01/08/2009 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

1bIrs. Sergi moved, seconded by Ms. Rudolph, to grant Aldi's of 4694 Great Northern Blvd a 2 foot variance for a wall sign higher than code allows code permits 4' applicant shows 6', section 1163.28 C provided that no additional variances pertaining to signage would be sought. Roll call; Diver, 5ergi, Bellido, Rudolph -yes, Menser -no vareance granted 4-1. Sears Outlet; 26662 Brookpark Road Extension: Request for variance (1123.12). The proposal consists of signage. The following variances are requested: 1. A 65.9 square foot variance for a wall sign larger than code allows on a unit (#1 &#2), code pernzits 89 sq ft, applicant shows 154.9 sq ft section 1623.25 c. 2. A 2.5 foot variance for a wall sigh higher than code allows (#1), code permits 4 ft, applicant shows 6.5 ft section 1163.28 c. 3. A variance for a second wall sign on a unit (#2) code permits 1 applicant shows 2 section 1163.28 a. 4. A 46.9 square foot variance for a wall sign larger than allowed by code (#1) code permits 100 sq ft, applicant shows 146.9 sq ft section 1163.28 c. Note: 1). Proposal is to add to existing wall sign (79 sq ft). 2). 2' x 4' wall sign on back of unit near rear door. Mr. Lou Bellcnap with Agile Signs and Ms. Judy More the General Manager of Sears Outlet each came forward to be sworn in and address the board. Mr. Belknap said the current sign met code and was installed hastily when the store was opened. The current sign which was erected is 3 foot 6 inches high because they were unaware there was underscore wording still needing to be installed which is 2 feet 1 inch high bringing the total height too 6 foot 6 inches high. The underscore wording is needed to identify the store itself as it is a discount store not just an outlet. The store faces east and is tuclced baclc from the road so the sign does not direct traffic in any way. It is not directly seen from any road and the hardship is the sign is not visible from any corridor. The only way to see the sign is to enter the site from the east. The blue and white sign is not a bright sign and the underscore wording which is red and white although illuminated is not significant. The rear/west wall sign is a non-illuminated sign which depicts the delivery door to use. The resident's memo voices a concern that the west wall sign is illuminated which it is not. The east sign is not visible to the residents as it faces east and is tuclced between the building therefore he does not see the west or east sign being an issue to the residents which are to the north and closer to the Ollie's store. As far as being massive and unreasonable in size the wall is large enough to accommodate the size of the proposed sign. The sign as submitted is needed to let customers lcnow what to expect from the store as it is not a standard store. Ms. More said she receives a minimum of 10 calls a day questioning how to get to the site. Ms. Rudolph aslced what the reaction of customers had been with existing signage. Ms. More said customers upon entering the store have thought they were a repair center, hardware store, or are loolcing for clothing. Until the staff explains what exactly the store offers they don't understand what is offered. Ms. Rudolph questioned if the under wording was a standard use for all their outlet stores and Mr. Belknap said it was. Mrs. Sergi read aloud the board's minutes of July 10, 2008 pertaining to Ollie's variance request. The board requested the owner be present and develop a Master Sign Plan for the entire plaza. Although they were appreciative that the variance request was not substantial any variance granted a tenant affects every tenant thereafter. She noted that to date the owners had not been present nor has a Master Sign Plan been submitted for the plaza. The applicant's as a third tenant, if granted variances; will require the next tenant to seelc even a larger variance for their wall sign. The board would lilce to address the entire plaza at one time. Mr. Bellcnap said he was never advised that the board wanted a Master Sign Plan for the entire plaza as he would be happy to advise the owners in designing a Master 6