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Sign Review Board

Black Eyed Susan Conference Room
July 14, 2010
2:00 PM

Re:  Public Hearings 

SRB2010-00514, 2800 Tower Oaks Boulevard, Geico Insurance

This modification application requests two variances:  (1) to allow sign placement within the 50 foot setback by the Sign Ordinance and (2) placement of a second sign adjoining the first sign.  The applicant is requesting the signs to be erected 19 feet closer to the property line than permitted.  In the MXE Zone, a freestanding sign must be located no less than 50 feet from any lot line. 

Mr. Terry Korth presented the applicant's request.  Mr. Bob Biroonak, with Art Display Company, explained that there are two existing freestanding signs on the property that need to be upgraded to comply with the existing neighborhood signs comparable to the Tower Oaks signage.  Mr. Biroonak described the first freestanding sign as the Geico sign and the second freestanding sign, with the wording "Tower Oaks Professional Park" to upgrade its curb appeal and associate the subject property with office park immediately to the south.  The second sign would be erected near the Geico freestanding sign. 

In response to the Board, Mr. Korth affirmed that the applicant is asking to maintain the general location of the signage as opposed to the Sign Ordinance, which would push the sign back substantially, and the hardship is due to the existing landscape.  Mr. Korth noted that they want the neighborhood to view Geico as participating with the new surrounds developed around their property.  He pointed out that the property has a conservation easement, and due to heavy tree cover, it makes it very difficult to view a sign that would be set back the required 50 feet from the right-of-way.  

The Board discussed concerns regarding the location of the signage; the need for the second sign on the site; and with the addition of the name "Tower Oaks Professional Park" on the first Geico sign, and whether it would set a precedent. 

Mr. Worthing moved to approve SRB2010-00514, 2800 Tower Oaks Boulevard, Geico Insurance.  Ms. Goehrung and Ms. Hanessian objected to the wording and style of the first sign.  The motion failed due to a lack of a second.  

After further discussion, Mr. Worthing moved, seconded by Ms. Goehrung to approve the location of the signage for SRB2010-00514, 2800 Tower Oaks Boulevard, Geico Insurance. The motion passed on a vote of 2-1.  Ms. Hanessian voted nay. 

The Board further discussed the wording on the second freestanding sign.

Mr. Worthing moved, seconded by Ms. Goehrung to approve SRB2010-00514, 2800 Tower Oaks Boulevard, Geico Insurance, with a condition requiring a letter from Tower Oaks Association granting permission for Geico to utilize the name/wording of "Tower Oaks" on the second sign, must be submitted to this office before the sign permits may be issued.  The motion passed on a vote of 2-1 with Ms. Hanessian voting nay.  Ms. Hanessian explained that she objected to the two adjoining signs. 

Re:  Minutes

Ms. Goehrung moved to approve the June 2, 2010 minutes as written.  The motion passed on a vote of 2-0. 
           
Re:  Adjournment  

The meeting adjourned at 3:10 pm. 

The next meeting of the Sign Review Board is scheduled for Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at 2:00 PM in the Black Eyed Susan Conference Room, located on the 3rd floor of City Hall.