HomeMy WebLinkAboutDept Report 06-25-07
CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
DEPARTMENT REPORT
June 25, 2007
2-4h. Burger King - West Carmel Marketplace
The applicant seeks the following development standards variance approval:
Docket No. 07050018 Section 27.08 minimum parking requirements
Docket No. 07050020 Section 25.07.05 maximum number of drive-through menu
boards
Docket No. 07050021
signs/logo definition
The site is located in West Carmel Marketplace and is zoned B3/Commercial Retail.
Filed by Mike Dauss of Dauss Architects for Burger King Corporation and Duke Construction.
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Section 3
maximum percentage of logos on permitted
General Info: The petitioner has
requested three variances related to
the construction of a new Burger
King restaurant in West Carmel
Marketplace. The variances would
permit a reduction in parking of 19
spaces; the installation of a standard
..,. drive-through menu board system;
and the use of their "button" logo,
which includes the full text of the
restaurant name. There are several
other restaurants in West Carmel
Marketplace; this would the first
, free-standing fast-food restaurant in
this development.
Analysis: Because of the significant
amount of adjacent parking, as well
as the alternative transportation
paths and bicycle parking, the
reduction of parking at the subject
site is not a great concern. The ordinance requires 52 parking spaces based on the size of
the proposed restaurant; 31 spaces have been proposed. Ten additional stacking spaces
would be available at the drive-through window. Given that fast-food restaurants do a
great deal of drive-through sales, and that turnover is quick compared to sit-down
restaurants, the reduction in parking is acceptable. In addition, the reduction would allow
for required landscaping.
The variance for the sign logo is requested because the overall design of the sign,
including the restaurant name, represents their logo. Therefore, the sign is 100% a logo
sign, and the Sign Ordinance permits only 25% of the sign area to be a logo. This
"button", or round sign would be placed at the front, or west elevation, and would be the
only sign on site, with the exception of drive-through signage. Because the text, color, and
configuration of the sign represents their logo, and because complying with the ordinance
would necessitate installing a text sign as well as the "button" sign, the request in this case
is a minor deviation from the Ordinance.
The Ordinance permits a maximum of 16 square feet for drive-through menu signs. The
petitioner has proposed two menu boards, measuring a total of29.58 square feet. One
menu board would advertise specials and meals, and would measure 17.34 square feet.
The other menu board would advertise individual items, and measure 12.24 square feet.
Both menu boards would be on a red metal frame, located just over a foot off the ground.
The menu board would be smaller than that existing at the Wendy's restaurant, north of the
subject site. However, the Wendy's menu board is designed as one piece, and presents a
more cohesive appearance. If the proposed menu board sign for Burger King had the
appearance of one sign, it would mitigate the overall size of the proposed sign. The
building itself is designed with brick, cast stone, and EIFS trim as the primary materials.
These materials should be integrated into the design of the sign, such as providing a brick
base.
Findings of Fact: Parking
1. The approval of this variance will not be injurious to the public health, safety, morals, and
general welfare of the community because: the adjacent commercial retail sites provide
additional parking, and the nature of the proposed use does not dictate a large amount of parking at
anyone time.
2. The use and value of the area adjacent to the property included in the variance will not be
affected in a substantially adverse manner because: the adjacent commercial retail sites
provide additional parking, and the nature of the proposed use does not dictate a large amount of
parking at anyone time.
3. The strict application of the terms of the Zoning Ordinance to the property will result in
practical difficulties in the use of the property because: A variance could be required to provide
for reduced landscaping, if the required amount of parking were to be installed.
Findings of Fact: Logo Sign
1. The approval of this variance will not be injurious to the public health, safety, morals, and
general welfare of the community because: the sign would be the only sign installed on the
property, excluding the drive-through menu board and directional signs, and the design for this use
is 100% logo, including the text.
2. The use and value of the area adjacent to the property included in the variance will not be
affected in a substantially adverse manner because: the sign would be the only sign installed on
the property, excluding the drive-through menu board and directional signs, and the design for this
use is 100% logo, including the text.
3. The strict application of the terms of the Zoning Ordinance to the property will result in
practical difficulties in the use of the property because: additional signage would be required to
bring the logo to the required 25% of overall signage, which would have a negative visual impact.
Findings of Fact: Menu Board
1. The approval of this variance will be injurious to the public health, safety, morals, and
general welfare of the community because: the menu board design could be changed to more
closely match the design of the building and mitigate the size.
2. The use and value of the area adjacent to the property included in the variance will be
affected in a substantially adverse manner because: the menu board design could be changed to
more closely match the design of the building and mitigate the size
3. The strict application of the terms of the Zoning Ordinance to the property will not result in
practical difficulties in the use of the property because: a compliant menu board could be
constructed, and would still be legible by drivers. .
Recommendation: The Dept. of Community Services recommends positive consideration of Docket
Nos. 07050018 and 07050021, and negative consideration of Docket No. 07050020 after all
questions/concerns are addressed.