BZA approves larger projecting sign at 63 South Court Street but denies second projecting sign

The Athens Board of Zoning Appeals on May 13 granted a variance for the size of a projecting sign proposed for 63 South Court Street but denied the applicant’s request for a second projecting sign on the same building.

Zoning Administrator David Riggs told the board the request actually involved two separate variances: one to allow more than the single projecting sign permitted under city code, and one to exceed the maximum allowed sign length. Riggs noted the building sits on a corner and “it kinda makes a little bit of sense to have 2 of these projection signs, 1 on each road frontage.”

The project team, represented by Jen Crack of Oleo Development Group for Raising Cane’s, said the building is historically registered and that national historic‑preservation conditions and the building’s restrictions prevent a conventional wall sign or canopy. Crack said: “Really, the only option that we have left is a projecting sign, which is acting as the main signage.” She added the two entrances on Court Street and Union Street justified signage for both approaches.

After reviewing renderings and placement, a board member moved to grant the size variance to allow a projecting sign 4 feet, 10 and 7/8 inches where 3 feet, 6 inches is the maximum. The motion passed unanimously.

The board then considered the separate variance to permit two projecting signs on one premise. That motion failed on a 1‑for / 4‑opposed vote: board members expressed concern about precedent and the cumulative visual impact if multiple tenants in a single mixed‑use building install projecting signs. The board discussed that projecting signs are uncommon in Uptown and that the city’s historic restrictions had constrained other sign options, but concluded the second sign would confer an atypical privilege not widely granted.

The applicant also showed lighting and sign‑mounting plans; Crack said the sign would be externally illuminated by fixtures directed at the face and that National Park Service historic‑preservation requirements limit internal illumination and anchor points. The zoning office noted any projecting sign exceeding about two feet could require additional right‑of‑way approvals, but that the proposed sign’s vertical placement and fixture approach were within the city’s standard parameters for height.

The board recorded the split action in its minutes: the size variance approved; the request for a second projecting sign denied.