The Lee's Summit Planning Commission voted unanimously Oct. 9 to approve a sign application for a Kwik Trip at 1001 Southwest Blue Parkway that will permit two monument signs approximately two feet over the height limit in the CP-2 zoning district to allow space for future tenant panels.

Pierce Pulliam, a planning intern who presented the item, said the applicant is requesting "approval of 2 monument signs" and that both would exceed the district’s maximum height by about 2 feet. "The reason for this increase is to allow for a future tenant to be able to advertise on the sign," Pulliam said. He noted the proposal meets other UDO criteria and cited a prior Kwik Trip sign off 291 Highway that similarly exceeded height standards in 2017.

Commissioners asked whether the proposed signs meet overall square-footage limits; Pulliam said the signs meet criteria except for height. Commissioner Sherry Frazier asked whether the sign face would be digital rather than the older plastic inserts; staff said the new signs would be internally illuminated (digital). Commissioners also asked about placement; Pulliam said one sign would sit on the northeast corner and the other on the southwest corner of the site.

No public hearing was required for the presentation item, and staff reported no objections during the review. The motion to approve the application passed on a unanimous roll call: Ed Yarrington — yes; Sherry Frazier — yes; Dana Arth — yes; Jessica Grinnell — yes; Brandy Bembrooke — yes.

Why it matters: The approved exception to the CP-2 height limit sets a local precedent for monument signs that provide space for tenant identification and internally illuminated pricing displays. The applicant will proceed with the conditions included in the approval and with building permits as required.

The applicant and an online representative were available to answer questions during the commission meeting.