Board approves Tastyland sign variance for electronic message center with restrictions

Board approves Tastyland sign variance for electronic message center with restrictions The Monroeville Zoning Hearing Board on Thursday approved a dimensional variance for Tastyland Monroeville, allowing an electronic message center on a pylon sign at 4030 William Penn Highway that will exceed the ordinance's 24-square-foot per-side limit, subject to conditions limiting content to static images. Attorney Scott Duffy, representing Tastyland Monroeville LLC, told the board the restaurant intends to refresh an existing cluster of pylon signs and add a two-panel-high electronic display approximately 30 square feet in per-side area for the electronic portion; he said the full sign assembly will reduce overall sign area compared with the current arrangement. Duffy emphasized the request is limited to size and that the applicant would comply with other ordinance requirements including lettering size and static-image rules. Duffy described Tastyland as a casual-dining restaurant with a bar and entertainment such as duckpin bowling and arcade games. He said the electronic panels are 19 inches by 19 inches and that to match the width of the existing sign the applicant would need a two-panel-high display, which increases the electronic portion to about 30 square feet per side. "We're trying to ask for the minimum variance necessary just with the design of the sign," Duffy said. He also said the electronic sign would improve safety by allowing employees to update messages remotely rather than standing near William Penn Highway to change messages manually. Board members and staff discussed content restrictions and confirmed the ordinance prohibits animated or scrolling messages. Paul (staff member) reiterated that only static images are allowed on electronic message centers under the applicable sign regulation. With no members of the public speaking for or against the request, the board voted to approve the dimensional variance; the verbal record specified approval but did not note the motion maker or second by name. The applicant was reminded to obtain any required sign permits from zoning enforcement and to ensure the electronic display complies with requirements in "Article 10, section 100304 (specific sign regulations)" of the Monroeville ordinance as read into the record. Duffy told the board the applicant hopes to open the business between November and January, subject to construction schedules.