Commission approves PUD amendment for 50-foot pylon sign at Forefront campus

The Oakdale Planning Commission voted Dec. 5 to approve a planned-unit-development amendment allowing a 50-foot pylon sign with two 350-square-foot faces at 3490 Hayward Avenue on the Forefront Technology & Office campus.

City planner Luke said the request from Larson Family Real Estate LLP and United Properties would exceed typical city sign limits (30 feet tall and up to 150 square feet per face) but that the proposed sign would be sited away from existing campus signage and use high-quality materials, producing a public benefit that justifies flexibility under the campus PUD. Luke noted the campus covers roughly 120 acres and already contains 13 signs.

Minnesota Department of Transportation staff commented that sign illumination should be kept at reasonable levels so it does not distract drivers on Interstate 694. Commissioners asked whether the sign could later be converted to an electronic or dynamic display; Luke said such a conversion would require a separate conditional-use permit and likely review by the planning commission, city council and MnDOT.

No members of the public spoke on the item. A motion to approve the PUD amendment passed by voice vote.

The amendment allows the additional pylon sign as described; future changes to convert the sign to electronic messaging would trigger additional approvals.