LAWRENCE SIGN CODE BOARD OF APPEALS

MEETING MINUTES

DECEMBER 2, 2004 - COMMENCING AT 8:25 p.m. AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS MEETING, CITY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM, FIRST FLOOR OF CITY HALL, SIXTH AND MASSACHUSETTS STREET, LAWRENCE, KANSAS

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ITEM NO. 1:   MINUTES  

One typographical error was noted in the October 2004 minutes

 

Motioned by Mr. Herndon, seconded by Mr. Hannon to approve the minutes of the October 2004 meeting as revised.

            Motion carried unanimously, 6-0.

 

The Board did not meet in November 2004.

 

ITEM NO. 2:   COMMUNICATIONS

There were no additional communications to come before the Board.

 

 

ITEM NO. 3:   CROWN CHEVROLET USED CAR SALES; 3400 IOWA STREET

 

SV-08-10-04:  A request for a variance from the provisions of Chapter 5, Article 7 (Signs), of the Code of the City of Lawrence, Kansas, 2003.  The request is to allow the applicant to have a fourth ground mounted monument sign advertising Chevrolet Used Cars on the same lot where they have received prior variance approval to have three separate ground mounted monument signs.  Section 5-739 of the Sign Code of the City of Lawrence, Kansas, 2003 is the governing regulation concerning sign standards in commercially zoned areas.  The location of the proposed sign is on the north side of the property facing the 34th Street right-of-way.  The sign is for the Crown Chevrolet, Crown Toyota and Crown Used Car Sales businesses located in the 3400 block of Iowa Street.  Submitted by BG Consultants, Inc., for Myles Schnaer, owner of Crown Chevrolet, Crown Toyota, and Crown Used Car Sales.

 

STAFF PRESENTATION

It was discussed that the Board had a precedent of not considering Sign Variances without the applicant or their representative present.  The Board agreed to hear Staff’s presentation before deciding whether to table the item.

 

Mr. Walthall explained that three monument signs were approved for the subject property in October, and the applicant indicated at that time a request for a fourth sign was forthcoming.  The fourth sign was not eligible for consideration in October because of public notice requirements.  The applicant had not provided new plans this month, and the Board was asked to refer to the plans they received in October.  Mr. Walthall clarified where the fourth sign would be located on those plans. 

 

Mr. Walthall said the request involved a large lot (in excess of 5 acres) that would be allowed two ground signs at separate access points by code.  The variances approved in October allowed three monument signs in place of existing pole signs. At that time, the Board acknowledged that there were three separate businesses on the single lot and the applicant had explained that the (competitor) businesses were strongly opposed to sharing signage.

 

It was established that the requested fourth sign would be on 34th Street, not Iowa Street with the previous three signs.

 

 

 

Mr. Walthall presented the applicant’s proposed justification for all four of the signs.  The applicant felt that the monument signs were more code compliant (in form if not in number) and visually appealing than the existing pole signs. 

 

BOARD DISCUSSION

It was noted that the applicant stated that the project would not go forward if the variance were not approved.  It was suggested that, if this were the case, it was surprising that the applicant was not in attendance.  Mr. Walthall said he did not know why the applicant was not present, as he/they had given the impression that he/they meant to attend the meeting.

 

Mr. Walthall responded to questioning that Staff had requested but had not received a revised site plan for this application.

 

The Board discussed tabling the item to allow the applicant an opportunity to be present to speak about the proposal.  Mr. Walthall was asked to communicate to the applicant the Board’s hope that a representative would attend the next meeting.

 

ACTION TAKEN

Motioned by Mr. Goans, seconded by Mr. Emerson to table the item to the January 2005 meeting and direct Staff to make the applicant aware that a revised site plan and an applicant (or representative) would be expected at that time.

            Motion carried unanimously, 6-0.

           

 

ITEM NO. 4:   MISCELLANEOUS  

 

There was no other business to come before the Board.

 

ADJOURN  - 8:35 p.m.

 

Official minutes are on file in the Planning Department.