L1 B1 BMBC Sign DesignTown of Avon
Sign Design & Variance Staff Report
May 6, 1997 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting
Report date May 1, 1997
Sign type Freestanding Sign
Legal description Lot 1, Block 1, Benchmark at Beaver Creek Subdivision
- Coastal Mart
Zoning Neighborhood Commercial (NC)
Address 0063 Nottingham Road
Introduction
The existing Coastal Mart freestanding sign is approximately 31 feet tall with an area of 72
square feet. The applicants propose replacing it with a sign that is 31 feet tall with an area of 116
square feet.
It appears that the current sign existed prior to adoption of the Town of Avon's Sign Code. The
code now limits freestanding signs to a height of eight feet and an area of 40 square feet. The
code further stipulates, however, that the Planning & Zoning Commission has the discretion to
expand these limits to an area of 64 square feet and a height of 20 feet. Additionally, the code
states that freestanding signs may not exceed the height of the site's tallest building.
As the new sign is outside the allowable parameters of the Sign Code, the applicant is requesting
a variance for both the sign's height and signage area.
As a reminder, this application will require a review and action on the requested variance, and
then review and action on the sign's Final Design. Following are the criteria and the required
findings for approval of a variance, and the review considerations for final design approval.
Variance Approval Criteria
According to Section 15.28.090.13.2 of the Avon Municipal Code, the Commission shall consider
the following factors with respect to the requested variance:
1. The relationship of the requested variance to other existing or potential uses and
structures in the vicinity.
2. The degree to which relief from a strict or literal interpretation and enforcement of a
specified regulation is necessary to achieve compatibility and uniformity of treatment
among sites in the vicinity, or to attain the objectives of this title without grant of special
privilege.
3. Such other factors and criteria applicable to the proposed variance.
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Lot 1, Block 1, Benchmark at Beaver Creek Subdivision, Sign Variance and Design Review, page 2
May 6, 1997, Planning & Zoning Commission meeting
Findings Required
According to section 15.28.090.13.3 of the Avon Municipal Code, the Planning & Zoning
Commission shall make the following findings before granting a variance:
A. That the granting of the variance will not constitute a grant of special privilege
inconsistent with the limitations on other properties in the vicinity;
B. That the variance is warranted for one or more of the following reasons:
1. The strict, literal interpretation and enforcement of the specified regulation would
result in practical difficulty or unnecessary physical hardship inconsistent with the
objectives of this title;
2. There are exceptional or extraordinary circumstances or conditions applicable to the
site of the variance that do not apply generally to other properties in the same zone;
3. The strict or literal interpretation and enforcement of the specified regulation
deprive the applicant of privileges enjoyed by the owners of other properties in the
same district.
Design Review Considerations
According to the Town of Avon's Sign Code, Section 15.28.070 Design Review Criteria, the
Planning & Zoning Commission shall consider the following items in reviewing proposed
designs:
1. The suitability of the improvement, including materials with which the sign is to be
constructed and the site upon it is to be located.
The interior -lit box -type plastic sign material is not encouraged by the sign code; however,
the code does stipulate that the Commission may approve this type of sign material.
2. The nature of adjacent and neighboring improvements.
The project is located in the Nottingham Road Commercial District. Neighboring businesses
include other commercial establishments, such as Pizza Hut and Golden Eagle Tire Center.
3. The quality of the materials to be utilized in any proposed improvement.
See consideration #1.
4. The visual impact of any proposed improvement, as viewed from any adjacent or
neighboring property.
No comment.
5. The objective that no improvement will be so similar or dissimilar to other signs in the
vicinity that values, monetary or aesthetic, will be impaired.
No comment.
6. Whether the type, height, size, and/or quality of signs generally complies with the sign
code, and are appropriate for the project.
See introduction.
7. Whether the sign is primarily oriented to vehicular or pedestrian traffic, and whether
the sign is appropriate for the determined orientation
The sign is oriented to interstate highway vehicular traffic.
Town of Avon Community Development c:\server\p&z\1997\050697\1 b1 bssgn.doc
(970) 949-4280Fax modem (970) 949-5749
Lot 1, Block 1, Benchmark at Beaver Creek Subdivision, Sign Variance and Design Review, page 3
May 6, 1997, Planning & Zoning Commission meeting
Staff Recommendation
Staff has no formal recommendation.
If you have any questions regarding this project or any planning matter, please call me at
949-4280 ext. 139, or stop by the Community Development Department.
Town of Avon Community Development c:\server\p&z\1997\050697\1 b1 bssgn.doc
(970) 949-4280Fax modem (970) 949-5749
Lot 1, Block 1, Benchmark at Beaver Creek Subdivision, Sign Variance and Design Review, page 4
May 6, 1997, Planning & Zoning Commission meeting
Planning & Zoning Commission Action
❑ Approved as submitted
Cd/Denied
❑ Approved with conditions (noted below)
❑ Tabled
❑ Withdrawn by applicant
Conditions of approval, reasons for tabling or withdrawal of application, or basis for denial (refer
to code or guidelines by number):
Signed:
^ Date r
Jack Hurn, Ch
Attest:
%`—�� Date
Railton, Secreta
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