HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-7765-A Staff AnalysisFEBRUARY 26, 2007
ITEM NO.: 3
File No.: Z -7765-A
Owner: Dan Johnson
Applicant: Coleman Alexander, Tri -Sign
Address: 917 S. Broadway
Description: Northeast corner of Broadway and 1-630
Zoned: UU
Variance Requested: Variances are requested from the sign provisions of Section 36-
342.1 and 36-557 to allow a ground -mounted sign in the UU Zoning District, and wall signs
without street frontage.
Justification: The applicant's justification is presented in an attached letter.
Present Use of Property: Restaurant ( under construction)
Proposed Use of Property: Restaurant
STAFF REPORT
A. Public Works Issues:
No Comments
B. Staff Analysis:
The UU zoned property at 917 S. Broadway contains a Starbucks restaurant
which is in the process of construction. The building is located within the north
half of the property, with a drive-thru window on its north wall. There are
access drives from Broadway and an alley right-of-way along the east property
line. There is paved parking on the south side of the building.
In conjunction with the restaurant development, the applicant proposes to
place a ground -mounted sign at the northwest corner of the property. The sign
will have a height of 35 feet and an area of approximately 108.5 square feet.
The applicant is also proposing to place wall signs on all four (4) walls of the
building. The north and east walls of the building do not have direct street
FEBRUARY 26, 2007
ITEM NO.: 3 (CON'T.
frontage. The applicant is proposing a 48 inch round logo sign on the north
and east walls.
Section 36-342.1(c)(11) of the City's Zoning Ordinance prohibits ground -
mounted signs in the UU (Urban Use) Zoning District. Section 36-557(a)
requires that all wall signage face required street frontage. Therefore, the
applicant is requesting variances to allow a ground -mounted sign in the UU
zoning district and two (2) wall signs (north and east building facades) without
direct street frontage.
Staff is supportive of the variances associated with the proposed ground -
mounted sign and wall sign on the north building facade. Staff believes these
signs will provide needed visibility to the new restaurant building. With respect
to the ground -mounted sign, this area along Broadway, south of Capitol
Avenue, is a vehicular oriented area of Downtown Little Rock with several fast
food type businesses. These businesses, including a tire shop and hotel, have
commercial type pole signs. Staff feels the proposed ground sign and wall
sign (north facade) will not be out of character with the general area. With
respect to the wall sign on the east (rear) building facade, staff feels this sign
serves no purpose, as it will face another building and alley. Staff feels this
sign should be eliminated from the signage proposal for the property.
C. Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends denial of the sign variance application, as filed.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT:
(FEBRUARY 26, 2007)
Staff informed the Board that the applicant submitted a letter to staff on February 23,
2007 revising the application to eliminate the proposed wall sign on the east side of
the building, as suggested by staff. Staff recommended approval of the revised
application, subject to permits being obtained for all signage.
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 and 1 nay. James Van Dover voted nay with respect to the
variance to allow a ground -mounted sign