HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-7147 Staff AnalysisFebruary 25, 2002
ITEM NO.: 2
File No.: Z-7147
Owner: Block 2 Limited Partnership
Address: 107 East Markham Street
Description: Part of Block 2, Original
City of Little Rock
Zoned: UU
Variance Requested: Variances are requested from the
sign provisions of Section 36-
553 and the development criteria
of Section 36-342.1 to permit a
projecting sign which extends
into the public right-of-way and
exceeds the maximum sign area
allowed.
Justification: The applicant's justification is
presented in an attached letter.
Present Use of Property: Mixed Office, Commercial and
Residential
Proposed Use of Property: Mixed Office, Commercial and
Residential
STAFF REPORT
A. Public Works Issues:
No issues.
B. Staff Analvsis:
The UU zoned property at 107 E. Markham Street contains
an existing building, which is currently being
redeveloped for a mixture of office, commercial and
residential uses. The tenant (Funny Bone Comedy Club)
who is to be located on the ground floor of the
building, at the corner of West Markham Street and the
alley within Block 2, is requesting variances to allow
February 25, 2002
Item No.: 2
a projecting sign which extends over the property line
and into the public right-of-way and to exceed the
maximum sign area allowed for a projecting sign. The
building at this location sits on the property line.
The proposed sign will have a maximum of 24 square feet
in area, with a minimum clearance of 10 feet above the
sidewalk. The sign will be located at the northeast
corner of the building and be perpendicular to the
building and East Markham Street. The sign will
contain the wording "Funny Bone" and the business logo.
According to Section 36-342.1(c)(9)a. (W District
Development Criteria), "objects shall not project from
the building fagade over the public right-of-way except
for awnings and balconies." In addition, Section 36-
342.1(c)(11) permits signage in the W district as
allowed in Section 36-553, signs permitted in
institutional and office zones. Section 36-553 allows
one (1) projecting sign per occupancy, not to exceed 12
square feet in area, with a minimum setback of five (5)
feet from property lines. The sign is required to have
a minimum clearance of nine (9) feet over sidewalks.
In summary, the applicant is requesting a variance from
Section 36-342.1(c)(9)a. to allow a sign which projects
from the building into the right-of-way, and variances
from Section 36-553 to allow the projecting sign to
have a maximum area of 24 square feet, and no setback
from property lines.
The applicant has applied for a franchise permit for
the sign. The franchise application has gone through
the review process, with approval by the Board of
Adjustment being the only outstanding issue. Once the
Board approves the variances associated with the sign,
the franchise can be granted.
Staff believes that the requested variances are
reasonable and supports the application. The proposed
projecting sign should aid in the identification and
location of the business, and would not be out of
character with other signs in the general area. Staff
feels that the projecting sign will have no adverse
impact on the adjacent properties.
K
February 25, 2002
Item No.: 2
C. Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the requested variances
for the proposed projecting sign subject to the
following conditions:
1. A franchise must be obtained for the sign.
2. A sign permit must be obtained for the sign.
3. The sign will have a maximum area of 24 square
feet.
4. The sign must maintain a minimum nine (9) foot
clearance above the sidewalk.
5. Only one (1) projecting sign will be allowed for
this occupancy.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT: (FEBRUARY 25, 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 5 ayes and 0 nays.
3