HomeMy WebLinkAboutBZA 3085-235 S. Cayuga St.-Decision Letter-11-7-2017
CITY OF ITHACA BOARD of ZONING APPEALS
Sign Variance Findings & Decision
Appeal No.: 3085
Applicant: Jason Sidle of Coltivare Culinary Center for Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency, Owner
Property Location: 235 S. Cayuga Street
Zoning District: CBD 100 and CBD 120
Applicable Section of City Sign Ordinance: Section 272-6B (2)
Requirement for Which Variance is requested: Number of permitted signs.
Publication Dates: November 1, 2017 and November 3, 2017.
Meeting Held On: November 7, 2017.
Summary: Appeal of Jason Sidle of Coltivare Culinary Center on behalf of the owner Ithaca Urban
Renewal Agency for a sign variance from Section 272-6B (2), Number of Signs allowed by the sign
ordinance. The applicant proposes to install a 6’-4” by 13’ awning at the property located at 235 S.
Cayuga Street. The proposed awning will be located at the building entrance for Coltivare to provide
cover from the weather and a visual entrance marker for the patrons. The awning will contain three signs
consisting of a Coltivare logo and two “Farm to Bistro Culinary Center” signs. The sign ordinance limits
a business to one freestanding sign or two wall signs in a commercial zone. On August 5, 2014, Cultivare
received a variance from the sign ordinance for the two existing signs located on the building. The
applicant would like to install three additional signs, for a total of five signs for the business. The sign
ordinance allows only two signs per business.
The property is located in a CBD 100 and a CBD 120 business use district in which the proposed use is
permitted. However, Section 325-38 requires that a sign variance be granted before a building permit is
issued.
Public Hearing Held On: November 7, 2017.
No public comments in favor or in opposition.
Members present:
Steven Beer, Chair
Teresa Deschanes
Steven Wolf
CITY OF ITHACA
108 E. Green Street — 3rd Floor Ithaca, NY 14850-5690
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, BUILDING, ZONING, & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Division of Zoning
Gino Leonardi, Secretary to the Board of Zoning Appeals
Telephone: 607-274-6550 Fax: 607-274-6558 E-Mail: gleonardi@cityofithaca.org
Tompkins County Review per Section 239 -l & -m of New York State General Municipal Law: N/A
Environmental Review: Unlisted Action
These actions have been determined not to have a significant impact on the environment and are
otherwise precluded from environmental review under Environmental Conservation Law. CEQR Section
176-6 A (4) (b).
Planning & Development Board Recommendation:
The Planning Board does not oppose the concept of additional signage, however such signage should be
integrated with the overall design of the garage in general and Coltivare in particular. The proposed awning
does not accomplish this and appears to be pasted on the building.
Motion: A motion to grant the variance request was made by Steven Wolf.
Deliberations & Findings:
Factors Considered:
1. Size of sign:
The size of the signs achieves the purpose of a visual entrance marker for Coltivare. In light of the
consideration from the Board of Public Works for their review in approving the awning, a smaller sign is
not possible.
2. Number of letters:
The proposed signs are scaled appropriately and it displays the name of the business and the theme of the
restaurant.
3. Other signs:
There is a previous variance for signs, but in this mixed use business setting and trying to signal the
community of their location, the signage is necessary to achieve the entrance marker.
4. The character of the neighborhood:
The intent of the business to provide cover and an entrance focus, is in keeping with the character of other
businesses in surrounding area. Although, using a canvas awning may not fit in with the character of
neighborhood.
5. Public Interest:
It is not within our purview to question aesthetics, which is questionable, there was no public comment in
opposition of the proposed signage.
Second Motion to Grant Variance: Made by Teresa Deschanes.
Vote:
Steven Beer, Chair: Yes
Teresa Deschanes: Yes
Steven Wolf: Yes
Determination of BZA Based on the Above Factors:
The BZA, taking into consideration the five factors for a sign variance, finds that the Benefit to the
Applicant outweighs the Determinant to the Neighborhood or Community. The BZA further finds that
variances from Sign Ordinance, Section 272-6B (2) is the minimum variances that should be granted in
order to preserve and protect the character of the neighborhood and the health, safety, and welfare of the
community.
_____________________________ __November 14, 2017___
Secretary, Board of Zoning Appeals Date