07 OCT 08A G E N D A
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
OCTOBER 8, 2007
6:30 P.M.
CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM
1. CALL TO ORDER: PAGES
2. APPROVAL AND/OR
CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Regular Scheduled Meeting
September 10, 2007
(available at meeting)
3. VARIANCE REQUEST(S):
a. Sign variance
1301 T.P. White Drive
Petitioner: Gwatney Chevrolet 1-6
(site plan included in packet)
ADJOURNMENT
MINUTES: BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT REGULAR MEETING
DATE AND TIME: October 8, 2007 6:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
ATTENDANCE: Commissioners: Mark Perry, Bart Gray, Jr., Glen Keaton, Chairman Brannen, and Acting City Engineer Whisker were present
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City Clerk Susan Davitt recorded those listed above in attendance and Chairman Brannen declared a quorum.
APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Commissioner Perry moved, seconded by Commissioner Keaton to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled Board of Adjustment meeting of September
10, 2007 as presented. MOTION CARRIED.
VARIANCE(S): Sign Variance at 1301 T.P. White Drive, Gwatney Chevrolet
Chairman Brannen opened the public hearing at approximately 6:31 p.m.
Mr. Rob Busick of Southern Coating, Inc. related that Gwatney Chevrolet is proposing to add an LED display sign at 1301 T.P. White Drive. He stated that it would be a double-sided display
on one pole facing north and south. He presented the Board with photographs regarding the sign location on the property, noting that it would only take one car space. He stated that
all wiring would be underground and the height would not be greater than 25’. He then answered that it would be a custom LED sign without the identifying Gwatney Chevrolet logo and
would not flash. He remarked that it would be the same type of LED sign that is being displayed for Cleo’s Furniture. He stated that hold times would be as requested by the City without
animation or flashing.
Acting City Engineer Whisker stated that while the sign ordinance does not outline hold times for LED signage, it does state that such signage will not present a nuisance to the traffic
eye.
It was noted that if programmed normally the LED signage does not present a traffic hazard. He then explained that some cities do legislate hold times because they believe it presents
a detriment to traffic.
Mr. Busick answered that normal hold time could be what has been established by other cities, but added that hold times can be decreased down to one second per frame and is not a nuisance.
He continued that in court cases it has been proven that LED’s are not a traffic nuisance no matter what the hold time. He then answered that suggested normal hold time is approximately
seven seconds. He noted that the LED sign in front of Cleo’s is programmed at approximately one-half second hold time.
Discussion ensued regarding the brightness of the Cleo’s Furniture sign and Mr. Busick offer that it is characteristic of that manufacturer, explaining that the “Cleo” sign does not
have a photocell. He then explained that the sign for Gwatney is a Daxtronic unit, adding that it is the best available in the market. He stated that this unit has photocells, which
offers 68 different degrees of dimming and brightness. He stated that at night the sign would automatically dim so it would not blind traffic, which is the problem with the Cleo’s
Furniture sign. He added that the self-actuating dimmer works very effectively.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT REGULAR MEETING
October 8, 2007
Acting City Engineer Whisker answered that this variance request is in violation of the number of signs allowable. He noted that the property is zoned C-3 highway commercial and that
typically on freeway locations, businesses have been allowed additional signs due to the speed of traffic and the height of traffic.
Mr. Busick stated that statistics quantitatively show how these signs increase sales for businesses, which in turn increase revenues for their cities.
Commissioner Gray noted that the signage dimension is 9.5’ X 15’, which is in line with the sign on the Pentecostal Church. It was then noted that the Church sign is larger in square
footage, measuring 6.5’ X 23.5’.
Mr. Busick then noted that the Cleo’s Furniture sign has the most square footage locally regarding LED signs measuring 9.5’ X 19’.
It was noted that an LED sign of this size would draw more attention than a regular 720 square foot sign.
Chairman Brannen closed the public hearing at approximately 6:44 p.m.
Commissioner Gray moved, seconded by Commissioner Perry to grant a variance regarding the number of allowable signage for Gwatney Chevrolet to install a LED sign at 1301 T.P. White Drive.
MOTION CARRIED.
ADJOURNMENT:
Without objection, Chairman Brannen adjourned the meeting at approximately 6:45 p.m. MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully,
___________________________ _____________________________
Susan L. Davitt CHAIRMAN Art Brannen
CITY CLERK – TREASURER