ZBA grants Amoco variance for large canopy signs at 24848 Southfield Road

The Southfield Zoning Board of Appeals on May 6 approved variances allowing two wall signs on the gas canopy at 24848 Southfield Road, permitting signs larger than the limits in the city sign ordinance.

Board chair opened Case No. 25-12 and City staff read that the appellant, Chris Corati of Aver Sign Company, on behalf of owner Mark Yaldo (Amoco), sought waivers from Chapter 99, Article 11, Section 8.6 (the sign ordinance) to allow two canopy-mounted wall signs facing major thoroughfares and larger sign area than the ordinance permits.

City staff recommended “favorable consideration” provided the applicant secures required permits and inspections from the Southfield Building Department, saying the request was supported by “extraordinary or exceptional conditions of the property” and that the proposed signs were “consistent with the spirit and intent of this chapter.”

Chris Corati told the board the canopy’s construction makes the entire canopy face count as signage under the ordinance and that the company cannot alter the canopy without removing it. Corati said the colored portion of the signage is "36 inches high" and described the canopy as roughly "90 feet" along the long sides, with the two T-shaped sections about "45 feet and 45 feet." He said each proposed wall sign would be approximately 205 to 215 square feet.

Board members discussed the unusual canopy construction and indicated no objections. ZBA member Rogers made a motion to approve the requested waivers, citing practical difficulties posed by the canopy design; the motion was seconded and approved with all members voting in favor. The chair instructed the applicant to continue coordinating required permits with the Southfield Building Department.

The decision allows the applicant to proceed with building-permit review and final inspections; it does not authorize construction until the Building Department issues required permits.