HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-7087 Staff AnalysisSeptember 24, 2001
Item No.: 4
File No.: Z-7087
Owner: Peabody Hotel Group
Address: #3 Statehouse Plaza
Description: North side of West Markham Street,
between Center and Main Streets
Zoned: UU
Variance Requested: A variance is requested from
Section 36-547(6) to allow a
commercial sign with the illusion
of movement.
Justification: The applicant's explanation is
presented in attached letter.
Present Use of Property: Hotel
Proposed Use of Proper : Hotel
Staff Re ort:
A. Public Works Issues:
No Comments.
B. Staff Analysis:
The UU zoned property at #3 Statehouse Plaza is occupied by
the Peabody Hotel. The applicant proposes to place a sign
on the north wall on the hotel building, above the 22nd
floor on a brick elevator shaft. The sign will overlook the
Arkansas River. The sign ("Marching Ducks" logo) consists
of three (3) 10 -foot ducks constructed, of neon and aluminum
framing. The applicant requests a variance to allow for
very subtle movement of the feet of the "Marching Ducks"
logo. According to Section 36-54.7, "no sign regulated by
this chapter may utilize:"
(6) "The illusion of movement by means of a
preprogrammed repetitious sequential switching
September 24, 2001
Item No.: 4 (Cont.
action in which illuminated elements of the
sign are turned off or on to visually simulate
the impression of motion characteristic of
chasing, running, blinking, oscillating,
twinkling, scintillating, or expanding and
contracting light patterns."
The applicant notes that the "Marching Ducks" logo will be
static during the day, with no lighting or movement. The
sign will be illuminated only at night, to identify the
property. When the sign is illuminated, the only neon
movement will be the feet of the ducks in a back and forth
rhythmic motion, simulating the marching of the ducks. Only
approximately 10 percent of the overall "Marching Ducks'
logo will have any movement.
Staff feels the variance request is reasonable. Given the
fact that such a small percentage of the sign will have
simulated movement and that the sign is located above the
22nd floor of the existing building (overlooking the
Arkansas River), staff feels that the proposed sign will
have no adverse impact on the general area or create a
distraction.
C. Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the variance as filed.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT:
(SEPTEMBER 24, 2001)
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, 1 abstention
(Langlais) and 0 absent.
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September 24, 2001
Item No.: 4
File No.: Z-7087
Owner: Peabody Hotel Group
Address: #3 Statehouse Plaza
Descriptio North side of West Markham Street,
between Center and Main Streets
Zoned: UU
Variance Requested: A variance is requested from
Section 36-547(6) to allow a v
commercial sign with the illusion
of movement.
Justification: The applicant's explanation is
presented in attached letter.
Present Use of Property: Hotel
Proposed Use of Proper : Hotel
Staff Re ort:
A. Public Works Issues:
No Comments.
B. Staff Analysis:
The UU zoned property at #3 Statehouse Plaza is occupied by
the Peabody Hotel. The applicant proposes to place a sign
on the north wall on the hotel building, above the 22nd
floor on a brick elevator shaft. The sign will overlook the
Arkansas River. The sign ("Marching Ducks" logo) consists
of three (3) 10 -foot ducks constructed,of neon and aluminum
framing. The applicant requests a variance to allow for
very subtle movement of the feet of the "Marching Ducks"
logo. According to Section 36-547, "no sign regulated by
this chapter may utilize:"
(6) "The illusion of movement by means of a
preprogrammed repetitious sequential switching
September 24, 2001
Item No.: 4 (Cont.
action in which illuminated elements of the
sign are turned off or on to visually simulate
the impression of motion characteristic of
chasing, running, blinking, oscillating,
twinkling, scintillating, or expanding and
contracting light patterns."
The applicant notes that the "Marching Ducks" logo will be
static during the day, with no lighting or movement. The
sign will be illuminated only at night, to identify the
property. When the sign is illuminated, the only neon
movement will be the feet of the ducks in a back and forth
rhythmic motion, simulating the marching of the ducks. Only
approximately 10 percent of the overall "Marching Ducks'
logo will have any movement.
Staff feels the variance request is reasonable. Given the
fact that such a small percentage of the sign will have
simulated movement and that the sign is located above the
22nd floor of the existing building (overlooking the
Arkansas River), staff feels that the proposed sign will
have no adverse impact on the general area or create a
distraction.
C. Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the variance as filed.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT:
(SEPTEMBER 24, 2001)
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, 1 abstention
(Langlais) and 0 absent.
2