Knoxville board reviews sign variance requests from Raising Cane's and Calvary Temple

The City Council of Indianapolis convened on June 17, 2025, for a meeting of the Board of Zoning Appeals, where key discussions centered around variance requests for signage and land use.

The meeting began with a petition from Chris Russell, representing Raising Cane's, seeking a variance to install a freestanding pylon sign and a presale board at their new location. The proposed pylon sign would stand 20 feet tall and measure 5 by 10 feet, positioned between two existing multi-tenant signs. Russell argued that the sign was necessary for visibility, as the current layout of the area made it difficult for motorists to identify the restaurant in time to make a left turn onto Stop 13.

However, city staff provided a split recommendation regarding the request. They supported the drive-through sign but recommended denial of the freestanding sign. Staff noted that freestanding signs are not a requirement for development and expressed concerns that granting the variance could set a precedent for future requests, potentially leading to increased distractions for drivers. They emphasized that the petitioner had other signage options available, such as wall signs, and highlighted that the site already had good visibility due to its location as an outlot.

After deliberation, the board voted on the two components of the petition separately. The drive-through sign was approved unanimously, while the freestanding sign request resulted in a split vote, with the decision to be continued to a future hearing on July 15 for further consideration.

The meeting also included a brief mention of another case involving a variance for a pet grooming operation, which was noted as continued from a previous session.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing discussions around signage regulations and land use in Indianapolis, reflecting the balance between business visibility and community standards.