HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-8087 Staff AnalysisAUGUST 28, 2006
ITEM NO.: 5
File No.: Z-8087
Owner: Jeffrey and Betty Graham
Applicant: Jeffrey Graham
Address: 905 LaHarpe Blvd.
Description: Lot D -R, Signature Subdivision
Zoned: UU
Variance Requested: Variances are requested from the sign provisions of Sections
36-342.1 and 36-557 to allow ground signs in the UU Zoning District and a wall sign
without public street frontage.
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:
1. The signage on LaHarpe is proposed to be located within the Arkansas
Highway and Transportation Department right-of-way. Contact AHTD,
District 6, engineer for permission.
B. Staff Analysis:
The UU zoned property at 905 LaHarper Blvd. is occupied by a one-story brick
office building. There is an access drive at the northwest corner of the
property from LaHarpe Blvd. There is paved parking on the south and east
sides of the building. There is also vehicular access from W. Markham Street
through the properties to the south. There is an existing ground -mounted sign
at the northeast corner of the building. The ground sign is 5 feet by 6 feet in
area and approximately 9 feet in height.
AUGUST 28, 2006
ITEM NO.: 5 (Con't.
The applicant is proposing to move the existing ground sign to the northwest
corner of the property, as noted on the attached site plan. The sign is
proposed to be located on the front property line. The applicant is also
proposing two (2) directional signs. One of the directional signs is proposed to
be located on the east side of the entry drive within the LaHarpe Blvd. right-of-
way, with the second directional sign being located near the southwest corner
of the building. Each directional sign will be 16 inches by 36 inches in area
and approximately two (2) feet in height. The directional signs will direct traffic
to the parking areas on the south and east sides of the building. Additionally, a
wall sign is proposed on the east side of the building. This sign will be 16
inches by 36 inches in size and will direct persons to the front door of the
business.
Section 36-342.1( c)(11) of the City's Zoning Ordinance prohibits ground -
mounted signs in the UU zoning district. Wall signs are allowed in the district.
However, Section 36-557 requires wall signs to face streets. Therefore, the
applicant is requesting variances to allow the principal and directional ground
signs in the UU zoning district and the wall sign without street frontage.
Staff does not support the variances, as requested. Although staff does not
oppose moving the existing ground sign to the northwest corner of the
property, staff feels the sign should be set back at least five (5) feet from the
north property line. Staff also does not support the directional sign being
located in the public right-of-way. Staff will support the one (1) directional sign
located at the southwest corner of the building. Additionally, staff does support
the requested wall sign on the east side of the building. In summary, if the
applicant eliminated the directional sign located in the right-of-way and moved
the principal ground sign five (5) feet back from the north property line, staff
could support the application. Staff feels the proposed ground sign will aid in
identifying the property entrance to east bound vehicular traffic on LaHarpe
Blvd.
C. Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends denial of the requested sign variances, as filed.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT: (AUGUST 28, 2006)
The applicant was present. There were no objectors present. Staff presented the item
and a recommendation of approval.
Staff informed the Board that the applicant had revised the application to remove the
proposed directional sign from the right-of-way and move the proposed ground sign at
least five (5) feet back from the north property line. Staff recommended approval of the
revised application, subject to the following conditions:
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AUGUST 28, 2006
ITEM NO.: 5 (Con't.
1. The ground sign must be located at least five (5) feet back from the north
property line.
2. Sign permits must be obtained for all signs.
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.
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