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Paul’s Auto Wash site plan postponed after debate over vintage pole sign and landmark status
Summary
The commission approved a special land use for Paul’s Auto Wash at 1339 W. 14 Mile Road but postponed action on the site plan to allow staff and the applicant to resolve whether a longstanding pole sign qualifies as a landmark sign or must be brought into compliance.
The Clawson Planning Commission on Aug. 12 approved a special land use for Paul’s Auto Wash at 1339 West 14 Mile Road, but postponed a decision on the related site plan after a lengthy discussion about a nonconforming pole sign on the site.
Planning staff described a relatively modest site change: relocating vacuum units from parallel to 90-degree parking stalls along the building side and shifting queuing lanes; no building alterations were proposed. The site was described as 0.673 acres in the staff presentation.
The central point of contention was a tall pole sign on the property. Staff noted the sign is nonconforming (exceeding the ordinance height limit and not meeting current sign standards) and that the sign ordinance allows two compliance paths when a site plan is submitted: replace the sign with a conforming monument sign or seek a variance. Planning staff also noted…
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