HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-7890 Staff AnalysisJULY 25, 2005
ITEM NO.: 6
File No.: Z-7890
Owner: Martin and Kara Smith, Brian and Nancy Larson
Applicant: Martin L. Smith
Address: 120 South Izard Street
Description: East Y2 of Lots 9 and 10, Block 276, Original City of Little Rock
Zoned: UU
Variance Requested: A variance is requested from the development provisions of
Section 36-342.1 to allow a ground sign.
Justification: The applicant's justification is presented in an attached letter.
Present Use of Property: Office
Proposed Use of Property: Office
STAFF REPORT
A. Public Works Issues:
No Comments
B. Staff Analysis:
The UU zoned property at 120 South Izard Street is occupied by a small two-
story building which is being used as an office. The building was once the
carriage house for the single family home (now an office) which exists on the
property immediately to the south, at the northwest corner of West 2nd and
Izard Streets. There is a driveway from Izard Street which serves as access to
the property, and a small parking area at the southeast corner of the property.
The applicant recently constructed a small ground -mounted sign along the
north side of the existing entry drive. The sign is located along the front (east)
property line, with a height of approximately seven (7) feet and an area of
approximately 3.5 square feet.
JULY 25, 2005
ITEM NO.: 6 CON'T.
Section 36-342.1( c)(11) of the City's Zoning Ordinance prohibits ground -
mounted signs in the Urban Use Zoning District. Therefore, the applicant is
requesting a variance from this ordinance standard to allow the existing
ground -mounted sign.
Staff is supportive of the requested variance. Staff feels it is reasonable to
allow the ground -mounted sign. There are many other ground -mounted signs
in this general area of downtown. The proposed sign is relatively small in size
compared to the other signs in the area. Staff feels the proposed sign will not
be out of character with the general area. Additionally, the overall size of the
proposed sign is well under the maximum area (64 square feet) typically
allowed for ground -mounted signs in office zoning districts. Staff believes the
proposed ground sign will have no adverse impact on the adjacent properties
or the general area.
C. Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the requested variance to allow a ground -
mounted sign in the UU Zoning District, subject to the following conditions:
1. The variance is approved for this specific business (Larson, Burns,
Smith) only. If this business vacates the building, the sign must be
removed from the property.
2. The sign must be anchored as to not move in the wind.
3. A sign permit must be obtained for the sign (double fee).
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT: (JULY 25, 2005)
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 open position.