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Sandusky panel approves variance for 2,140‑square‑foot mural at 314 West Market Street
Summary
The Sandusky Boards & Commissions approved a variance allowing a 2,140 sq ft mural on a downtown warehouse, granting a 2,033 sq ft relief from the sign-size limit; the project has a certificate of appropriateness and a reimbursable public arts grant.
The Sandusky Boards & Commissions approved a variance June 16 to allow a 2,140‑square‑foot mural on a downtown warehouse at 314 West Market Street, with the motion passing 3–0 with one abstention.
Planning staff told the commission the zoning code treats murals that face a public right of way as wall signage and that the proposal requires relief from the zoning limit. Staff said the proposed mural would need 2,033 square feet of relief from the sign-size limitation in the zoning code (applicant proposes 2,140 sq ft; code maximum cited at 107 sq ft). Staff recommended approval with the condition that all applicable permits be obtained from the building and engineering departments and any other applicable agencies prior to construction; one earlier condition was struck after the Landmarks Commission issued a certificate of appropriateness on March 19.
The applicant’s supporters said the mural is intended to celebrate local and national history and to help revitalize the area. "We are exciting to present to you the Emporium, a vibrant marketplace in the Downtown Sandusky Register Building. To honor that as a project, we propose a mural honoring a hundred years of significant, events in Sandusky and national history," said Mimi Chikotel at the podium.
Planning staff noted that the Public Arts and Culture Commission approved a reimbursable grant for the project on March 18; staff described murals as a high‑impact form of public art and said other zoning requirements would be met by the proposal.
The variance vote was recorded as: Dan Delahunt — yes; John Fike — abstain; Greg Pujot — yes; William Siemens — yes. The commission chair declared the motion approved. The staff conditions remain in effect: all building and engineering permits and any other required approvals must be secured before work begins.
The commission’s action clears a zoning hurdle for the project; the record indicates the mural still requires final permits and the reimbursable grant will be paid after project completion.
