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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-7103-C Staff AnalysisNovember 24, 2003 ITEM NO.: 2 File No.: Z -7103-B Owner: City of Little Rock as Trustee for the Central Arkansas Library System Address: 120 Commerce Street Description: Lots 1, 2 and 3, Block 8, Pope's Addition Zoned: UU Variance Requested: Variances are requested from the sign provisions of Section 36-353 and 36-543 to allow the use of banner signs. 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. Mixed Commercial Uses Mixed Commercial Uses On October 29, 2001, the Board of Adjustment approved several variances to allow banner signs to be placed on the Cox Building at 120 Commerce Street. A total of 13 banners were approved; six (6) to be located on the east side of the building, one (1) on the south side, and six (6) on the southwest side. The variances were approved subject to a number of conditions (see attached October 29, 2001 Board of Adjustment minute record). On December 17, 2001, the Board of Adjustment approved revisions to the previous approval. The Board approved moving the seven (7) banner signs attached to the south and southwest sides of the building to the light poles within the existing parking area between the building and East 2" November 24, 2003 ITEM NO.: 2 (Cont. Street (see attached December 17, 2001 Board of Adjustment minute record for details). On April 29, 2002, the Board of Adjustment approved a second revision to the original application. The Board approved removing the six (6) banner signs from the east side of the Cox Building and replacing them with four (4) 4 -foot by 22 -foot banners attached flat against the north wall of the building facing the River Market. (See attached April 29, 2002 Board of Adjustment minute record for details). On October 27, 2003, the Board of Adjustment reviewed the previously approved banner signage for structural integrity and maintenance. The Board approved a two (2) year time extension for the existing banners. (See attached October 27, 2003 Board of Adjustment minute record for details). The applicant, Central Arkansas Library System, is requesting to revise the previously approved applications by adding two (2) 4 -foot by 22 -foot banners attached flat against the southwest wall of the Cox Building, facing East 2nd Street and the 1-30 on/off ramp. One of the proposed banners will contain the wording "Books Art", with the other reading "Coffee". The banners are proposed to be attached to the southwest wall of the building as shown on the attached photo. The River Market Design Review Committee met on October 16, 2003 and reviewed the request for additional banner signage. The DRC voted 5 ayes and 0 nays to approve the two (2) additional banner signs on the southwest face of the building. A letter from the DRC is attached for Board of Adjustment Review. Staff is supportive of the request to install two (2) additional banner signs on the southwest fagade of the Cox Building. Staff feels that the banner signs as proposed will have no adverse impact on the adjacent properties or the general area. Staff feels that the banner signs will be appropriate and compatible with the entertainment -oriented River Market District. Staff supports the River Market Design Review Committee's review and recommendation on this application. Based on the fact that a time extension of two (2) years was granted for existing banner signs on and around the Cox Building just last month (October 27, 2003), staff feels that a time limit on the new banners should align with the limit set on the existing signs. 2 November 24, 2003 ITEM NO.: 2 C. Staff Recommendations: Staff recommends approval of the revised application to install two (2) new banner signs on the southwest facade of the Cox Building, subject to the following conditions: 1. The banner signs must be securely anchored to the building fagade. 2. If the banners_ become worn or torn, they must be promptly removed or replaced. 3. The two (2) new banners be approved for one (1) year and 11 months, as to align with the time limit set for the existing banner signage. At the end of this time period, the Board of Adjustment will review the banner signage to assure the structural integrity and maintenance of the signs, if another time extension is requested. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT: (NOVEMBER 24, 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. t1 October 29, 2001 ITEM NO.: 9 File No.. �•IN-Anz Address: Description: Zoned: -7lo-3-� Z-7103 City of Little Rock 'as Trustee for.the Central Arkansas Library System 120 Commerce'Street Lots 1, 2 and 3_; Block 8, Pope's Addition UU Variance Requested: Variances are requested from V the sign provisions of Sections 36-353 and 36-543. . Justification: Present Use of -Property: Proposed Use of Property: STAFF REPORT A. Public Works Issues: No Comments. B. Staff Analysis: The applicant's explanation is Presented in an attached letter. Vacant warehouse building Mixed commercial uses The. property, at..120 Commerce Street is zoned UU and is occupied by.an existing warehouse building (Cox Building), which is currently being renovated. A new parking lot was recently constructed along the south and west sides of the building. The applicant is proposing to place thirteen (13) projecting banner. signs on the building. The applicant proposes'to place six (6) of the signs on the southwest elevation of the building, one (1) sign on the south elevation and six (6) signs on the east elevation. The applicant notes that each banner sign will be 36 inches by 48 inches and attached to two (2) permanent metal poles (see October 29, 2001 Item No.: 9 attached sketch). The number of signs proposed'by the applicant will be used by the individual business tenants and for promotions of the Central Arkansas Library. The applicant .has "submitted elevations of the building -(see attached sketches) showingwhere the signs will he' located on the building and that the signs will have a nine (9), foot clearance over pedestrian walkways. Section 36-543 of the City's Zoning Ordinance- prohibits the use of banner signs in all zoning districts. Section 36-353(e)(1)d. limits the number of projecting signs in the River Market Design Overlay District to one. (1) sign per 100 feet of primary street frontage per building. The applicant is requesting variances _ from these ordinance standards for the proposed projecting banner signs. . The River Market Design Review Committee (DRC) met on October 4, 2001 and discussed the applicant's proposal for signage at 120 Commerce .Street. The DRC is recommending approval of - the sign variances requested' by the applicant with the 'following conditions: 1. The variances be approved for two (2) years, at which time the Board of Adjustment review the. signage to assure the structural integrity and maintenance of the signs. 2. The number of projecting signs is not to exceed thirteen (13) . 3. No signs are allowed on the north (Markham Street.) fagade of the Cox Building.. 4_ No more than three (3) of the signs will be used for each business. 5. The applicant must obtain a franchise for the signs along Commerce Street. As noted in the attached letter from the River Market Design Review Committee, the Committee feels that the proposed .projecting banner signs are appropriate and will aid in "...creating a festive, pedestrian -oriented district." October 29, 2001 Item No. : 9 Staff is supportive of the variances as requested. Staff feels that the signage as proposed will have no adverse .impact on 'the adjacent properties or the general area . The permanent banner signs approved by the Board of Adjustment several years ago- for the Museum Center in the River Market District have worked out well and been properly maintained. Staff supports the River Market Design Review Committee's review and recommendation on this application. C. Staff Recommendation: 4 Staff recommends -approval of the requested sign variances subject to compliance with the following conditions: I. The applicant must obtain a franchise permit from the City for the signs on the Commerce Street fagade before the issuance of a sign. permit. 2. Each projecting banner sign must not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area. 3. Letters on the signs must not exceed one (1) foot, six (6) inches in height and text shall not exceed three-quarters of the height of each sign. 4. Signage colors, typeface and style shall be compatible with the River Market District and approved by the River Market DRC. S. The projecting signs must be placed -at- a 90 degree angle to the building. 6. The projecting signs must maintain a nine (9) foot clearance over pedestrian walkways. 7. The height of the projecting signs shall not extend past the sill of -the second story windows. 8. The projecting signs shall extend a maximum of three (3) deet from the fa=e c -F October 29, 2001 Item No.: 9 9. The number of projecting signs must not exceed thirteen, (13) total, with each building eleiration -limited to the . number of signs noted .in pai:agraph 'B'.. -.of ..this report. 10. No signs will be allowed on the north (Markham Street) fagade of the Cox Building. 11. No more than three (3) signs can be utilized by an individual business tenant. 12. Sign permits must be obtained for all signs as" per City Ordinance requirements. 13. The variances be approved for two (2) years. At the end of this time period the Board of Adjustment will review the projecting banner signage to assure the structural integrity and maintenance of the signs. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT: (OCTOBER 29, 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 5 ayes, 0 nays and 0 absent. December 17, 2001 71 ❑ ITEM NO. : .8 � � -7 �v File No. : Z-7103 / 3 Owner: City of Little Rock as Trustee for the. Central .Arkansas .Library System Address: 120 Commerce Street Description: Lots 1, 2 and 3, Block 8, Pope's Addition Zoned: UU Variance Requested: Justification: Present Use of Property: ti The applicant is requesting a revision of the previously - approved Board of Adjustment variances to allow banner signs at this location. The applicant's justification is presented in an attached letter. Mixed Commercial Uses Proposed Use of Property: Mixed Commercial Uses STAFF REPORT A. Public Works Issues: No issues. B. . - Staff Analvsis : On October 29, 2001, the Board of Adjustment approved several variances to allow banner signs to be placed on the Cox Building at 120 Commerce Street. 'A total of 13 banners were approved; six (6) to be located on the east side of the building, one (1) on the south side, and six (6) on the southwest side. The variances were approved subject to a number of conditions (see attached October 29 Board of Adjustment minute record). Also attached is the applicant's original cover letter, December 17, 2001 Item No.: S dated September 24, 2001 and the River Market Design Review Committee letter, dated October 16, 2001. The .applicant. is requesting a. -revision in the previous.. Board of - Adjustment _approval for the ]vocation of s.bme: of the signs only. The applicant proposes to move the one (1) banner sign from the south side of the building and the six (6) banner signs from the southwest side of the building to the light poles within the existing parking area between the building and East 2nd Street. See the attached site plan sketch for proposed banner sign -locations. The total number of signs has not changed. y• The River Market DRC has reviewed the proposed revision and has no objection. The DAC's recommendation of approval is based on the number of banner signs remaining the same and compliance with all other conditions of the previous approval. (See attached letter dated December 3, 2001). Staff is supportive of the revision as: requested.. Staff feels that the banner signs.as proposed will have no adverse impact on the adjacent properties or the general area. Staff feels that the banner signs will be compatible with the uniqueness and atmosphere of this entertainment -oriented district. Staff supports the River Market Design Review Committee's review and recommendation on this application. C. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the revised application subject to the -following conditions: 1. The banner signs attached to the light poles must have a minimum clearance of nine (9) feet over the sidewalks. 2. The total number of banner signs for this property must not exceed thirteen (13). 3. Compliance will all other conditions of the previous approval as noted in the Board of Adjustment minute record dated October 29, 2001. 2 December 17, 2001 . ` P Item No.: 8 BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT: (DECEMBER 17, 2001) The: applicant. was present. There. were no objectors present. Staff presented .the . item .anci : 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 5 ayes and 0 nays. K l4_,- - April 29, 2002 J-7/ a-3 ITEM NO., 5 _.. tLit 29 7,ao2, File No.: Z -7103-A ' g Owner: City of Little Rock as Trustee:for the. Central Arkansas Library -System Address: 120 Commerce Street Description: Lots 1, 2 and 3, Block 8, Pope's Addition Zoned: UU Variance Requested: Variances are requested from the sign provisions of Sections 36-353 and 36-543. Justification: The applicant's justification is presented in an attached letter. Present Use of Property: Mixed Commercial Uses Proposed Use of Property: Mixed Commercial Uses STAFF REPORT 0 Public Works Issues: No Comments. B. Staff Analysis: On October 29, 2001, the Board of Adjustment approved several variances to allow banner signs to be placed on the Cox Building at 120 Commerce Street. A total of 13 banners were approved; six (.6) to be located on the east side of the building, one {1) on the south side, and six (6) on the southwest side. The variances were approved subject to a number of conditions (see attached October 29, 2001 Board of Adjustment minute record). Also attached is the applicant's original cover letter, dated September 24, 2001 and the River Market Design Review Committee letter, dated October 16, 2001. On December 17, 2001, the Board of Adjustment approved revisions to the previous approval. The Board approved moving the seven (7) banner signs attached to the south and southwest sides of the.building to the light poles within the existing parking area between the building and East 2" April 29, 2002 Item No.: 5 (Cont. Street (see attached December 17, 2001 Board of Adjustment minute record for details). The applicant is requesting a revision to the previous Board of Adjustment approvals involving only the.banner signs located on the east side of the building, along the Commerce Street right-of-way. The applicant proposes to remove the six (6) banners on the east side of the Cox building and replace them with four (4) 4 -foot by 22 -foot banners attached flat against the north wall of the building facing the River Market (see the attached building elevation sketch for proposed sign placement and typical wording). The River Market DRC has reviewed the proposed revision and has no objection. The DRC's recommendation of approval is based on the following conditions: The banners on the east side of the t-uilding will be removed including all mounting hardware. A two-year variance will be required so that the banners can be reviewed for condition of the banners. This is the same two-year variance as before. Staff is supportive of the revision as requested. Staff feels that the banner signs as proposed will have no adverse impact on the adjacent properties or the general area. Staff feels that the banner signs will be compatible with the uniqueness and atmosphere of this entertainment -oriented district. Staff supports the River Market Design Review Committee's review and recommendation on this application. C. Staff. Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the revised application subject to the following conditions: 1. The banner signs must be properly attached/anchored to the. building. 2. Sign permits must be obtained as per City Ordinance requirements. 3. Compliance will all other conditions of the previous approvals as noted in the Board of Adjustment minute records dated October 29, 2001 (except condition #10) and December 17, 2001. 4. Compliance with the conditions noted in the River Market DRC letter dated April 8, 2002. 5. The variances be approved for two (2) years. At the end of this time period the Board of Adjustment will review the banner signage to assure the structural integrity and maintenance of the signs. April 29, 2002 Item No.: 5 (Cont.) BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT: (APRIL 29, 2002) 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. October 27, 2003 Ile, 42-- J--71c)3 zJ--7/c)3 —5 dL� Z7 - ITEM NO_: 3 l3 File No.: Z -7103-A Owner: City of Little Rock as Trustee for the Central Arkansas Library System Address: 120 Commerce Street Description: Lots 1-3, Block 8, Pope's Addition Zoned: UU Variance Requested: A time extension is requested on previously approved variances to allow the use of banner signs. Justification: Present Use of Property Proposed Use of Property: STAFF REPORT /to Public Works Issues: No Comments. B. Staff Analysis: The applicant's justification is presented in an attached letter. Mixed Commercial Uses Mixed Commercial Uses On October 29, 2001, the Board of Adjustment approved several variances to allow banner signs to be placed on the Cox Building at 120 Commerce Street. A total of 13 banners were approved; six (6) to be located on the east side of the building, one (1) on the south side, and six (6) on the southwest side. The variances were approved subject to a number of conditions (see attached October 29, 2001 Board of Adjustment minute record). On December 17, 2001, the Board of Adjustment approved revisions to the previous approval. The Board approved moving the seven (7) banner signs attached to the south and southwest sides of the building to the light poles within the existing parking area between the building and East 2" October 27, 2003 ITEM NO.: 3 Street (see attached December 17, 2001 Board of Adjustment minute record for details). On April 29, 2002, the Board of Adjustment approved a second revision to the original application. The Board approved removing the six (6) banner signs from the east side of the Cox Building and replacing them with four (4) 4 -foot by 22 -foot banners attached flat against the north wall of the building facing the River Market. (See attached April 29, 2002 Board of Adjustment minute record for details). The original approval on October 29, 2001 included the following condition: "The variances be approved for two (2) years. At the end of this time period the Board of Adjustment will review the banner signage to assure the structural integrity and maintenance of the signs." The applicant, Central Arkansas Library System, is requesting that the Board review the banner signage for structural integrity and maintenance, and extend the variances for two (2) additional years. The River Market Design Review Committee (DRC) will review the request for time extension and submit a letter by the time the agenda is printed. Staff made an inspection of the property and found that the banner signs have been properly maintained and secured to the building and light poles. Staff feels that the DRC will find the same and have no problem with the time extension. C. Staff Recommendations: Staff recommends approval of the requested two (2) year time extension for the existing banner signs, subject to the following conditions: 1. Compliance with all conditions of the previous approvals as noted in the Board of Adjustment minute records dated October 29, 2001 (except condition #10), December 17, 2001 and April 29, 2002. 2. Compliance with the conditions noted in the River Market DRC letter dated April 8, 2002. 3. The variances be extended to October 27, 2005. At the end of this time period the Board of Adjustment will review the banner signage to assure the structural integrity and maintenance of the signs, if the applicant requests another time extension. E October 27, 2003 ITEM NO.: 3 (Cont. BOARD OF ADJUSTM (OCTOBER 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 5 ayes and 0 nays. 3