HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report STAFF REPORT
Project Manager: Lindsay Boyer, Staff Planner Report Date: July 19, 2006
Email: Iboyer@cstx.gov Meeting Date: August 1, 2006
Project Number: 06-00500122
APPLICANT: Tara Norsworthy
REQUEST: Sign Variance
LOCATION: 901 University Drive East
PURPOSE: To increase allowable sign height from 22 feet to 35 feet, and
increase number of allowable colors on a sign
GENERAL INFORMATION
Status of Applicant: Sign Contractor for the owner
Property Owner: Rosco Chimney Hill, Inc. — Brandon Wolsic
Applicable
Ordinance Section: Section 7.4.M as it relates to sign height, and Section 5.8 as it
relates to sign height and color.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Zoning and Land Use
• Subject Property: C-1, General Commercial and OV, Corridor Overlay, developed as
the Best Western hotel.
• North: R-4, Multi-Family, developed as apartments (access from Spring
Loop).
• West: C-1, General Commercial and OV, Corridor Overlay, developed as
office buildings.
• East: C-1, General Commercial and OV, Corridor Overlay, developed as
a restaurant (Buffalo Wild Wings).
• South: Across University Drive, C-1 General Commercial and OV,
Corridor Overlay, currently under development as the University
Town Center retail center.
Frontage: The subject property has approximately 210 feet of frontage on
University Drive
Access: The property is accessed by two entrances on University Drive at
the east and west end of the property.
Topography &Vegetation: The property is currently developed as the Best Western, and has
little vegetation. The property slopes significantly away from
University Drive in the first 50 feet of the property line, and
remains relatively flat in the middle of the property and slopes
down again in the northwest corner of the property as it nears the
floodplain.
Flood Plain: A portion of the property lies in area designated as Floodplains
and Streams on the City's Comprehensive Plan. The area is noted
as Zone A on FIRM Maps which indicate that no base flood
elevation has been determined (Map Panel 48041 C0142 C)
VARIANCE INFORMATION
Background: The subject property applied for a sign permit on March 31, 2006
to replace an existing freestanding sign that would be located 36
feet from the curb, 35 feet in height, with an area of 71.25 square
feet, and 4 colors - grey, yellow, red, and blue.
The application was denied based on the provisions of the Unified
Development Ordinance as it relates to sign height and color.
These provisions require that a freestanding sign be no taller than
half the distance from the curb. In this instance, the distance was
provided as 38 feet from the curb and would allow a 18 foot sign.
Sign height is based on the height measured from the curb, so
that in the event a sign is located below or above the road, the
sign height may be compensated. In this instance, the sign is
located approximately 4 feet below the right of way and would an
overall sign height of 22 feet.
The Unified Development Ordinance also provides that signs in an
overlay district may be no taller than the building at any time, and
limited to 3 colors on a sign, excluding white and black, and 2
fonts. The applicant has met the requirements regarding sign
fonts, but show 4 colors on the sign.
Therefore, the applicant is requesting a variance of 13 feet to the
sign height and a variance allowing 4 colors to a sign in the
Overlay.
ANALYSIS
Special Conditions: Applicant has indicated that the owner is trying to comply with new
franchise signs. This sign will be smaller than the existing sign
however, it will not meet the height requirements due to the
setback change with the widening of University Drive
Hardships: Applicant has indicated that the hardship is that the existing sign
was permitted prior to the expansion for University Drive and
therefore does not comply with current ordinance after that
expansion.
Alternatives: None identified.
Recommendation: Staff recommends denial of this request. The ordinance takes into
account topographical changes in the land that affects sign height,
further the University widening project has affected all of the
properties along this corridor, and neighboring properties have
been able to accommodate signs that meet this ordinance.
Additionally, the current sign height and location is grandfathered
as it exists today, and the company has the option to replace the
face without having to meet current height and setback
requirements. Finally, other franchised businesses in this overlay
district have been able to meet the requirements regarding
limitations to sign color without a variance.
SPECIAL INFORMATION
Ordinance Intent: To establish clear and unambiguous regulations pertaining to
signs in the City of College Station and to promote an attractive
community, foster traffic safety, and enhance the effective
communication and exchange of ideas and commercial
information (Section 7.4)
To enhance the image of gateways and key entry points, major
corridors, and other areas of concern, as determined by City
Council, by maintaining a sense of openness and continuity
(Section 5.8).
Similar Requests: No similar requests have been made to these requirements since the
adoption of the Unified Development Ordinance in 2003.
Number of Property
Owners Notified: 13
Responses Received: None as of the date of the staff report.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Small Area Map
2. Application
3. Sign Permit Application