HomeMy WebLinkAboutDept Report 05-19-08
CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
HEARING OFFICER: DEPARTMENT REPORT
May 19, 2008
2-3d. Carmel Elementary School - Sign age
The applicant seeks the following development standards variance approval:
Docket No. 08040003 V Section 25.07.02-05 Sign size larger than permitted
Docket No. 08040004 V Section 25.07.02-05 Sign height taller than permitted
The site is located at 101 4th Ave. SE. It is zoned R-2, Single family residential, low to medium density,
narrower lots.
Filed by William Payne of Fanning Howey.
General Info: The petitioner is seeking variance approvals to have
an institutional ground sign that is 6 feet 2 inches tall, rather than
the required 5 feet height. Also, the petitioner is seeking a variance
to have an area of changeable copy (on the sign) that is greater than
16 square feet. The sign ordinance requires the sign to only have
changeable copy that is 16 square feet less. The proposed area of
changeable copy is 18.67 square feet. A sign permit is required for
this sign.
Analysis: This larger ground sign will be similar to many of
Carmel's other elementary school signs. They have a need for a
larger changeable copy area to notity parents and residents of
activities and events happening at the school. The sign will only be
3.33 square feet over the total 30 square feet that is allowed. It will
be 1 feet 2 inches taller than the 5 feet allowed. The Department has
no issues with this sign as presented.
Findings of Fact: Sign size larger than permitted and sign height taller than permitted.
1. The approval of this variance will not be injurious to the public health, safety, morals, and general
welfare of the com munity because: the size of the signage is appropriate for the frontage and overall size
of the site and building.
2. The use and value of the area adjacent to the property included in the variance will be not affected in
a substantially adverse manner because: the signage will be kept as low in height as practical. There will
not be any lighting included at the signage, eliminating potential glare issues at adjacent properties.
J. The strict application of the terms of the Zoning Ordinance to the property "ill result in a hardship
in the use of the property because: the size limitations of the building identification sign would prohibit
the signage that is legible from passing vehicles at a distance. There are typically multiple events scheduled
at the school that need to be announced to patrons. The strict application of the size limitations would
greatly limit the ability of the school to fully inform patrons.
Recommendation:
The Dept. of Community Services recommends positive consideration of Docket Nos. 080400 3 V and 08040004
V after all concerns have been addressed.