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3. A 10 foot variance for sideyard setback of parking (Comm.) (code requires 10 ft., applicant shows 0), section (1139.07). (Table) 4. A 2 foot variance for access driveways (code requires 18 ft., applicant shows 16 ft.), section (1161.10 (b)). Which is in violation of Ord. 90-125 sections (1165.02), (1139.07), 1161.10 (b)). This request was tabled at the beginning of the meeting at the request of the applicant. 16}. Sofa Earess24869 Lorain Road: (WItD-4) Request for variance (1123.12). The proposal consists of new signs. The following variances are requested: 1. A variance for 2°d wall sign (code permits l, applicant shows 2), section (1163.27 (a)). 2. A variance for multiple ground signs on a lot (code permits l, applicant shows 3), section (1163.26 (a)) • 3. A 2 foot, 6 inch variance for a wall sign higher than code permits (code permits 4 ft., applicant shows 6 ft. 6 inches), section (1163.27 (c)). 4. A 2 foot, 6 inch variance for a second wall sign higher than code permits (code permits 4 ft., applicant shows 6 ft., 6 inches), section 1163.27 (c)). Note: Regarding the second variance request, two of the ground signs are directional signs with company name. _ Which is in violation of Ord. 90-125 section (1163.27 (a)), (1163.26 (a)), and (1163.27 (c)). Vice Chairman Kremzar called all interested parties forward to review the request. Andy Lafler came forward to be sworn in and to explain the request. He indicated he is with Advanced 5ign Group of Columbus, Ohio. They are requesting a signage package for Sofa Express. The company is based out of Columbus and is a 45-store furniture chain that has been in business since 1950. They recently purchased 8 stores in this area from Seaman's Furniture. They would like to have similar signage to what Seaman's had. The first variance is for a second wall sign so that they can have one sign facing east and one facing west. They would also like multiple ground signs. There is one monument sign in front now and 2 directional signs, one at each entrance. He questioned whether directional signs are considered ground signs. Mr. Conway said the code has changed because of a federal lawsuit. The city cannot control content of a sign. The purpose of the existing sign was to identify the driveway. He added this applicant is choosing to put the company name on the sign. He would rather see those signs, for the entrance and exit, denied all together, then grant additional signage for the company. Mr. Kremzar asked for confirmation from Mr. Conway on which signs he would like denied. Mr. Conway indicated he does not want the directional signs by the driveway at all. Mr. Lafler said if they can keep the directional sign because it is a large lot, it would help with traffic flow in and out of the lot. They would be willing to remove the company name on the sign. Mr. O'Malley said that Mr. Conway is trying to convey that the sign code restricts to one monument, one ground sign, for a variety of reasons. The spirit and intent of the sign code is to restrict the size and number of signs. Mr. Lafler said that for the record they would like the directionals granted to assist with traff'ic flow since Lorain Road is a busy street and they could drop the 5ofa Express name off of those signs. The third variance is for the wall signs. They understand code allows 4 ft. overall height. They have a 2 line sign that exceeds that and is 6 ft. 6 inches. He showed photos to the board members. He mentioned the Seaman's Furniture sign that was previously there. Mrs. Sergi asked for the size of that sign. 1VIr. Lafler indicated the "S" on that sign was 28 inches and the "F" was 18 inches, with 6 inches in between. He added their sign would be proportionate with the building. Mr. Kremzar asked if the applicant would want to continue with just 3 members. Mr. Lafler indicated they would like to move forward. Mr. Conway pointed out he has no objection to the wall signs because they are architecturally pleasing. Mr. 0'Malley added that the city is grateful to have Sofa Express come in to the city. Mr. Kremzar asked for confirmation from Mr. Conway that he would have no objection to 10