10/11/1994 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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? i .- ,?-- Mr. McCunn, representing Ponderosa, had presented a picture of the mural previously and explained that it was a mouutain sceue with trees and the Ponderosa sign was on it. The picture was taken at another location. Mr. Gorris read Section 1163.23(fl of the Zoning Code listing exemptions from the sign code, which stated "......painted wall murals or other similar art work if approved by the Plauning Commission and the Architectural Review Board." The Commission is being asked to look at this as part of the building, not as a sign. Mr. Gorris considered it a sign. Mr. Conway stated that if it were a sign it would need several variances. He clarified that if it were a sign he would be required to enclose it with the smallest rectangle or triangle that would incorporate the graphics in order to figure the square footage. Unless the board approves is as a mural, he would have to consider it a sign. Mr. McCunn stated that the sign is actually smaller than the previous one and the mural is part of their logo nationwide. Mr. Gorris is concerned that if they approved this mural it would set a precedent, and wondered if this were approved, where would it stop since people would want bigger and brighter ones. Other things, such a backlit canopies have been considered signs. Mr. Orlowski believed that this was a company logo, and frequently the Commission has requested that the logo be removed from signs, specifically the Wendy's girl and the Rollo Pollo Chicken Restaurant. Mr. McCunn noted that this was set quite a bit back and was only seen when cars were coming from the west. Mr. Tallon stated that this rendering was beautiful, but the building has paint chipped off all over it, he is concerned about what would happen if the mural became chipped. He believed that this was a big sign. Mr. McCuun stated that would not happen in North Olmsted. Mr. Miller believed that because this is a logo, it becomes a sign. Mr. Orlowski was also concerned that it would set a precedent and some people might paint the whole side of a building. Mr. McCunn pointed out that they would have to approve it, and he asked the sign were removed, and only the scene left, would they still considered it as a sign. The members believed that it would still be a sign. Mr. Orlowski stated that this was splitting hairs, this was a national emblem and would be recognizable as Ponderosa. Mr. Gorris asked the Building Commissioner if the Commission determined that this was a sign, and the Board of Zoning Appeals granted a variance for it as a sign, would the variance granted go with the building or, if they changed their logo, would they have to go back to the board. Mr. Conway advised that if they were granted a variance for a sign, it would be for that copy, if it were changed it would be subject to a new review . If Planniug Commission approved the mural, Mr. Conway stated that Architectural Review Board would still have to approve it. Assistant Law Director Dubelko believed that it would still have to reviewed by the B.Z.D. Committee of Council, and if it were rejected by Council, he believed that it would be subject to appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals, but that is being looked into at this time. Mr. Gorris believed that if the Commission approved this mural, they would have to approve almost any that came before them, and he was not concemed about this one, but the others that could follow. If it was decided that murals did not have to fall within the sign regulations any size could come before them aud most businesses wanted bigger and brighter signs, etc. Because of that it was decided to send this to the Board of Zoning Appeals. B. Gorris moved to refer the Ponderosa Steakhouse mural as presented before us at 25779 Lorain Road is not exempt by the sign regulations as laid out in Section 1163 of the codes of North Olmsted, seconded R. Tallon, and unanimously approved. It was clarified that originally tliey did apply to the Board of Zoning Appeals and Mr. Conway will check. '4) Nuevo Acapulco, 24409 Lorain Road. Review of partially completed mural on buildiug. 3