7.4. SR 10-17-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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to it; it is flat with little to no vegetation. The applicant purchased the property as a vacant parcel; master-planned their site, and built the existing church in its current location. The property has been zoned single-family residential for the duration of and prior to the applicant owning the property. Sign Height There is no hardship, as the property already has a functioning sign on site which can be increased in height while maintaining ordinance requirements. The property has no unique physical features to it; it is flat with little to no vegetation. The applicant purchased the property as a vacant parcel; master planned their site, and built the existing church in its current location. The property has been zoned single-family residential for the duration of and prior to the applicant owning the property. The permitted sign height of 20 feet provides adequate wayfinding signage from adjacent roadways. 5. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality. The essential character of the locality will remain as is. Additional Sign An additional sign would alter the essential character of the area, which is residential. This is the only residentially-zoned property with an institutional use along 185th Avenue that has signage. The intent of the ordinance is to limit the number of signs, for permitted nonresidential uses, in a residentially zoned district. The essential character of the locality would be altered if the number of signs will exceeds the limit for permitted nonresidential uses in a residentially zoned district. Sign Height Additional sign height would alter the essential character of the area, which is residential. This is the only residentially-zoned property with an institutional use along 185th Avenue that has signage. The intent of the ordinance is to regulate the physical dimensions of signs, for permitted nonresidential uses, in a residentially zoned district. The essential character of the locality would be altered by a sign exceeding the allowed height by more than three times. Based on staff’s analysis, criteria #1, #3, #4 and #5 are not met. The intent of the ordinance is to protect the health and welfare of residents and neighbors while maintaining consistency in neighborhoods. The number of and height requirements can be met while providing adequate wayfinding signage, again, this is the goal of the variance request. Providing additional signage and increased height than what is permitted by ordinance is not consistent with the neighborhood or zoning district and is not using the property in a reasonable manner. Board of Adjustment Meeting Summary The Board of Adjustments noted the requirements for the Single Family Residential (R1-b) district are clear and the proposed sign would go against the character of the area. The applicant spoke to the reason for the variance and questioned why the cross is considered a sign and not a religious symbol. The applicant referenced Section 30-852(b) stating religious symbols are not defined as a sign. That section states: nor shall this subdivision regulate…the copy and message of signs; religious symbols. Staff provided this section to the applicant prior to seeing any renderings or concepts, to inform the applicant that content is not regulated by this ordinance. In response to the applicant during the Board of Adjustments meeting, staff stated the content of signs is not regulated by the city. However, the size, location and height of all signs and structures are regulated by the city code for which