HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-9099 Staff AnalysisJAN UARY 25, 2016
ITEM NO.: 5
File No.:
Owner:
Applicant:
Address:
Description:
Zoned-,
Main Street Lofts, LLC
Marsha Gulley, City of Little Rock
514/524 Main Street
Northwest corner of Main Street and W. 6t" Street
PCD
Variance Requested: A variance is requested from the sign provisions of Section
36-342.1 and 36-553 to allow projecting signs with increased area.
Justification: The applicant's justification is presented in an attached letter.
Present Use of Property: Mixed Use
Proposed Use of Property: Mixed Use
STAFF REPORT
A. Public Works Issues:
A franchise permit must be obtained from Public Works for the projecting signs.
Contact Bennie Nicolo at 371-4818 for details.
B. Staff Analysis:
The PCD zoned property located at 514/524 Main Street is occupied by a three-
story masonry building which was recently remodeled. The property is located at
the northwest corner of Main Street and W. 6th Street. The building will contain
mixed uses. The property is located within the Main Street Creative Corridor, a
project to revitalize Main Street.
The applicant proposes to place three (3) projecting signs on the west (Main
Street) side of the building, as noted on the attached site plan. The proposed
signs will advertise the Arkansas Symphony, The Arkansas Repertory Theatre
and Ballet Arkansas. The proposed signs will have an irregular shape. The sign
silhouettes will fit within an eight (8) foot by six (6) foot to ten (10) foot by 7.5 foot
area. The signs will be located over ten (10) feet above the sidewalk along Main
Street. The sign will project into the right-of-way 5.5. feet to 7.5 feet. The
applicant notes the following with respect to the proposed signs:
"The signs were designed as part of an art competition to promote the
JANUARY 25, 2016
ITEM NO.: 5 (CON'T.
Creative Corridor as a vibrant arts district. They are intended to 1) signal
that one is in the Creative Corridor, 2) serve as works of art, and 3) help
illuminate the area, thereby promoting safety and security on Main Street."
Section 36-553(a)(2)b. of the City's Zoning Ordinance allows projecting signage
in the UU zoning district with a maximum area of 12 square feet. Section 36-
553(b) requires that projecting signs be located at least five (5) feet back from a
property line. However Section 36-342.1 (c )(9) allows signs to project into the
public right-of-way within the UU zoning district. Therefore, the applicant is
requesting a variance to allow the three (3) projecting signs with increased sign
area.
Staff is supportive of the requested sign variance. Staff views the request as
reasonable. The proposed signs will be located within the Main Street Creative
Corridor. Although the projecting signs are larger than allowed by ordinance, the
applicant notes that the signs are smaller than projecting signs that used to be
located along Main Street. The signs will also be located between the second
and third floors of the building fagade, with the intent that the signs be viewed
from a block or two away from the site. Staff believes that the proposed signs
meet the intent of the Main Street Creative Corridor and that they 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 projecting signs must be located at least nine (9) feet above
the sidewalk.
2. A franchise permit must be obtained for the signs.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT (January 25, 2016)
The applicant was present. There were no objectors present. Staff presented the item
and a recommendation of approval as outlined in the "staff recommendation" above.
There was no further discussion. The item was placed on the consent agenda and
approved as recommended by the vote of 5 ayes, 0 noes and 0 absent.
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