01/05/2015 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Russell said the building department is requesting the board deny their request to have a pole sign. Mr. O'Malley said this isn't an appeal but a variance request and recommended the board follow the seven factors of practical difficulty when examining the case. Ms. Rudolph aslced why the applicant was requesting a pole sign and not a ground sign. Mr. Haddad said a pole sign provides maximum visibility of the sign face and provides safety for those entering and leaving the site. It allows the neighboring businesses visibility as a ground sign would block their signs. Ground signs can be 12 feet high and up to 50 square feet; they are below area on the pole sign. Photos of a comparison of ground sign and pole sign were presented. Mr. Haddad said code states the sign must be outside the sight triangle; if placed outside the triangle a ground sign would be blocked by trees and neighbors' signs. This site is very small and a ground sign would not worlc. The site would not be visible to vehicular traffic and would leave no place to staclc snow. Eight additional photos were submitted. Mr. Haddad said it is hard to determine the difference between pole and ground sign per code. A ground sign is nothing more than a shorter pole sign at 12 feet high. Mr. Hacidad read definitions of ground sign and pole sign. He feels there is little difference between the two. The existing sign would be a ground sign if they lowered it to 12 feet in height. At 12 feet this sign would not be seen and iinpede traffic. Ms. Rudolph asked Mr. Russell if the applicant's sight triangles were accurate Mr. Russell said the photo shows a triangle but there are no measurements. Mr. Haddad said a good sign is critical to businesses success. This pole sign provides maximum visibility and safety for all businesses abutting them. The variance is not substantial considering the alternatives. The area of the existing sign is allowed by code. If a ground sign is installed it would alter the character of the neighborhood. The owner did not purchase the site with knowledge of the restrictions nor is it applicable. Mr. Russell said the drawing provided is not clear on measurements; however assuming the documents are correct, a 12 foot ground sign can be placed to code on the site. Abutting neighbors were notified of this hearing; if they were concerned a ground sign would iinpede their business they could be present to support the request. Mr. Haddad said there are other locations in North Olmsted that have pole signs. Mr. Russell said if a variance for a pole sign is granted it runs with the land and this site will always be allowed a pole sign. Mr. O'Malley reviewed the intent of the code to eliminate pole signs in the city. He cautioned meinbers from accepting the applicant's interpretation of the city code pertaining to pole signs and ground signs being the same. It is not the board's duty to interpret the code but to review the building official's ruling: Board members were frustrated that the applicant submitted very little prior to the meeting and submitted various photos and documents without scale or measurements at the hearing. Mr. Haddad said he wasn't given enough time to prepare for the meeting. After the November 3, 2014 meeting he received a letter stating their site needed to be brought into compliance within 30 days or apply for a variance. However once the board required the owner be present they had to move the meeting date so he could attend. Mr. Russell said granting a pole sign could set precedent and the applicant had more than enough tiine to submit additional items prior to the meeting. Mr. Allain said the applicant can place a sign to code; and there are plenty of other businesses which have the same size lot that have ground signs meeting code. He doesn't believe the applicant has submitted anything compelling to grant a variance. Mr. Papotto said the applicant's documents show a ground sign can be placed to code. Mr. Raig said there hasn't been anything presented to show a hardship. 2