HomeMy WebLinkAboutBZA Decision Letter - Appeal 2974 - 134 The Commons (Cayuga Optical Service) - 04-13-15° °ITS CITY OF ITHACA
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�. 0 ®O 01 o6 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING BUILDING ZONING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
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Division of Zoning
00 Al 000 PHYLLIS RADKE, DIRECTOR OF ZONING ADMINISTRATION
Telephone: Planning & Development — 607 - 274 -6550 E -Mail: cpyott@cityofithaca.org
CITY OF ITHACA BOARD of ZONING APPEALS
Sign Variance Findings & Decision
Applicant: F. Alexander Wood, Ithaca Cayuga Optical
Appeal No.: #2974
Zoning District: CBD -60
Hearing Held On: April 7, 2015
Property Location: 134 East State Street
Requirement for Which Variance is Requested: Sign Ordinance, Section 272 -A. (1)
Applicable Section of City Zoning Code: Maximum projection of wall signs is 18 inches.
Public Hearing: The public hearing was held on April 7, 2015. No interested parties spoke in favor or or
against this appeal.
Motion: A motion to grant the variance request was made by Marshall McCormick.
Environmental Review: hype II Action under Environmental Quality Review Ordinance, Section 176 -5 C.
(18). (Acts of ministerial nature where no discretion is involved.)
Planning & Development Board Recommendation: The Board did not recommend granting this appeal.
The Board feared that allowing the sign to project would mean interference with the east -west views on
the Commons. The Board felt that if the City allows one business to exceed the 18 inches, it would be
extremely likely other retailers would want to project their signs more than 18 inches
Factors Considered:
1. Size of sign. The purpose for which the sign is erected and the distance from which the sign is
intended to be read and the character of the adjacent streets shall be taken into consideration. In all
cases, the smallest sign that will suit the purpose shall be the guide, taking into account legitimate
business interests to be promoted by the sign and the speed limits and traffic conditions on adjacent
streets. Extending the sign so it projects 36 inches from the face of the building, is the smallest
projection that can meet the purposes listed above. Yes ® No ❑
Reasons: The sign is appropriately sized for its location. The business only has a nine -foot wide
storefront and a 36" projection will allow greater visibility for customers trying to locate the business.
2. Number of letters. A sign with few letters need not be as large as one with many letters to be seen
at the same distance. The number of letters 'is appropriate for the size of the sign. Yes E No [:]
Reasons: There are few letters on the sign and they basically account for the business' address.
3. Other signs. The context of existing signs in the vicinity of the proposed sign shall be taken int
considerations. Existing signs on the Commons are similar to the proposed sign. Yes No ■
keasons: The proposed sign is just as artful and pleasing as adjacent signage for other businesses.
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4. The character of the neighborhood. The proposed use shall not be detrimental to the general
amenity of the neighborhood character so as to cause a devaluation of neighboring property or
material inconvenience to neighboring inhabitants or material interference with the use and
enjoyment by the inhabitants of neighboring parties. The proposed sign will not be detrimental to
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the neighborhood character. Yes
Reasons: Canopies on the Commons can encroach four feet from the face of the building and can have
signage on the face of the canopy. There are a number of existing signs on the Commons that project
more than 18 inches from the face of a building. By projecting 36 inches, the proposed sign will still be
similar to other signs on the Commons and will not adversely affect the character of the neighborhood.
5. Public Interest. The protection of public interest and the desirability of maintaining open spaces,
views and vistas shall be considered insofar as possible. The proposed signage will not affect open
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spaces, views, and vistas. Yes Pq NoF]
Reasons: The new Commons design has incorporated a central corridor, so that the proposed signage
will not impact important views and vistas on the Commons.
Second Motion to Grant Variance: Made by Teresa Deschanes
Vote: Teresa Deschane, Yes
Steve Beer, Yes
Marshall McCormick, Yes
ril 13.- 2015
f Zoning Appeals, Date
g Administration
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