HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-7149 Staff AnalysisFebruary 25, 2002
ITEM NO.: 4
File No..
Applicant:
Address:
Description:
Zoned:
Variance Requested:
Justification:
Present Use of Property:
Proposed Use of Property:
STAFF REPORT
A. Public Works Issues:
No issues.
B. Staff Anal sis:
Z-7149
Little Rock Career Development
Center, Inc.
125 West 4t' Street
Southwest corner of West 4t'
Street and Main Street
AIM
Variances are requested from
the sign provisions of Section
36-553 and the development
criteria of Section 36-342.1 to
permit an under -canopy sign
which extends into the public
right-of-way and exceeds the
maximum sign area allowed.
The applicant's justification is
presented in an attached letter.
Mixed Office/Commercial
Mixed Office/Commercial
The UU zoned property at 125 West 4t' Street contains
an existing office/commercial building. One of the
building's tenants (Little Rock Career Development
Center, Inc.), who is located on the ground floor of
the building, is requesting variances to allow an
under -canopy sign (Main Street frontage) which extends
over the property line and into the public right-of-way
and exceeds the maximum sign area allowed for an under-
February 25, 2002
Item No.: 4
canopy sign. The building at this location sits on the
property line. The proposed sign will be 24 square
feet in area (2 feet by 12 feet), with a clearance of
at least 9 feet above the sidewalk. The sign will be
attached under the existing canopy and be parallel to
Main Street. The sign will contain the wording
"Arkansas Workforce Centers of Little Rock" and the
agency logo.
According to Section 36-342.1(c)(9)a. (W District
Development Criteria), "objects shall not project from
the building facade 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) under -canopy 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 an
under -canopy sign which projects into the public right-
of-way, and variances from Section 36-553 to allow an
under -canopy sign with a maximum area of 24 square feet
and no setback from the property line.
If the Board of Adjustment approves the requested
variances, the applicant will be required to obtain a
franchise permit for the sign. As of this writing, the
applicant has not submitted an application for the
franchise.
Staff believes that the requested variances are
reasonable and supports the application. The proposed
under -canopy sign should aid in the identification and
location of the business, and would not out of
character with other signs in the general area. Staff
feels that the under -canopy sign will have no adverse
impact on the adjacent properties.
C. Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the requested variances to
allow an under -canopy sign subject to the following
conditions:
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February 25, 2002
Item No.: 4
1. A franchise must be obtained for the sign.
2. A sign permit must be obtained.
3. The sign should not exceed 24 square feet in
area.
4. The sign must maintain a minimum nine (9) foot
clearance over the sidewalk.
5. Only one (1) under -canopy 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.
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