Boerne Design Review Committee evaluates sign variances for Mines Meat Market

The Boerne Design Review Committee convened on June 12, 2025, to discuss two sign variance requests for Mines Meat Market, located at 101 South Main Street. The meeting, led by city planner Joanne Marie Andrade, focused on the need for variances from the Unified Development Code (UDC) due to the property’s location within the historic district.

The first item on the agenda was a request to allow a 4-foot hanging sign from a 5-foot wide attached canopy, which exceeds the 60% depth requirement for perpendicular signs. Andrade explained that the applicant, Mason Mines, sought this variance to enhance visibility for pedestrians in a walkable area. The historic district's unique characteristics necessitated a review process that included the Historic Landmark Commission (HLC), which had previously issued a certificate of appropriateness for the signage.

The second variance request involved exceeding the maximum allowable sign area for tenant spaces with less than 50 feet of frontage. The applicant requested a total of 82 square feet of signage, significantly more than the 25 square feet permitted under the UDC. Andrade noted that the signage was well-distributed across the building's facade, which spans 70 feet, and would not create visual clutter.

Mines presented additional evidence to support his requests, showcasing examples of other signs in the area that exceed the UDC limits. He argued that his proposed signage would not set a precedent and would align with the character of the historic district.

Following the presentations, committee members engaged in discussions, raising questions about the implications of the variances and the overall impact on the historic district. The committee ultimately aimed to ensure that any approved signage would maintain the visual integrity of the area while accommodating the needs of local businesses.

The meeting concluded with a call for a vote on the variance requests, with staff recommendations supporting both proposals based on findings that included the unique circumstances of the property and the absence of adverse impacts on the surrounding area. The committee's decision will be pivotal in shaping the signage landscape of Boerne's historic district.