Z-5698-D Staff AnalysisMarch 30, 1998
Item
File No.: Z -5698-D
Owner: R. P. Partnership/C. J. Cropper
Address: 801 South Bowman Road
Descript on: Lots 1-4, Thomas Replat of Lot 10,
Montclair Subdivision
Zoned• C-3
Variance Requested: A variance is requested from the
wall sign provisions of Section
36-557.
Justification: Applicant's Statement: Since this
is the first CompUSA location in
Little Rock, CompUSA feels that it
is necessary to maximize the impact
of that first store. The sign that
will go on the front of the
building will address the traffic
on Bowman as will any pole sign.
However the traffic on Chenal
Parkway, a major traffic artery in
Little Rock, will not even know
that the store is there. By
putting a sign on the East
elevation, traffic traveling to and
from work or traffic looking for
CompUSA will be aware of the new
location and will have time to
prepare to exit on Autumn or on
Bowman to safely arrive at the
store.
If the variance is denied, it may
adversely affect the ability of
CompUSA to compete in the highly
competitive computer market.
Present Use of Property: Vacant lot
Proposed Use of Property: Retail Shopping Center (under
construction)
March 30, 1998
Item No.: 6 Cont.
Staff Rgport :
A. Public Works Issues:
No issues.
B. Staff Analysis:
CompUSA, a computer sales store, is locating in a new
shopping center being developed at the corner of Bowman and
Hermitage Roads. The store will occupy a 28,000 square foot
space on the north end of the development. CompUSA is
requesting permission to place a wall sign on the back of
the building. Due to the elevation of the site, the sign
would be visible to persons traveling west on Chenal Parkway
or exiting the parkway at Hermitage/Autumn Roads. Section
36-557(a) states "All on -premises wall signs must face
required street frontage."
Staff is able to support this requested variance if the
applicant agrees to restrict wall signage on the north wall
of the building. A sign on the back wall would be visible
to traffic on both Chenal Parkway and Hermitage Road. The
north wall of the building faces the side of the large Home
Quarters building and signage on that wall would not be as
effective in identifying the store. Allowing the variance
should have no effect on adjacent properties.
C. Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the requested wall sign
variance subject to compliance with the following
conditions:
1. The area of the wall sign is to conform to the area
provisions of Section 36-555(a)(2)(a); 10 percent of the
store's rear wall area.
2. There is to be no wall sign on the north wall of the
CompUSA store, facing Hermitage Road.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT:
(MARCH 30, 1998)
C. J. Cropper and Charles Hand were present representing the
application. There were no objectors present. A letter of
objection had been submitted by Gene Lewis, representing the
owners of the property adjacent to the east. Staff presented the
item and a recommendation of approval subject to compliance with
the following conditions:
`A
March 30, 1998
tem No.: 6 (Cont.
1. The area of the wall sign is to conform to the area
provisions of Section 36-555(a)(2)(a); 10 percent of the
store's rear wall area.
2. There is to be no wall sign on the north wall of the CompUSA
store, facing Hermitage Road.
Charles Hand, representing the sign company working for CompUSA,
addressed the Board. He explained the advantages to having the
sign which, he conjectured, would be visible from Chenal Parkway.
In response to a question from William Ruck, Mr. Hand stated that
westbound traffic on Chenal Parkway would be able to see the sign
prior to turning south onto Bowman Road.
In response to a question from Brandon Rogers, Mr. Hand stated
that the elevation of this site was approximately 30 feet higher
than the property to the east. He stated that the elevation
would be lowered somewhat during site preparation for the
development.
After a brief discussion, Chairman Brooks called the question on
the variance request. The vote was 2 ayes, 3 noes and 0 absent.
The variance was denied.
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