09/03/2009 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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A brief discussion ensued regarding the existing directional sign which the board felt should be allowed to be refaced as the exit is right turn only and without the sign could be hazardous to vehicles leaving the site. Mr. Mitchell suggested the applicant contact his office to discuss the issue and Mr. Phillips said he would work with the building department to ensure the vehicles exiting the site are aware of the right turn only. Powerhouse Gvm; 27336 Lorain Road: Request for variance (1123.12). Proposal consists of an additional sign and the following variances are required: 1. A variance for 1 additional wall sign; code permits 1 and 2 are shown, section 1163.28 (a) 2. A 1 foot variance for a wall sign higher than allowed; code permits 4 ft and 5 ft is shown, section (1163.28 (c) Mr. Schramm with Schramm Signs came forward and advised that the gym owner was out of town and his application included a letter from the landlord. Mrs. Diver read aloud the landlords letter noting the letter approved the request provided it met local municipal requirements and then swore in the representative. Mr. Schramin said the owner of the gym requested an existing sign design be used in North Olmsted which did not meet code. Therefore the Powerhouse sign was decreased to 4' x 25' and the logo was separated from the sign to get a sign installed for the opening. The logo is a second wall sign which is not allowed but is required by the franchise to be on the building. The site has a large setback and the logo is only 30 sq ft and can not be reduced any further. City codes allow 1 sq ft of signage for every 100 sq ft of frontage then sets the maximum square footage for a sign to 100 square feet. Therefore although they have 250 sq ft of frontage they are only allowed 100 sq ft not the 130 sq ft they're showing. The only section of the strip center not being occupied by the gym is the existing Weight Watchers and Pizza shop. Mr. Mitchell said the existing sign meets code and if only two spaces are not being occupied by the applicant their frontage may be larger than 250 sq ft. The owner requests to place the logo on the building and states they are required by the franchise to have it but no letter from the franchise has been received. He noted the plaza owner's efforts to work with the city to address property maintenance issues at the site. Mr. Schramm said the front fagade was quite large and could accommodate the logo and still look aesthetically pleasing and balance the entrance. Mrs. Sergi said if the logo was reduced to a 4 ft height and placed along the side of the existing sign the sign would be less than 130 sq ft and would meet code and Mr. Mitchell said it would meet code but the applicant wants the logo above the existing sign. Ms. Rudolph noted that city codes prohibited any one wall sign from being more than 100 sq ft so the logo could not be placed along side or above the existing sign without a variance. Mrs. Sergi said the gym owner and property owners should be present as the landlord's letter states he approves the sign as long as it meets code and what is being requested does not. Mr. O'Malley said that the board could not assume that there would never be another business in the strip center. The board under the rules can table the matter to have the owner and tenant present if they wish. Mrs. Diver asked if the members wished to table the matter to have the owner and tenant present and all members voiced they felt they should be present. Ms. Rudolph noted tabling the matter would not impede the owners business as there was a ground and wall sign currently in place. Ms. Rudolph moved, seconded by 1VIrs. Sergi, to table Powerhouse Gym of 27336 Lorain Road until the owner/landlord and gym owner are present which was unanimously approved 5-0.