HomeMy WebLinkAbout1-5-95 BA MinutesBOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
January 5, 1995
City Council Chambers
A meeting of the Board of Adjustment was held on January 5, 1995 with the following members
present:
Chairman Jayne Eisen
Board Member Bob Harris
Board Member Bruce Irvine
Board Member William Lucas
Board Member Kevin Fuller
Board Member Chuck Mason
Board Member Mary Jowers
Board Members Absent: Board Member Dohn LaBiche
Also present: Stephen C. Richardson, Planning Director; Tyrone Cooper, First Assistant
City Attorney; Bonnie Semien, Planning Technician; and Jill Cole, Recording
Secretary.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Board Member Lucas made an amendment to the minutes of November 17, 1994 regarding
File 371-BA. He had commented that not granting the variance at South Park Middle School
would create a safety problem.
Board Member Lucas made a motion to approve the amended minutes of the November 17,
1994 Public Hearing. Board Member Irvine seconded the motion. Motion to approve carried
7:0.
SWEARING IN OF WITNESSES
BOARD of ADJUSTMENT
January 5, 1995
Public Bearing
PUBLIC HEARING
1) File #372-BA: Consider a request for a special exception regarding the required front yard
building setback for an owner identification sign. City Codes Section 30-37 E. 2.
Location: 85-87 IH-10 N. (Regents Park Office Complex)
Applicant: Mike Barnett for Michael Stevens Interests, Inc. Owner is the UNUM Life
Insurance Company of America.
Mr. Richardson explained that the ordinance states that a special exception may be granted
from the minimum front yard requirements for owner identification signs where a structure
existing at the effective date of this ordinance precludes locating a sign in compliance with
the setback regulations. The building complex was built prior to the adoption of this
ordinance in 1981.
The applicant stated that various locations for the sign were considered but felt that each one
had a drawback.
Based upon the original site inspection, Mr. Richardson said he recommended approval.
Even at the proposed location, the sign will not adversely affect the value or use of adjacent
properties nor would it be contrary to the public interest.
Mr. Richardson said he had taken more precise measurements and found that the sign could
be placed at the proposed location and still meet the 10 foot building setback, This would
place the base of the sign three feet away from the building. Other locations would increase
the distance between the proposed sign and the building. He said he felt that the sign, with
a 10' setback, could easily be seen by people passing.
Nine notices were sent to property owners within 200 feet of the subject property. One
response in opposition and none in favor were returned. Mr. Patrick Phelan returned the
response in opposition and stated that because he had signs to the north and south of the
proposed location and had been required to comply with regulations, he didn't want his signs
blocked.
Chairman Eisen opened the public hearing and asked for the applicant's comments.
Mike Barnett, property manager at Regents Park, addressed the Board. He said the reason
they decided on the proposed location is because it is centralized between the yard and the
building. There is about 16' from the curb to the sign, about 10' of sign and another 14' to
the building. He said they'd like to put an illuminated flagpole behind the sign. They can
put the sign 10' back from the property line and bring it in closer to the building. The sign
is going to be made of the same brick as the indention on the building and they felt that it
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BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
January 5, 1995
Public Hearing
would start blending into the building. It's a low profile sign and we don't see any safety
hazards.
Board Member Harris asked if all the property along IH-10 has a 14' setback from the curb.
Board Member Lucas asked if the sign would be illuminated. Mr. Barnett said the sign would
be illuminated at night as well as the flagpole.
Discussion of flagpoles, etc. followed.
Chairman Eisen closed the public hearing.
Board Member Fuller commented that it is a one-way access road and it would create no site
problems.
Board Members Mason, Lucas and Irvine agreed with Mr. Fuller.
Board Member Fuller made a motion to approve the special exception as requested in File
#372-BA. Board Member Jowers seconded the motion. Motion to approve carried 5:0.
(One abstention and Chairman did not vote.)
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS, THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED.
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