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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-6659-A Staff AnalysisJanuary 27, 2003 ITEM NO.: 4 File No.: Z -6659-A Owner: Carpenter Hotel Group, LLC Address: 600 Interstate 30 Description: West side of 1-30, between East 6t" and East 8t" Streets Zoned: . UU Variance Requested: Variances are requested from Sections 36- 342.1 and 36-553 to allow a ground - mounted sign which exceeds the maximum size allowed. Justification: Present Use of Property: Proposed Use of Property: STAFF REPORT A. Public Works Issues: No Comments. B. Staff Analysis: The applicant's justification is presented in an attached letter. Hotel (under renovation) Hotel The UU zoned property at 600 Interstate 30 is occupied by an eight -story hotel which is currently being remodeled. The hotel building is located within the north one-half of the property, with parking within the southern portion. There are existing access drives along the east and west property lines. With the property renovation, the applicant is proposing to install new signage. All of the signs proposed by the applicant conform to ordinance standards with the exception of the ground -mounted sign proposed to be located at the northeast corner of the property. The existing ground -mounted sign near the access drive along the east property line will be removed. January 27, 2003 Item No.: 4 The proposed ground -mounted sign will have a height of 25 feet and an area of 116 square feet. The main sign area is 92 square feet, with a 24 square foot reader board (changeable copy) located on the sign's support structure. According to Section 36-342.1(c)(11) of the City's Zoning Ordinance, signage permitted in the UU zoning district shall be the same as that permitted in the institutional and office zones (Section 36-553). This section allows a maximum sign height of six (6) feet and a maximum sign area of 64 square feet. Therefore, the applicant is requesting variances from these ordinance standards. Staff is supportive of the requested variances. Staff feels that the requested ground -mounted sign will not be out of character with the other taller ground -mounted signs located to the north, south and across 1-30 to the east. This interstate location gives the property a different character from other commercial properties in the pedestrian -oriented downtown area (UU zoning district), where lower -level signage is more desirable. Therefore, staff feels that the proposed sign is appropriate for this location, and will have no adverse impact on the general area. C. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the requested variances subject to the following conditions: 1. The sign will have a maximum height of 25 feet and a maximum area of 116 square feet. 2. The ground -mounted sign must be located at least five (5) feet back from any property line (to the closest edge of the sign). 3. Sign permits must be obtained for all signage. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT: (JANUARY 27, 2003) The applicant was present. There were no objectors present. Staff presented the item and a recommendation of approval. The applicant offered no additional comments. The item was placed on the Consent Agenda and approved as recommended by staff by a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays and 1 absent. 2