Zoning board approves most QuikTrip sign requests but rejects 80-foot pylon

The Bowling Green Zoning Board of Appeals approved most of QuikTrip’s requested sign variances for a new location at 120 Freeway Court but rejected one element: an 80-foot-tall, 229-square-foot pylon sign.

Planning staff reviewed the sign regulations (zoning code: article 4, generally applicable standards, section 150.82, and section 150.84 table 28) and noted that pylon signs are not listed as a permitted sign type in that table and that the code limits the total sign area for a business to 336 square feet and generally to a maximum of three signs per business. In QuikTrip’s proposal the company asked for multiple additional sign types — including an 80-foot pylon (229 sq ft), a 22-foot “truck-scale” pylon (108 sq ft), building wall signs (up to 184 sq ft), canopy signs, a 14-square-foot wayfinding sign and a monument sign — for a proposed combined total of about 653 square feet across nine signs.

QuikTrip representative Wes Wyler told the board the additional signage is intended to improve safety and wayfinding for truck traffic and to avoid putting the store at a competitive disadvantage with other fuel and travel plaza operators. Wyler said the truck-scale sign “is more informational for the truckers once they are already in the parking lot,” and he argued the overall proposal compares reasonably to nearby commercial sites.

Board members flagged two issues: first, the code does not provide for pylon signs in the listed, permitted sign types; and second, an 80-foot pylon of the proposed size would substantially alter visual character along East Wooster and the commercial corridor. Several members said smaller, monument-style signs are an allowed alternative and that truck-directional signage is helpful for safety.

After discussion, a motion was made and seconded to approve the variance request as submitted with one condition: the 80-foot pylon sign would not be included in the approval. The motion carried on a roll-call vote with Jerry Anderson — yes; Jeff Crawford — yes; Tim Emrick — yes; Julie Broadwell — yes; Rod Noble — yes. The board’s approval therefore allows the other requested signs and the truck-scale pylon, but the developer must remove the 80-foot pylon from the plan or return with a revised request.

Staff confirmed public-noticing and procedural requirements were met and that no written objections had been filed. A member of the public later commended the board’s handling of the items and encouraged a future work session to clarify procedures and how the board treats conditions and amended motions.