HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-7248 Staff AnalysisJuly 29, 2002
ITEM NO.: 5
File No.: Z-7248
Owner: Block 2 Limited Partnership
Address: 109 Main Street
Description: Part of Block 2, Original City of Little Rock
Zoned: UU
Variance Requested: Variances are requested from the sign
provisions of Sections 36-553 and the
development provisions of Section
36-342.1 to allow a projecting sign which
extends into the public right-of-way.
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 Comments.
B. Staff Analysis:
The UU zoned property at 109 Main Street contains an existing building,
which is currently being redeveloped for a mixture of office, commercial
and residential uses. The tenant (Sims Bar -B -Q) who is located on the
ground floor of the building is requesting variances to allow a projecting
sign which extends over the property line and into the public right-of-way.
The building at this location sits on the property line. The proposed sign
will have an area of approximately 9.62 square feet, with a minimum
clearance of nine (9) feet above the sidewalk. The sign will be
perpendicular to the building and Main Street. The sign will have a
circular shape, contain the wording "Sims Bar B -Q" and be neon lighted.
July 29, 2002
Item No.: 5 (Cont_
According to Section 36-342.1(c)(9)a. (UU 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 UU 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 a variance from Section 36-553 to allow the
projecting sign to have 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 variance is 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.
C. Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the requested variance 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 12 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: (JULY 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.
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July 29, 2002
Item No.: 5 (Cont.
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.
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