L1 ATSQ MSP Amendmend VARTown of Avon Planning & Zoning Commission
Staff Report: Variance
Submitted for the August 15, 1995 meeting
Date August 10, 1995
Project The Golden Beaver
Variance Type Sign Variance; Master Sign Plan Amendment
Legal Description Lot 1, Avon Town Square Subdivision
Zoning Town Center
Introduction
The request is for a variance to allow a sign using reflective material. Section 15.28.060.F of the
Avon Municipal Code states that reflective surfaces are not allowed. The proposed sign is a gold
brushed aluminum that would be 5 feet tall and illuminated. It is the company's Golden Beaver
logo. The proposed location of the sign is on the northwest elevation of the Slifford Building.
Only a logo, with no lettering is proposed. The variance application is accompanied by a request
for an amendment to the master sign plan to allow for the new sign.
Staff Comments
The staff reviewed the variance request with respect to the following criteria:
1. The relationship of the requested variance to other existing or potential uses and structures
in the vicinity.
The proposed sign is to have the Golden Beaver, the logo of the company, without any
lettering. The sign is not anticipated by staff to have a negative impact on any of the buildings
within the vicinity. The Seasons building which is nearby, has gold lettering that is also
somewhat reflective. The logo may be considered as an attractive logo adding visual interest
to the building. It could potentially cause glare onto the adjacent properties and/or Benchmark
Road. However, based on the unique orientation of this face of the building which is angled to
the northwest, it is not expected that the sign would cause a reflection that would impair the
vision of adjacent drivers. Any glare would likely be reflected to the north, and not onto the
road.
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.
The variance is not needed to allow for uniformity of treatment of sites within the vicinity.
The business could have a lettered sign without their logo on the building. However, this
particular business, which is primarily jewelry, uses a gold logo. Because the sign code
restricts illuminated signs, the business could not use their logo on a sign in any location in the
Town. Many other signs in Town, commonly use company logos. Logos are considered
critical to many businesses.
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Lot 1, Avon Town Square, pag
Submitted for the August 15, 1995 meeting
3. Such other factors and criteria applicable to the proposed variance.
Staff has not identified any additional factors.
Approval Criteria
According to Section 15.28.090.B.2 of the Avon Municipal Code, the Commission shall consider
the following factors with respect to the requested sign variance:
A. The relationship of the requested variance to other existing or potential uses and structures in
the vicinity;
B. The degree to which relief from the 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;.
C. Such other factors and criteria as the Commission deems applicable to the proposed variance.
Findings Required
According to Section 15.28.090.B.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 classified in the same district;
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.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends approval of the sign variance as well as the amendment to the master sign
program to allow for the 5 foot Golden Beaver logo on the northwest face of the Slifford
building. The proposed sign would not have a negative impact on adjacent properties and is not
expected to create a glare problem that would create any traffic hazards on Benchmark Road. The
proposed sign is attractive and contributes to the visual interest of the building. The specific
prohibition of the sign code against reflective material would prohibit the owner from using their
company logo on any signage in the Town.
ikUK.161610
Lot 1, Avon Town Square, pag,
Submitted for the August 15, 1995 meeting
If you have any questions regarding this or any other project or community development issue,
please call me at 949-4280 (extension 13 1) or stop by the Community Development Department.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Griffith
Town Planner
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Lot 1, Avon Town Square, pat
Submitted for the August 15, 1995 meeting
Planning & Zoning Commission Action
Variance granted as submitted ( ) Variance granted with recommended conditions ( o
Approved with modified conditions ( )
Withdrawn ( )
Continued ( ) Variance Denied ( )
Date Sue Railton, Secretary
1ATS.DOC