HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-8028 Staff AnalysisAPRIL 24, 2006
ITEM NO.: 9
File No.: Z-8028
Owner: Arvest Bank
Applicant: Margaret Stevens, Colliers Dickson Flake Partners
Address: 500 Broadway
Description: Southwest Corner of Broadway and West Capitol Avenue
Zoned: UU
Variance Requested: A variance is requested from the sign provisions of Section 36-
342.1 to allow a ground -mounted sign in the UU Zoning District.
Justification: The applicant's justification is presented in an attached letter.
Present Use of Property: Office/Bank
Proposed Use of Property: Office/Bank
STAFF REPORT
A. Public Works Issues:
No Comments
B. Staff Analysis:
The UU zoned property at 500 Broadway is occupied by a multi -story office
building, containing the offices of Arvest Bank. The building is located at the
southwest corner of Broadway and Capitol Avenue. There is a small parking
lot within the southwest portion of the block. There is also an existing four-
sided, ground -mounted sign within a landscaped area at the northeast corner
of the property. The existing sign is 164" tall, with a 4 foot wide base.
The applicant proposes to remove the existing ground -mounted sign and
replace it with a new sign for Arvest Bank and the remaining tenants within the
building. The new sign will be 14'-8" in height and 5 feet wide at the base.
APRIL 24, 2006
ITEM NO.: 9_ (CON'T.)
The overall sign area for each side will be approximately 53 square feet
(Arvest Bank sign and tenant signs).
Section 36-342.1(c )(11) of the City's Zoning Ordinance prohibits the
construction of ground -mounted signs in the UU (Urban Use) zoning district.
Therefore, the applicant is requesting a variance from this ordinance standard
to allow the existing ground -mounted sign to be replaced.
Staff is supportive of the requested variance. Staff views the request as
reasonable. The proposed ground -mounted sign will be located along
Broadway in a more vehicular oriented area of Downtown Little Rock. There
are a number of other ground -mounted signs along Broadway identifying
banks, fast food restaurants, etc. The building at 500 Broadway does have a
drive-thru bank facility. Staff believes the requested ground -mounted sign will
have no adverse impact on the adjacent properties or the general area.
C. Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the requested sign variance, subject to the
following conditions:
1. The proposed sign must be set back at least five (5) feet from any
property line (to closest edge of sign).
2. A sign permit must be obtained for the sign.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT: (APRIL 24, 2006)
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 3 ayes, 0 nays and 2 absent.
E