City Council Faces Controversy Over Sign Program Rejection

In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around a comprehensive sign program for the P. Terries establishment located at 961 Cibolo Valley Drive, within the Buffalo Heights Commercial subdivision. This marks the third presentation of the sign program to the city council, following a previous denial of a variance request aimed at increasing the allowable signage square footage.

The property, situated at the intersection of Borgfeld and Cibolo Valley Drive, is zoned for retail and general commercial use. The council had previously approved a comprehensive sign program for the subdivision in May 2022. However, the current applicant seeks to add additional wall signs that would exceed the maximum allowable square footage for a single commercial building.

City staff noted that the applicant had initially submitted their request under an incorrect address, which contributed to the complications surrounding their variance request. The council denied this request on July 20, prompting the applicant to return with a revised comprehensive sign program.

Public notices regarding the hearing were disseminated, with one opposition letter received from a nearby property owner. During the public hearing, Maggie Starr, representing P. Terries, argued for the need for additional signage, highlighting that similar businesses in the area, such as Chick-fil-A, have been granted signage that faces public roadways. Starr emphasized the importance of visibility for their establishment, particularly from Borgfeld Road, and pointed out the lack of clarity in the ordinance regarding the definition of \"right of way,\" which contributed to their previous denial.

The council is set to deliberate on the approval or disapproval of the comprehensive sign program at their upcoming meeting on August 27.