:
The City of Laurel has had zoning since the early 1970's as authorized by§76-2-301 et. seq MCA.
These regulations set minimum and maximum standards for all lands located with the jurisdiction
of the City of Laurel. These regulations establish standards for the height, bulk, and location of
structures (including outdoor advertising signs).
The subject property was recently annexed into the City of Laurel and was assigned the initial
zoning of Highway Commercial (HQ. The HC District imposes a maximum signage allowance
that were intended to mirror the maximum allocations under the prior zoning regulations via an
easier to interpret and apply standard.
The owner submitted a comprehensive sign package that was believed to comply with the
prevailing zoning regulations. Unfortunately, the submittal used the prior regulations formula
rather than what is currently adopted. The difference between the two methodologies is 408.53
square feet. The advertising analysis done by the Building Inspector is attached to and
incorporated into this report by reference.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION:
Westbrook Subdivision, Lot 7A1, Amended Tract 6A and 7A and a portion of Tract 5 less
Highway right-of-way in Section 17, Township 02 South, Range 24 East, P.M.M., City of Laurel,
Yellowstone County, Montana.
APPLICANT(S):
Love's Travel Stops & Community Stores, Corporate Office
10601 N Pennsylvania Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
33
AGENT:
Effective Images, Inc
Kevin Keup
1027 51h Ave NW
Watertown, SD 57201
EXISTING CONDITION:
The subject property is a platted subdivision within the City of Laurel. The property is
undeveloped and is intended to be served by public water, sewer, streets, and solid waste
collection. The property is 34.239 acres in size.
PROCESS:
• The application for a Variance was submitted on November 25,2025, and is scheduled for
a public hearing on December 18, 2025 by the Laurel Zoning Commission.
• The Zoning Commission following the Public Hearing must adopt findings of fact and
issue a formal recommendation to the City Council on the requested variance. The Zoning
Commission may propose conditions or modifications to the request so long as the findings
of fact support the condition(s).
• Those findings of fact and conclusions as well as the record minutes of the public hearing
will be submitted to the City Council for consideration, hearing and final decision.
• The City Council will conduct a duly noticed Public Hearing on the Zoning Commission
recommendation, findings of fact, and any conditions mitigating the impacts associated
with the request if needed.
ZONES INVOLVED: Existing and Proposed
➢ HC—Highway Commercial District.
o The maximum on premise advertising to exceed maximum by 408.53 square feet.
RATIONAL BASIS FOR VARIANCE:
"Variance" means an adiustment in the application of the specific regulations of this title to
a particular piece of property which property, because of special circumstances applicable
to it, is deprived of privileges commonly enioved by other properties in the same vicinitN or
zone.
Findings of Fact: Standard of Review
A recommendation for Approval or Conditional Approval of a Variance shall require the Board of
Adjustment making each of the following Findings of Fact:
a
1. Special Conditions
There are special circumstances or conditions that are peculiar to the land or building for
which the Variance is sought that do not apply generally to land or buildings in the
neighborhood; and
2. Not Result of Applicant
The special circumstances or conditions have not resulted from an act of the applicant or
been established to circumvent this Ordinance; and
3. Strict Application Unreasonable
Due to the special circumstances or conditions, the strict application of this Ordinance
would deprive the applicant of reasonable use of the land or building or create an undue
hardship on the landowner; and
4. Necessary to Provide Reasonable Use
Granting the Variance is necessary to provide a reasonable use of the land or building; and
5. Minimum Variance
The Variance is the minimum variance necessary to allow a reasonable use of the land or
building; and
6. Not Injurious
Granting the Variance will not be injurious to the neighborhood or detrimental to the public
welfare; and
7. Consistent with Ordinance
Granting the Variance is consistent with the purposes and intent of this Ordinance. A
variance to the Allowed Uses of a zoning district is prohibited.
CONDITIONS
Conditions or restrictions may be placed on the approval of a Variance.
EXPIRATION
A Variance shall expire one (1) year from the date of approval if the next logical step in the
development process is not commenced. The next step in the development process includes but is
not limited to applying for a building permit, commencing the use, or applying for a Development
Permit.
Findings of Fact:
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff Recommends that the Zoning Commission consider each of the seven(7)criteria individually
adopt findings related to each criterion and then based on the findings issue a recommendation to
the City Council for final action.
F-m-1
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
The Laurel Yellowstone City-County Planning Board will conduct a public hearing on Thursday December
18, 2025, on the following application. The meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers
at City Hall, 11S West First Street, Laurel, Montana.
1. A variance request submitted by Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores Inc. to the maximum
signage limit for an on-premises signage in the Laurel Highway Commercial (HC) Zoning District.
The request is to install signage that will exceed the maximum allowed by the regulations by
approximately 440 square feet. The subject property is located at 415 19th Avenue West Laurel
(the West Laurel Interchange). The property may be described as Westbrooks Subdivision, Lot
7A1,Amended Tract 6A and 7A and a portion of Track 5 less Highway Right-of-Way in Section 17,
Township 02 South, Range 24 East 4156
Public comment is encouraged and can be provided in person at the public hearing at the Planning Board
meeting on December 18, 2025. Public comment can also be made via email to the Planning Director, or
via letter to the Planning Department office at 115 West 1" Street laurel, MT 59044. A copy of the
applications and supporting documentation is available for review upon request at the Planning
Department office. Questions regarding this public hearing may be directed to the Planning Director at
406.628.4796 ext. 5305, or via email at cityplanner(@laurel.mt.gov.
The maximum amount of sign area allowed in a residential zoning district is six (6)
square feet per lot, parcel or tract of land. Notwithstanding, the size of sign area
announcing the name of a development is one(1) square foot of sign area per one(1)
linear foot of street frontage of the lot containing the sign, not to exceed forty (40)
square feet.
B. NON-RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS
The total amount of sign area allowed in non-residential zoning districts shall not
exceed three hundred(300)total square feet. Total signage and sign area is calculated
by measuring the surface area of one face of the sign.
17.19.62NUMBER, TYPE
There is no maximum number of signs permitted on a property and no restriction on the types of
signs provided the total sign area of all signs does not exceed the amount permitted in Section
11.19.61 Size.
17.19.63HEIGHT
The maximum height of all freestanding signs, including all embellishments,shall not exceed the
maximum height for primary buildings in the given zoning district.
17.19.64ON SITE/OFF SITE
Off-site signs are permitted however those signs count toward the overall sign area for that
specific property and use.
17.19.65CONSTRUCTION, ELECTRICAL CODES
Signs and other advertising devices shall comply with applicable construction and electrical
codes.
'17. 19.70 PROHIBITED SIGNS
The following signs shall be prohibited:
17.19.71 INTERNALLY ILLUMINATED
internally illuminated signs are prohibited in all residential districts and are subject to 11.19.80
Internally Illuminated Signs.
17.19.72FLASHING AND BLINKING SIGNS
Flashing, blinking or, signs with rotating light beams, holograms, and similar devices.
17. 19.80 INTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SiGNS
Internally illuminated signs are only allowed inside Commercially and Industrially Zoned Districts.
17. 19.90 NONCONFORMING SIGNS
17.42.140
Maximum Maximum
Number of Permitted
T e Requires Maximum Maximum Sign Use
Sign
yp of Setbacks Signs
Permit" Illumination Height Sign Area * g
Projecting y
Sin Cannot ex 20%, of wall
Roof Sign. Y ceed roofline area
tote rel
Shopping 150 sq.ft
Center plus 51G, per 1 Freestand-
Signs tenant.Max- ing Pole per
(cannot be Y imum sign frontage
used if not to exceed
common 350 sq Ft
signage plan
is used.)
Temporary Y
Sign 20% of wall
Wall Sign Y area
Up to 30%of
Window Y windowarea
Sign
*The street square
footage(Does f alinelgundenters 011 ata).e property shall not exceed 2 square Feet in sign area For each lineal foot o
loca
**See 17 42.040
(Ord. No. 015-02, 4-21-2015; Ord. No. 016-01, 2-2-2016)
17.42.150 Common signage plan. 4. An accurate indication on the plot
A. If the owners of two or more con- plans of the proposed location of each pres-
tiguous or adjacent(disregarding interven- ent and future sign of any type, whether
ing streets and alleys)lots or the owner of a requiring a permit or not; indicate
ilding (ex- 5. Window signs may simp
single lot with more than one bu ly
it use the areas of the windows to be covered by
eluding accessory buildings)or mu
buildings file with the director for such lot(s) window signs and the general type of the
a common signage plan conforming with window signs (e.g., paper affixed to vein-
y dow,painted,etched on glass,or some other
the provisions of this section, a twenty-five material hung inside the window) and need
percent increase in the maximum total sign
area shall be allowed for each included lot. not specify the exact dimension or nature of
This bonus shall be allocated within each every window sign.
lot as the owner(s) elects. The common signage plan shall also
B. Provisions of Common Si specify standards of consistency among all
Plan. The common signage plan shall con- signs on the lots affected by the plan with
tain all of the following information: regard to:
1. An accurate plot plan of the lot, at 1. Color scheme;
such scale as the director may reasonably 2. Letter or graphic style;
require; 3. Lighting;
2. Location of buildings, parking lots, 4. Location of each sign on the build-
driveways, clear vision triangles and land- ing(s);
scaped areas on such lot; 5. Material; and
3. Computation of the maximum total 6. Sign proportions.
sign area, the maximum area for individual C.
Limit on Number of Freestanding
signs, the height of signs and the number of Signs Under Common Signage Plan. The
freestanding signs allowed on the lot(s) in- common signage plan,for all lots with mul-
eluded in the plan under this chapter,
420.10
Supp No 12
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