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CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
DEPARTMENT REPORT
January 26,2009
lh. Abuelo's - Signage
The applicant seeks the following development standards variance approval:
Docket No. 08120001 V Ch. 25.07.02-10 b) Total number of signs
The site is located at 14480 Lowe's Way. It is zoned PUD, Planned Unit Development. Filed by Brent
Bennett of A-I Expeditors on behalf of the owners.
General Info: The applicant is requesting a third wall
for the building. The site is located within the US 31
overlay zone. Surrounding uses include commercial and
residential.
Analysis: The applicant proposes a 72.78 sq. ft. wall
sign to face east towards Lowe's Way (yellow star on
map to left). The sign would have white faces and white
illumination. Its size and design match the sign criteria
of the Lowe's PUD. The reason for the variance is the
applicant already has two signs (the orange lines on
map), which is what the PUD allows. The applicant also
has a spot on the entry monument sign (the orange eircle
on map) to direct people to the restaurant.
The Department is concerned with the necessity of this
sign. This site is a destination location. The building is
about 450' from Lowe's Way. It is over 1,000' to the
intersection of 146lh S1. and Lowe's Way. An additional
sign on the east side of this building will not be effective
in attracting more "drive by" consumers. The
Department stands by the PUD in only allowing two
signs for this building.
Findings of Fact: Total number of signs
1. The approval of this variance wiD be injurious to the public health, safety, morals, and general
welfare of the community because: there is a residential neighborhood to the east of this development. A
sign facing east could potentially have light pollution that negatively affects those ho~eowners.
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 PUD for this site allows for two wall signs. One facing west
and the other over the main entrance to the building. The applicant could have oriented the building either
to the north or east to maximize their allotted signage options.
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: The site is destination oriented. The restaumnt
has great visibility from US 31. A third wall sign on the east fU9ade will not make site access easier; it will
just add unnecessary sign clutter.
Recommendation:
The Dept. of Community Services recommends negative consideration of Docket No. 08120001 DSV
after all concerns have been addressed.