Title
Discussion regarding variance for Supershow Firework signage
Body
SUMMARY: Supershow Fireworks recently requested a monopole sign for their business located at 144 River Otter Drive. Upon review, an off-premise advertising sign was located near the business. The off-premise sign would not be permitted under the current ordinance and a variance has been requested. The request is attached.
The following sections of the ordinance have been violated:
§ 14-503 GENERAL PROVISIONS
(I) No signs are allowed in the public right-of-way except for official government use and/or public safety. For purposes of this Chapter, the public right-of-way shall include any median and 15 feet from the asphalt unless otherwise clearly marked. If wood lines or private property are less than 15 feet away from the edge or asphalt, signs may be placed as far as possible from the edge of the asphalt. This does not allow signs to be placed on private property without permission of the land owner. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this provision shall not supersede Section 14-503(E) relating to sandwich boards along sidewalks.
The off-premise sign is located within the right-of-way. There is a sign for the visitor’s center directly beside the current off-premise sign. It was placed there prior to the ordinance being adopted, so it has been grandfathered in.
§ 14-505 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO OFF-PREMISE SIGNS AND BILLBOARDS
(A) A permit is required for the relocation or erection of any off-premise sign or billboard.
(E) Off-premise signs classified as commercial activity shall only be permitted in connection with or within 600 feet of an active operating commercial or industrial business or regularly used building, parking lot, storage or processing of commercial and industrial activity in accordance with rules and regulations established by State Department of Transportation for unzoned commercial or unzoned industrial areas.
(J) With the exception of signs and billboards fronting Interstate 40, the spacing of which is controlled by the State Department of Transportation, all off-premise signs and billboards shall be spaced at least 750 feet apart, and at least 750 feet away from any existing non-conforming sign or billboard.
(S) All freestanding off-premise signs and billboards shall be of a steel monopole design. Unique stamped drawings by an Engineer licensed in Tennessee are required for each freestanding off-premise sign or billboard. They shall conform to currently adopted wind load requirements of the International Building Code adopted by the City of Crossville.
The City Council is designated to serve as the Sign Board to review and decide on requests for variances or adjustments from the specific terms of the ordinance. The Board may render a decision at the meeting or may take the request for study and render a decision at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
Staff recommends denial of the variance.
BUDGET ACCOUNT:
Recommended Action
NECESSARY COUNCIL ACTION: approve or deny variances