City Council Approves Controversial Signage Variance

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed a comprehensive sign program for a commercial property located at 961 Cibolo Valley Drive, within the Buffalo Heights commercial subdivision. The applicant is seeking approval for two additional signs that would exceed the maximum allowable square footage for a single commercial building. This marks the third time the request has been presented, following previous submissions that were processed under an incorrect address.

The proposed signs are designed to align with the vintage aesthetic of the Buffalo Heights area, and staff found that they integrate well with the building's architecture. However, the current signage ordinance imposes strict limitations, allowing only 88 square feet for the entire building. The applicant is requesting a total of 160 square feet to accommodate all proposed signage.

During the meeting, council members expressed concerns about the restrictive nature of the signage regulations, noting that they may not be suitable for a growing community projected to reach a population of 50,000 by 2030. Discussions included the possibility of amending the signage ordinance to better reflect the needs of the expanding city.

Ultimately, the council voted unanimously to approve the comprehensive sign program for the property, acknowledging the applicant's efforts to comply with regulations while also recognizing the need for potential updates to the signage rules to facilitate future developments.

The meeting also touched on a separate sign program application for a Whataburger restaurant at 400 Cibolo Valley Drive. This request involves an additional sign that would bring the total signage to approximately 99.25 square feet, which is deemed compatible with the surrounding area and the restaurant's standard design. The council is expected to review this application in the upcoming sessions.