Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Zoning board approves minor sign projection variance at 63 South Court Street
Loading...
Summary
Athens Board of Zoning Appeals approved a limited variance to allow two projecting signs at 63 South Court Street to extend 4 feet where the code allows 3.5 feet, citing historic‑building constraints and no organized opposition at the hearing.
The Athens Board of Zoning Appeals on Oct. 14 approved a size variance to allow two projecting signs at 63 South Court Street to extend 4 feet from the building where the code permits a maximum 3.5‑foot projection.
Zoning Administrator David Riggs outlined that the request is for projection length rather than the number of signs; each tenant (Hotel La Stra and tenant Playa B) requested one projecting sign. Riggs noted the applicants stayed within the code’s overall square‑footage allowance for sign area and sought only an additional half‑foot of projection.
Applicant representative David Cozar described the requested signs as LED‑lit, raised‑letter projecting signs that match the building’s design and said the requested projection is six inches more than the code maximum. “This is almost a repeat. It's a little smaller than the other one. We're staying within the square footage that's allowed within the code. It's just projecting 6 inches further,” Cozar said.
Board discussion referenced a prior, related sign variance for the same building and noted the historic facade and window treatments constrained options for wall‑mounted signs, making projecting signs the feasible choice for tenant identification. No residents appeared in formal opposition; one manager of a nearby building spoke that he had no objection and another attendee signaled support.
After deliberation the board approved the variance, finding the requested 4‑foot projection would not materially impair pedestrian access or the character of the street and that the proposal was a limited deviation from the code to accommodate the historic façade and tenant signage needs. The transcript records the motion and its approval but does not include a roll‑call tally of votes.
The board approved the variance under case 25‑12B; the signs as described will be installed on the Court Street elevation, one for Hotel La Stra and one for tenant Playa B. The file notes that the sign installations must still comply with any applicable building, electrical and historic‑preservation regulations and permits.
