04/01/2013 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Rudolph moved, seconded by Mr. Lopez, to grant DSW Shoe Store of 25877 Great Noa-thern Shopping Center a 1 ft 2 in height variance for the height of wall sign; cocle allodvs 4 ft, applicant shows 5'2", section 1163.28 (c) which passed 4-0. Walgreens; 24590 Lorain Road Proposal consists of a digital sign; the following variance is requested: a variance for an electronic (LED) messaging sign; code prohibits changeable electronic signs, applicant shows a digital sign, section 1163.23. Joel Frezel of JF Signs, LLC; John Lecchetti, Walgreens district manager; and Kevin Ropenus, Walgreens store manager were administered the oath. Mr. Frezel said his clients would like to change out their reader board sign with an electronic monochrome LED type sign. Walgreens is replacing all manual reader boards with electronic boards. The electronic sign does not flash or scroll and is used for community alerts/messages, flu shot and products sold within the store. The current sign is used the same way however they have to manually change out each letter. The LED sign is hardwired back to their building and is controlled by the store's computer. Photos were submitted showing changeable signs which had been updated to LED noting the appearance of the LED signs were more aesthetically pleasing. The overall size of the ground sign will not change nor will it change the character of the neighborhood. Mr. Lecchetti said during the October wind storm the changeable sign was damaged and due to the type of sign which is rarely used it took quite a bit of time to receive replacement parts. Mr. McReynolds said the City installed a changeable sign which is not in violation as the City is public property. The applicant has not shown a hardship for such a sign. The board's decision is very important and could set precedence to future requests. He and the Planning Director recommend the variance be denied. Ms. Rudolph questioned the difference between the city having an electronic sign and those businesses in the general retail. Mr. McReynolds said as a public entity the city has no monetary interest nor promoting a cause or seeking to improve sales. A variance should only be approved if there is a hardship shown. Mr. O'Malley advised the board to review the standards for addressing an area variance and ensure when ruling the applicant has met the requirements for granting a variance. Mr. Frezel said his client is asking to be permitted to use a different type of graphic preseritation. He is not sure what the difference between a manual and electronic board is as both types can be changed multiple times a day. Ms. Bellido asked if the sign flashed or scrolled and Mr. Frezel said it has the ability to flash or scroll but his clients fade their messages in and out. Mr. Lopez said most electronic signs have the ability to scroll. Neighboring resident Joseph Murray was administered the oath. Mr. Murray asked about the size of the sign and how bright the sign would be as it is at a very dangerous intersection and could adversely impact vehicular traffic. Ms. Rudolph voiced frustration that the city is using a media which they prohibit. Mr. Lopez also voiced a frustration that the city was not leading by example and using a prohibited sign. Mr. McReynolds said the city is not in violation by having such a sign. Ms. Bellido said an electronic sign is more aesthetically pleasing then a change board sign. Mr. Raig said the applicants are asking for a sign which is not allowed by code. If the city wishes to start entertaining the use of such signs it should do so through legislation. The applicant has not shown a hardship as to why they should be allowed to use a prohibited sign. Ms. Rudolph