03/26/2007 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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J. Burke moved to gi•ant Nissan of North Olrnsted of 28500 Lorain Road their request which consists of signage and the following variance is granted as amended: 1). A variance for 2 additional wall signs on a building, (code permits 1, applicant shows 3) section 1163.27(a). Per plans marked received 1Vlarch 9, 2007. Which is in violation of Ord. 90-125 section 1163.27 (a). N. Sergi seconded the motion which was unanimously approved. 6. Ganley Honda; 25870 Lorain Road: (WRD # 1) Request for variance (1123.12). The proposal consists of new signage and the following variances are requested: 1. A variance for 1 additional wall sign on a building (signs A& B), (code permits 1, applicant shows 2) section 1163.27(A). 2. A variance for 1 additional ground sign on a lot (Signs C& D), (code allows 1, applicant shows 2) section 1163.27(a). 3. A 15 foot variance for ground signs too close to each other (signs C& D), (code requires 200 ft, applicant shows 185 ft) section 1163.26 (A). 4. A 9 foot 7 inch variance for a ground sign higher than code allows (sign C), (code permits 8 ft, applicant shows 17 ft 7 inches) section 1163.26 (C2). Which is in violation of Ord. 90-125 sections (1163.27(A)), (1163.27(a)) and (1163.26 (C2)). Mr. Bizjak with Sign-Lite and Mr. Hazelton with Ganley each came forward to be sworn in and address the request. Mr. Bizjak said the Pontiac dealership was sold and the site was reassessed and it was found that the site needed new signage. Although the signage required for the site does not me.et current codes the signs are needed for visibility. He presented photos of the existing site and a site which had very large wall and ground signs. The request is for 2 wall signs placed on either side of the south wall which will have 24 inch letters; one will say Honda and the other will say Ganley Honda. There are two ground signs needed. The main ground sign will be a Honda ID sign 17 feet ta11.8 feet wide and the second sign will be an 8 foot tall 8 foot wide (Certified Used Car Sign) which is required by Honda headquarters. Mr. Hazelton said that although the signs are not mandatory they are being used to follow the used car policies of Honda headquarters. Currently there are no signs identifying that they are a certified used car dealership. They feel the signs are needed as vehicles do not recognize the site until they are right in front of the dealership. ? Mrs. Sergi questioned the number of Honda dealers who sold certified used cars and asked if the flags would be removed from the windows of the used cars. Mr. Hazelton said more than 50% of the dealers sell certified used cars and the flags identify the individual vehicles. Mr. Burke asked if in fact the dealership was selling cars with or without all the signs. Mr. Bizjak suggested the signs were needed for marketing and locating the dealership. Mrs. Diver reviewed that the site already had the wording Honda posted 9 times so it would be hard to believe that clients couldn't figure out they are at a Honda dealership. The board again asked if the dealership was unable to sell vehicles due to the lack of signs. Mr. Hazelton said they do sell cars but the ground sign is blocked by vehicles being displayed on either sicle of the sign. He felt that due to the building Ueing so close to Lorain Road they don't receive the visibility they need. Mrs. Sergi voiced that the request for a second wall sign was redundant as both signs say Honda and they are on the same wall. Plus with all the window signs on the building and plastered all over the cars she found it hard to e ieve t e app icants were ac ng visibility: NIr.- izj K said tlrat square footage for what is allowed for one wall sign and asked if the board would prefer the two signs say Honda and Ganley only. The board suggested removing the individual Honda sign and only using the Ganley Honda sign which met city codes. Mr. Hazelton said they are not allowed to place Ganley next to the Honda sign unless there is a separate Honda sign. Mr. Burlce advised that the board was trying to be consistent with code requirements and they have heard the same requests from other dealers. Mr. Bizjack asked if the board would address eac variance individually to work with them. He questioned if the board would be open to removing 8