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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-8289 Staff AnalysisNOVEMBER 26, 2007 ITEM NO.: 2 File No.: Z-8289 Owner: First United Methodist Church of Little Rock Applicant: J. Scott Schallhorn Address: Northwest Corner of W. 81h and Center Streets Description: Lot 7, Block 92, Original City of Little Rock 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 (Urban Use) District. Justification: The applicant's justification is presented in an attached letter. Present Use of Property: Church Parking Lot Proposed Use of Property: Church Parking Lot STAFF REPORT A. Public Works Issues: No Comments. B. Staff Analysis: The UU zoned property at the northwest corner of W. 8th and Center Streets is occupied by a paved parking lot. The parking lot is accessed by way of driveways from Center Street. The parking lot contains perimeter and interior trees, with a large tree within a non -paved area at the southeast corner of the property. The parking lot serves the First United Methodist Church located to the east across Center Street and the CDC day care center to the west. The church proposes to install a monument -type, ground -mounted sign at the southeast corner of the property (northwest corner of intersection), as noted on the attached graphics. The proposed sign will consist of two (2) 16.5 inch brick columns, with an LED Display sign between the columns. The sign will have an overall width of 11 feet (including columns) and height of six (6) feet. The applicant notes that the sign will allow the church to "advertise and raise NOVEMBER 26, 2007 ITEM NO.: 2 (CON'T. awareness of its outreach programs, worship opportunities and other ministries." Section 36-342.1 (c)(1 1) of the City's Zoning Ordinance prohibits ground - mounted signs in the UU (urban use) zoning district. Therefore, the applicant is requesting a variance to allow the proposed sign. Staff is supportive of the variance request. The intent of the UU Zoning is for the development of a pedestrian -friendly district, with buildings placed on front building lines and signage located on the building fagade (wall or awning - mounted). Given the fact that this property is located further south of the more intense pedestrian use area of downtown, staff feels that the requested variance is reasonable. The proposed sign will be of similar size and type to other signs (pre -dating the UU regulations) in this general area, and should have no adverse impact on the surrounding properties. Additionally, the sign is at the maximum height (6 feet) and maximum area (64 square feet) typically nllr., rl i.r-,ffirr, - r-.iniv C. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the requested sign variance, subject to the following conditions: The sign must be located at least five (5) feet back from any property line. 2. The sign must not exceed the height and area as proposed. 3. A sign permit must be obtained. 4. The LED sign must be operated within the City's guidelines for electronic message signs. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT: (NOVEMBER 26, 2007) 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 at vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays.