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CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
DEPARTMENT REPORT
September 22, 2008
1-2h. The National Bank of Indianapolis (US 421) - Signage
The applicant seeks the following development standards variance approval:
Docket No. 08080005 V Ch. 25.07.02-08 b) Number of signs
Docket No. 08080012 V Ch. 25.07.02-08 b) Two signs facing one ROW
Thc site is located at 10590 N. Michigan Rd. It is zoned I-I, Wide variety of industrial, commercial, and
office uses. Filed by Tom McDowell of Brenner Design.
General Info: The petitioner is requesting for a ground sign to be
placed on the property in addition to two existing wall signs. The
site is at the corner of I 06lh St. and Michigan Rd. in the Weston
Park development.
Analysis: The proposed sign will be 4' tall and the actual sign area
will only be 5.6 sq. ft. It will have a brick base and a background
(EFlS) material that will match the existing building. The letters
will be made from aluminum and painted bronze and mounted to
the surface of the sign. TIle sign will read "The National Bank of
Indianapolis, Banking Center of West Carmel." There will also be
an "]" logo made of green marble with gold inlay at the top of the
slgn.
The star on the map to the left shows where the sign will be
located. The two red lines show where existing wall signs are
located. The proposed ground sign will be facing the corner intersection, similar to the wall sign on that fa9ade
(facing the intersection). It will be one sided and will be externally illuminated. This site is allowed 80 sq. ft. of
signage. The two wall signs currently take up 66 sq. ft. The addition of this sign would not put the site over on its
square footage allotment. It will however, have two signs facing the same right-of way and exceed the number of
signs allowed for this site.
The Department feels that this additional sign will not enhance this site in any way. It will simply add more signage
for no other purpose than having additional signage. It is located on a prominent corner of Michigan Rd. with no
visibility or access issues. It is not necessary for way-finding as there are adequate wall signs which will be more
visible to drivers than a low lying ground sign.
Findings of Fact: Number of signs and two signs facing one right of way
4. The approval of this variance will be injurious to the public health, safety, morals, and general
welfare of the community because: there is no hardship proving a need for this additional sign. It is not
facing a different direction than an existing sign and will not aid in traffic direction. It will add sign
"clutter" to Michigan Rd. and take away from the "look" Carmel is trying to create through the regulation
of the Sign Ordinance.
5. The use and value of the area adjacent to the property included in the variance will be affected in a
substantially adverse manner because: allowing this additional sign would encourage other businesses to
ask for more signs when not allowed or necessary for identification.
6. 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: the site is at a very prominent and busy comer
along Michigan Rd. There are no access or visibility issues because the building is easily seen from all
traffic directions. There is no hardship proving a need for this additional sign.
Recommendation:
The Dept. of Community Services recommends negative consideration of Docket Nos. 08080005 and
Docket No. 08080012 V after all concerns have been addressed.