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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDept Report 9-27-04CARMEL/CLAY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS DEPARTMENT REPORT September 27, 2004 l h. Fidelity Plaza, Tower 3 - Fifth Third Bank Sign Thc applicant seeks thc following development standards variance: Docket No. 04070017 V Chapter 25.7.02-11 (b) number of signs The site is located at 11590 N Meridian Street. The site is zoned S-2/Residence & B-6/Business within the US 31 Overlay. Filed by Tom Engle of Barnes & Thomburg for REI Investments. General Information: The applicant seeks variance approval to have one additional wall sign on Tower 3. Background Information: The item, known as Docket No. 04060025 ADLS Amend, went before the Special Studies Committee on July 6 and was approved with a vote of 4-0. The window signs were reduced to become exempt signage (3 sq ft) and the wall sign size complies with the Sign Ordinance. The ATM machine will have a brick enclosure to match the building. At the August 23 BZA meeting, there was discussion about the sign size and type. Here is an excerpt from last month's meeting minutes: Mr. Dierckman asked about previous signs at this location. Mr. Bordenet stated that there is currently one sign on the building and they would like to add an additional sign. No sign will be taken down. Discussion followed regarding the Carmel Sign Ordinance. Mr. Weinkauf felt there had been inconsistencies in the Department's recommendation with previous signs. Ms. Butler stated that there are multiple buildings within this complex. With this unique location along U S 31 and 116th Street, there are adjacent buildings within the complex that have one or two signs so they are more easily viewed from the highway. The other sign on this building is for a different business. Fifth Third Bank would only be getting one sign for their business. Mrs. Plavchak wanted to know if Fifth Third Bank would be occupying the whole building. Mr. Bordenet stated that Fifth Third Bank would occupy part of the first floor, including the drive- thru. Ms. Butler stated that ground signs with directories are used within complexes of business buildings. Mr. Molitor stated that the practice has been that the landlord has control of the wall sign. If the building has two faces, then it is allowed a sign to face each street. This building only faces 116th Street, but staggers back behind the other building facing 116th Street. There is a ground sign at the entrance to the complex. Mr. Bordenet stated that there would be ground signs indicating the direction to the drive-thru. The Public Hearing was closed. Mr. Dierckman moved to approve Docket No. 04070017 V, Fidelity Plaza, Tower 3 - Fifth Third Bank Sign. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Torres. The vote was tied 2-2, with Mr. Dierckman and Mrs. Plavchak casting the opposing votes. Mr. Dobosiewicz stated that the item would be tabled until the next regular Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on September 27, 2004. In the meantime, the City Council would need to appoint an alternate Board member, in place of Mr. Hawkins, to hear this item. Analysis'. The subject property is close to US 31 and in a complex with other buildings of equal height. The applicant would like to be able to equally compete with other banks in the complex, by having a wall sign, also. Findings of Fact: Number of Signs 1.) The approval of this variance will not be injurious to the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the community because' the proposed sign will be placed near the top of the 6-story building, in order to let patrons know of the bank's existence at the site. Customers will be able to identify the site, even from US 31 southbound lanes and 116th street, possibly reducing the opportunity for traffic mishaps to occur. 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: there are several other businesses with in the business building complex that also have wall signs. The petitioner wants a fair sign size on a 6-story tall office building. 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: The business may not adequately be able to advertise its location, that it is located within the Tower 3 building. This may affect the bank's vitality. Recommendation'. The department recommends positive consideration of Docket No. 04070017 V.