HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-7538 Staff AnalysisNovember 24, 2003
ITEM NO.:
File No.: Z-7538
Owner: Little Rock Newspapers, Inc./
Arkansas Museum of Science and History
Address: 500 President Clinton Avenue
Description; Part of Block 2, Pope's Addition
Zoned: UU
Variance Requested: A variance is requested from the sign
provisions of Section 36-353 to allow a
projecting sign.
Justification: The applicant's justification is presented in
an attached letter.
Present Use of Property: Mixed use including office, retail,
restaurants and museum
Proposed Use of Property: Mixed use including office, retail,
restaurants and museum
STAFF REPORT
A. Public Works Issues:
1. The sign must provide a 9 foot minimum clearance over the public
sidewalk.
2. Obtain a franchise agreement from Public Works (John Barr,
371-4646) for the improvements located in the right-of-way.
B. Staff Analysis:
The UU zoned property at 500 President Clinton Avenue is occupied by
the Museum Center Building. Boscos Restaurant recently occupied a
portion of the building's main level at the northwest corner of the structure.
Access to the restaurant is gained from St. Vincent Plaza at the west end
of the building.
November 24, 2003
ITEM NO.: 9 (Cont.
The restaurant proposes to install a projecting sign at the southwest
corner of the Museum Center Building. The sign will be just under 12
square feet in area, and located approximately 12' — 10" above the
sidewalk and below the second floor window sill. The projecting sign will
have the word "Boscos" repeated multiple times in a pierced screen
fashion. The color is to be light gray with red highlights.
The applicant is requesting one (1) variance in association with the
proposed projecting sign. Section 36-353(e)(1)e. of the City's Zoning
Ordinance (River Market Design Overlay District Standards) requires that
a projecting sign be placed at a 90 -degree angle to the building fagade.
The proposed projecting sign will extend from the corner of the building, at
a 135 degree angle to the south and west building facades.
Staff is supportive of the requested variance. Staff views the variance as
very minor. Similar type projecting signage has been approved in the
River Market District; therefore, the proposed sign will not be out of
character with the area. As noted earlier, the proposed projecting sign
conforms to all ordinance requirements except for the sign angle. Staff
believes the projecting sign as proposed will have no adverse impact on
the River Market District. The River Market Design Review Committee
met on November 4, 2003 and recommended approval of the requested
variance by a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays and 1 absent. A copy of the DRC
approval letter is attached for Board of Adjustment review.
C. Staff Recommendations:
Staff recommends approval of the requested sign variance, subject to the
following conditions:
1. A sign permit must be obtained.
2. A franchise permit must be obtained.
3. Lighting fixtures must be approved by staff prior to permitting
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.
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