12/04/2003 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Note: See letter dated 11/25/03 stating number of spaces they claim to require. This proposal has been withdrawn from the agenda at the request of the applicant. 6). Nissan, 28500 Lorain Road, (WRD 1) Request for variance (1123.12). The proposal consists of new signage. The following variances are requested: 1. A 24.725 square foot variance for maximum sign face area per building (code permits 130 sq. ft., applicant shows 154.725 sq. ft.), section (1163.24 (b)). 2. A variance for additional wall signs (code permits 1, applicant shows 6), section (1163.27 (a)). 3. A 4 3/16 inch variance for wall sign height (code requires 4 ft., applicant shows 4 ft. 4 3/16 inches), section (1163.27 (c)). 4. A variance for additional ground signs (code permits 1, applicant shows 3), section (1163.26 (a)). 5. A 160 foot variance for ground sign (spacing) from sign A to sign F(code requires 200 ft., applicant shows 40 ft.), section (1163.26 (a)). 6. An 88 foot variance for ground sign (spacing) from sign A to sign E(code requires 200 ft., applicant shows 112 ft.), section (1163.26 (a)). 7. An 8 foot variance for ground sign height (code permits 12 ft., applicant shows 20 ft.); section (1163.26 (c)). 8. A variance for 2 ground signs (traffic hazards) in 35 ft. triangle (code requires sign outside 35 ft. triangle area, applicant shows signs E& F inside triangle area), section (1163.17 (c)). Which is in violation of Ord. 90-125 sections (1163.24 (b)), (1163.27 (a)), (1163.27 (c)), (1163.26 (a)), (1163.26 (c)), and (1163.17 (c)). Chairman Maloney called all interested parties forward to review the request. Mr. John Gnat, the sign representative, Mr. Larry Chuppa, the Nissan representative, and Mr. Tom Gallagher, an adjoining property owner, came forward to be sworn in and address the board. Mr. Gnat said that Nissan is undergoing a national image update and this proposal is part of that package. He said he believes they are asking for the addition of two directional signs. All the other signs are existing and will be replaced. He referred to the site plan. Mrs. Sergi asked if the "service" and "pre-owned" is on one sign right now. Mr. Gnat said they are on the same section of the building. Mrs. Sergi said they are not the size the applicant is now asking for. Mr. Gnat said he is not sure. Mr. Kremzar pointed out they are talking about nine signs and that is a lot. Mr. Gnat said the two directional signs are the only ones being added. Mrs. Sergi asked if they really need those. Mr. Chuppa said it is what Nissan requires and there are seven signs there now. They are just adding two more. Mrs. Sergi asked if there is an issue with people finding where they need to go. Mr. Chuppa said that people are always going to the wrong side of the building for service. Mr. Kelly said he has a problem with all the corporate headquarters that come in and say, "this is what we want," when it is really the community that has to live with this extra signage that is over and above what the code allows. Mr. Gnat said this particular dealership is obligated to update the image and the Nissan packages are provided nationwide. It would be an additional burden of cost for the dealership to purchase smaller signs. They are not produced that way. The signs are being pulled from a stockpile of signs produced for all the dealerships. Mr. Kremznr said that is not the board's problem. Mr. Gnat said he realizes that but it is an issue for the dealership. Mr. Kremzar questioned if it is necessary to have "North Olmsted" on the sign, as most people know they are in North Olmsted. Mr. Chuppa said they would be willing to drop that and just put "Nissan" on the sign in hopes they can get the other signs done. 1VIr. Gallagher said he has the building next door and since Nissan has been at its location, they have done a lot of work and it looks good. He thinks they are doing it right. Mr. Kremzar said the board is just concerned about the number of signs in NOrth Olmsted. Mrs. Sergi asked what other signs the applicant can live without. Mr. Gnat said the "North Olmsted" signs that are on the front of the building are to enhance the image of North Olmsted. If the board feels that is not a necessity, they can probably do without those. They are there now. Mr. O'Malley said the applicant has made a number of references to signs that are in existence now. He wants to be sure the board appreciates that when a new sign package is being considered, the Building 4