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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9-4-97 BA MinutesBOARD OF ADJUSTMENT September 4, 1997 City Council Chambers A meeting of the Board of Adjustment was held on September 4, 1997 with the following members present: Board Member Chuck Mason Board Member Lamar Roach Board Member Glenn Bodwin Board Member Alvin Cook Board Member Joe Ashy Board Members Absent: Board Member Bob Harris Board Member Dohn LaBiche Board Member Mary Jowers Also present: Stephen Richardson, Planning Director; Tyrone Cooper, First Assistant City Attorney; Maria Trapp, Planning Technician and Jill Cole, Recording Secretary. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Board Member Roach made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 5 , 1997 Board of Adjustment Public Hearing, Board Member Ashy seconded the motion. Motion to approve carried 5:0. SWEARING IN OF WITNESSES PUBLIC HEARING 1) File 401-BA: A request for a variance regarding the setback and square foot area for a proposed owner identification sign in an RS (Residential Single Family Dwelling) District. Location: Church - 1350 N. 23rd Street (Sign - 3800 block of Gladys Ave.) Applicant: St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Mr. Richardson told the Board that the request was for variances of the setback requirement and of the maximum allowable square footage of the proposed sign at 1350 23rd Street for St. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT September 4, 1997 Andrew's Presbyterian Church. The setback request is from the required 25 feet to 0 feet. The request from the maximum allowable size is from 20 square feet to 55 square feet. St, Andrew's Presbyterian wishes to build a new sign along its Gladys Avenue frontage. As stated by the church, the new sign at the proposed location would allow for better identification of the church by passing motorists. Staff feels that conditions A-C have been met. However, staff would like to suggest if the Board wishes to consider a 10' setback for the sign instead of the 0' setback that that might be an appropriate recommendation. Staff still feels that at that location the sign would still be visible. Forty-two notices were mailed to property owners within 200 feet of the subject property. One response in favor and three in opposition were returned. Board Member Mason, acting as Chairman, opened the public hearing and asked for the applicant's comments. Harland Merriam, Pastor of St. Andrew's, the applicant, addressed the Board. Mr. Merriam said he feels that the easier the sign is to read, the safer it will be to passing motorists. He said that they would be using the same color bricks and the same type cross that is on the church. It is a changeable letter type sign to allow for messages. In response to Board Member Bodwin, Mr. Merriam said the lighting would be from floodlights on the ground directed toward the sign. In response to Board Member Roach, Mr. Merriam said that messages on the sign would be for various meetings such as scout meetings, community events and church functions that are open to the public. Board Member Ashy clarified that the new proposed sign would be in addition to the existing sign. Board Member Ashy asked Mr. Merriam if the church had a permit for the temporary sign. Mr. Merriam answered that they did not. Discussion on temporary signs and the regulations concerning those followed between staff and the Board. Board Member Ashy asked Mr. Richardson to read the responses that staff received. Mr. Richardson read the three responses in opposition: "I can't imagine the church wanting a billboard on their nieve grounds --I know I don't want one near my house." "This is a single family residential zone and needs to be kept so. The church has been inconsiderate about the use of an unsightly portable sign for periods of up to five months. The sign was stored only 2 BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT September 4,1997 after I formally complained to the church staff. I hope not to be forced to endure such a large billboard on a permanent basis." "St. Andrew's is in a residential neighborhood and a large commercial advertisement type sign would look out of place. Surely the church has mailouts to advertise events." Board Member Mason asked for comments in favor or in opposition. Ed Orr, 3830 Evalon, addressed the Board. Mr. Orr lives across Gladys from the church. Mi. Orr expressed opposition to the sign. He feels that it would be unsightly and doesn't belong in a residential neighborhood. Discussion between Mr. Orr and Board Member Mason regarding sign particulars followed Board Member Mason closed the public hearing. Discussion between Board members followed. Board Member Ashy stressed that fairness and consistency be given to the church and their proposal and to the surrounding neighbors. He said he had looked at churches in that area -- Woodlawn Baptist Church and Trinity Methodist Church. Those churches have similar signs to the one that is now existing on the comer of 23rd and Gladys, but there is only one sign. The proposed sign is to advertise events at the church and is in addition to the consistent church identification sign. Board Member Cook stated that since the first sign was constructed before Gladys Avenue went through, there was a need created when Gladys was extended. Board Member Ashy agreed with Mr. Cook, but reiterated that the sign is really to announce events at the church. Board Member Roach asked if staff had an idea how many churches in Beaumont had marquee type signs. Mr. Richardson replied that they did not. Board Member Mason reopened the public hearing the asked for Pastor Merriam to come forward again for discussion with the Board. Discussion of the proposed sign being in addition the original sign followed. The public hearing was closed. Discussion of procedures if the request was denied followed. Board Member Roach made a motion to table the variance as requested in File 40 1 -BA until the October 2, 1997 meeting, subject to Mr. Ed Orr having some input on the request and with the provision that St. Andrew's Church will have an opportunity to reconstruct and adjust the proposal. Board Member Ashy seconded the motion. Motion to table carried 5:0. 3 S•\'7 i i' � 1 i Board Member Ashy requested that staff do a little more research with regard to what is the accepted norm in Beaumont for church signage in residential areas. OTHER BUSINESS THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS, THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED. 4