Board grants Oasis multifamily a 51-square-foot off-site orientation sign after petitioner trims request

The board voted unanimously on March 26 to allow Oasis Holdings a larger off-site-oriented sign for a multi‑family development on Genoa Drive, after the petitioner agreed to reduce the requested footprint. The petitioner had asked for 64 square feet but the request was amended to 51 square feet; six ballots were cast in favor.

APC staff recommended denial, saying the requested allowance is larger than typical signage in nearby comparable properties and that the hardship appeared self‑imposed. "The request is significantly higher than what the actual proposed sign is," APC planner Nathan McBurnett said in his presentation of the staff report.

Petitioner's representative Chris Shelman explained the difference arises because the proposed round sign measures roughly 50 square feet but would be placed inside an 8-by-8 boxed measurement for permitting. He told the board the sign is primarily a wayfinding, non-internally lit feature and that the lettering alone is about 9.63 square feet.

Why it matters: the property sits behind Market West and near other apartment projects; staff said comparable properties had smaller signs (20–40 square feet). Petitioner argued the sign location on a short L-shaped facade justifies the modest increase for visibility and guest wayfinding.

Board action: the petitioner formally amended the request on the record to 51 square feet and the board approved the amendment and the variance by a 6–0 vote. Minutes indicate the site will retain only a single off-site oriented sign; other on-site wayfinding and building address signage will remain internal and is not part of this variance.

Votes at a glance: BZA 2183 — sign area increase (amended to 51 sq ft): 6 ballots cast, 6 in favor. Outcome: approved.