Council amends sign code and approves reduced sign variance for St. David’s emergency facility
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Summary
Council adopted changes to chapter 15 of the city code to allow the council to decide sign variances when the Board of Adjustment lacks quorum and to permit council consideration of relocating certain existing billboards; the council also granted St. David’s a sign‑height variance reduced to 35 feet.
The Manor City Council approved an amendment to chapter 15 of the city code that adjusts how the city handles sign variances and off‑site signs, and separately approved a reduced sign variance for the St. David’s Manor emergency medical facility.
Assistant city staff explained the ordinance change allows the council to consider sign variances in those instances where the Board of Adjustment cannot meet due to lack of members; the change also creates a formal process for the council to consider relocation of existing off‑site signs (billboards) already inside the city limits rather than requiring automatic removal.
Development staff tied the code change to a pending St. David’s request. St. David’s representative April Brown and project contractor provided specifications and described engineering protections for the proposed freestanding emergency sign. Council members asked about materials, wind resistance, foundation depth and proximity to 290 and utilities; staff and the St. David’s representative said the manufacturer’s design places the sign several feet into the ground with a wide base, translucent acrylic faces, and an aluminum cabinet, and that building‑code and inspection requirements would apply during permit review.
On a motion by Councilwoman Wallace, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hill, the council approved Ordinance No. 791 amending Chapter 15 to permit council consideration of off‑site sign relocations and variances when the Board of Adjustment cannot convene. On the separate item for St. David’s, the council approved the commercial sign variance but reduced the requested height to 35 feet; the motion passed 6–1.
Council members directed staff to distribute the St. David’s sign specifications to council members for final technical review before fabrication or permit issuance. Staff said the sign application will still be reviewed against the city building code, including structural inspections of the footing and required brightness controls for electronic faces.