HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-7425 Staff AnalysisJuly 28, 2003
ITEM NO.: E
File No.: Z-7425
Owner: Pressley Melton
Address: 307 President Clinton Avenue
Description: South side of President Clinton Avenue,
between Cumberland and Rock Streets
Zoned: UU
Variance Requested: A variance is requested from the sign
provisions of Section 36-353 to allow a
projecting sign which does not conform to
all of the River Market design standards.
Justification: The applicant's justification is presented in
an attached letter.
Present Use of Property: Mixed Use
Proposed Use of Property: Mixed Use
STAFF REPORT
A. Public Works Issues:
No Comments.
B. Staff Analysis:
Ernie Bigg's Chicago Style Piano Bar occupies the building at 307
President Clinton Avenue. A projecting sign for the business was recently
installed on the building front, between two second floor windows,
extending over the sidewalk. The sign is 2 feet by 6 feet and is painted on
both sides. The top hanger area on which it was hung was previously
used by Starr's Guitars, a second floor use. The sign is not internally
lighted.
The recently installed projecting sign conforms to all of the River Market
Design Overlay District standards except for Section 36-353(e)(1)b., which
states the "height of projecting signs shall not extend past the sill of the
July 28, 2003
No.: E (Cont.)
second story windows." Therefore the applicant is requesting a variance
from this ordinance standard.
The River Market Design Review Committee reviewed the signage at its
May 6, 2003 meeting. The projecting sign, as installed, was denied by a
vote of 0 ayes, 4 nays and 1 recused. The DRC met again on June 6,
2003 to reconsider the sign issue. At that meeting, the May 6, 2003 vote
was expunged, with a second vote taken. The second vote approved the
projecting sign, as installed, by a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays.
Staff is supportive of the requested sign variance. Staff feels that the
requested projecting sign is reasonable, and will not be out of character
with other signs in the River Market District. Staff supports the River
Market DRC in their June 6, 2003 vote. Although staff is supportive of the
variance request, staff feels that the variance should be for this particular
business only (Ernie Bigg's), and when this business vacates the building,
the sign should be removed.
C. Staff Recommendations:
Staff recommends approval of the requested sign variance, subject to the
following conditions:
1. The variance is approved for "Ernie Bigg's Chicago Style Dueling
Piano Bar" only. When this business vacates the building, the sign
must be removed.
2. A sign permit must be obtained for the sign.
3. A franchise permit must be obtained for the sign.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT: (JUNE 30, 2003)
The applicant was not present. The staff informed the Board that the applicant
failed to complete the required notification to surrounding property owners. Staff
recommended deferral of the item to the July 28, 2003 agenda.
The item was placed on the Consent Agenda and deferred to the July 28, 2003
agenda by a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays and 1 absent.
Cry
July 28, 2003
Item No.: E (Cont.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT: (JULY 28, 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.
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