HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDC2015-028 staff report with minutesPage 1 of 4
DATE: December 14, 2015
APPLICANT: Chiew Lee, Garden Home Spa
ADDRESS: 506 Ferry
COA REQUEST: Signage
PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION:
The subject property is located at 506 Ferry. The
property’s legal description is “Part of Lot 1, Block
1, Stevenson’s addition to the City of Little Rock,
Pulaski County, Arkansas."
This single family house was built in around 1890.
The 2006 survey form states: “A simple Queen
Anne style house with asymmetrical front facing
gable wing. Turned wood columns at the front
porch are typical of the style.” It is considered a
"Contributing Structure" to the MacArthur Park
Historic District.
This application is a result of an enforcement
action. An internally lit sign was installed above the
front windows in the gable area without a COA by
the HDC. That sign has been removed. Attempts
to contact the out of town owner via certified mail
has failed twice. The application is for a different
sign utilizing the posts in front of the house.
PREVIOUS ACTIONS ON THIS SITE:
On November 18, 2015, a COC was issued to Chiew Lee for the replacement of a storage
building in the rear yard.
On November 15, 2015, a COC was issued to Chiew Lee for the repainting of the exterior of the
house.
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
723 West Markham Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334
Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax: (501) 399-3435
STAFF REPORT
ITEM NO. One.
Location of Project
Page 2 of 5
Existing East elevation 12-4-15 Contributing and Non-contributing map
PROPOSAL AND WRITTEN ANALYSIS OF THE APPLICATION BASED OFF OF INTENT
AND GUIDELINES:
The proposed freestanding sign is 47” x 32” (10.44 square feet) and will utilize the existing posts
in front of the house. These posts are visible in the photo above. The sign will be painted to
match the color of the house. It is a metal sign. The sign will be illuminated with a Hubbell
façade flood series light fixture that is approximately 9” wide, 7” tall and 7” deep mounted on the
ground.
The Guidelines state on page 63:
E. SIGNS
Signs should be subordinate to the architecture and overall character throughout the
district. Historic signs should be preserved, including “ghost” signs on the sides of
buildings.
1. Attached to Building:
Signs attached to a building should not cover or obscure architectural features. Signs
may be painted on windows, doors, or small panels at entrances or on awnings. Small
signs may be flush-mounted on a building wall; may be hung on porches between posts;
or may project from the structure. A sign on a masonry wall should be mounted in the
mortar, not the masonry.
Sign that was removed. Photo date
9-3-15
Proposed sign Proposed ground
mounted light
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2. Free-Standing:
Free-standing signs should be low, small, and constructed of wood or a non-shiny finish.
The recommended size should not exceed six square feet in area. These signs should
be located in landscaped areas. All ground mounted (free standing) signs in the UU
zoning district must be approved by the Board of Adjustment in addition to the Historic
District Commission. Examples of appropriate signs are illustrated to the right. For
signs in the R4-A district, please consult Staff for further information.
3. Materials for signs:
Materials used for signs should be traditional, such as finished wood, glass, copper, or
bronze, not plywood, plastic, unfinished wood, neon or other internally lighted materials,
or flashing lights. Materials should be compatible with the building materials.
4. Design of signs:
The design of the signs should be appropriate to the building, in size, lettering, and style.
Business logos or symbols are desirable. If several businesses share a building,
coordinate the signs. Flashing, rotating, moveable, or portable signs should not be
used.
5. Lighting of signs:
Lighting of signs should be from remote sources, preferably from the ground aimed
directly at the sign and shielded from street view. Lighting should not use visible bulbs,
internal sources or luminous paint.
This freestanding sign is larger than the recommended size of 6 square feet. It is unknown if
the finish is matte or shiny finish. This sign does utilize the existing poles.
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS AND REACTION: At the time of distribution, there were no
comments regarding this application.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval.
COMMISSION ACTION: December 14, 2015
Brian Minyard, Staff, made a presentation to the Commission. Commissioner Dick Kelley
asked what kind of metal the sign was to be made. Mr. Minyard responded. Commissioner
Becky Pekar asked where the sign was to be mounted in regards to the posts.
Ms. Chiew Lee was present to represent the Garden Spa. She stated that the sign would be on
the existing posts on the front.
Commissioner Pekar asked where the sign was going to be mounted in reference to the posts,
either between or in front of the posts. Ms. Lee responded that the sign would be mounted
between the posts.
Vice Chair BJ Bowen asked if the sign would have a shiny finish. Ms. Lee said it would not.
The colors would match the house.
Commissioner Russell commented on where to mount the sign in reference to the height of the
posts. He desired that the windows be able to be seen over the sign.
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Chair Toni Johnson asked how tall the posts were and did she choose the size of the sign
based on the post size. Ms. Lee stated she chose the sign size to fit between the existing posts
but did not know exactly how tall the post were.
Commissioner Russell made a motion to approve the sign as submitted with the lighting as
specified. Commissioner Pekar seconded and the motion was approved with 7 ayes and 0
noes.
Page 5 of 5
Application