Jefferson County BZA OKs digital message sign for Love City Church despite proximity to residential zone

The Jefferson County Board of Zoning Adjustment on Sept. 22 granted a variance that allows Love City Church to install an electronic message center (EMC) at an existing sign location on Forestdale Boulevard that is closer to a residential zoning district than the zoning resolution normally permits.

Zoning staff presented the case, noting the request is for a variance from the zoning resolution to permit an electronic message board in an Institutional 1 zoning district and to allow the sign to be located less than the required 100 feet from a residential zoning district; staff recommended approval. Staff described Institutional 1 rules as allowing an identification sign limited to a monument sign and referenced a 60-foot structural limit and a proposed sign area of about 60 square feet.

Todd Bowman, representing CNC Banderson Signs and Love City Church, told the board the sign system includes software presets that will turn the display black from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. and can dim on demand. “Our signs will go black at 10PM,” Bowman said, adding that technicians can dim the display with one button if needed.

No members of the public spoke in opposition during the hearing. A board member moved to approve the variance (case A-25-0028); another board member seconded the motion, and the board voted in favor. The motion passed and the board announced verbally that the variance was granted.

Under the board’s public hearing rules, a written decision will be issued within 10 days and anyone wishing to appeal the board’s decision has 15 days from the date of the hearing to file in circuit court.

The board’s approval included the staff recommendation; the record does not show the board adding any additional conditions beyond the staff recommendation.