HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-8941 Staff AnalysisMAY 19, 2014
ITEM NO.: 3
File No.:
Owner/Applicant:
Address:
Description:
Zoned:
Z-8941
Walid Ismael
3208 S. University Avenue
West side of University Avenue, South of W. 32"d Street
C-3
Variance Requested: A variance is requested from Section 36-550 to allow a directional
sign larger than permitted by code.
Justification: The applicant's justification is presented in an attached letter.
Present Use of Property: Restaurant
Proposed Use of Property: Restaurant
STAFF REPORT
A. Public Works Issues:
No Comments.
B. Staff Analysis:
The C-3 zoned property at 3208 S. University Avenue is occupied by a one-story
commercial building which houses a Popeye's restaurant. Driveways from S.
University Avenue serve as the primary access to the property. Town and Country
Avenue, a private street, runs from W. 32"d Street along the west (rear) property
line. The private street serves as a rear secondary access to the Popeye's
restaurant as well as several other businesses to the north and south, including a
UALR parking lot.
The applicant recently installed a second ground -mounted sign on the property
along the rear (west) property line, as noted on the attached site plan. The sign is
approximately 15 feet tall, with an area of approximately 22 square feet. The
applicant placed the sign along the rear property line to serve as a
directional/informational-type sign to identify the rear access to the property for
customers and to help prevent UALR students from parking in Popeye's lot.
Section 36-550(5) of the City's Zoning Ordinance allows two (2) directional /
information signs per lot, not to exceed four (4) square feet in sign area and six (6)
feet in height. Therefore, the applicant is requesting a variance from this ordinance
requirement to allow the larger directional/information sign.
MAY 19, 2014
ITEM NO.: 3 (CON'T.
Staff supports the requested sign variance. Staff views the request as reasonable.
The applicant has had problems with UALR students utilizing his parking lot and
needed signage to clearly identify his property/parking lot, and distinguish it from
the adjacent UALR parking lot to the south. Staff feels that the proposed sign
accomplishes the applicant's needs. Although Town and Country Avenue is not
constructed to commercial street standards, it essentially functions as a
commercial street serving as secondary access to more than a dozen businesses
from W. 32"d Street to Colonel Glenn Road. Therefore, staff feels that the sign as
proposed is not out of place and will provide direction to the property. Staff
believes the proposed 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, as filed.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
(May 19, 2014)
The applicant was present. There were no objectors present. Staff presented the
application with a recommendation of approval. There was no further discussion.
The item was placed on the Consent Agenda for approval as recommended by staff.
The vote was 4 ayes, 0 nays and 1 absent. The application was approved.