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West Miami board approves three sign permits with modifications, orders one sign reduced to match existing size
Summary
The Planning & Zoning Board approved a sign permit for Sierra Lee Uniforms with conditions and approved two T‑Mobile sign permits — one as submitted and one limited to the size of an existing storefront sign — after staff review and limited public comment.
April 30, 2025 — The City of West Miami Planning & Zoning Board approved three sign permits on April 30, with one approval conditioned on removing a top storefront sign to bring overall facade coverage closer to code.
The board considered a sign‑permit application for Sierra Lee Uniforms (listed in the agenda as “Sorelli uniforms”) at 6174 Southwest Eighth Street after a code‑enforcement citation that the storefront exceeded allowable signage. Applicant Sierra Lee Solberg, president of Sierra Lee Uniforms, said the store has operated at that location since 1972 and replaced an older sign without realizing a permit was required. Staff calculated the current signage exceeded the code allowance by roughly 44.5 square feet; removing the narrow header sign above the door would reduce the overage to about 20 square feet.
Board members debated the visual impact and the city’s intent to tighten sign standards. One board member said the door and wall signs were sufficient and urged removal of the box sign above the door and the glazing graphics, but others raised hardship concerns for a long‑standing small business. A motion to approve the sign application with the condition that the small header/box sign above the door be removed and the graphics on the storefront glazing be removed carried on a 4‑1 roll call (Eugenio Gonzales—yes; Alexandra Diaz—yes; Gustavo Ceballos—yes; Victoria de la Torregan—yes; Diana Rio—no). The board noted that if the business sells, a new owner will have to reapply and meet code at that time.
The board also considered two separate sign permits for an authorized T‑Mobile retailer at 5760 Southwest Eighth Street (items 5b and 5c). The smaller “west elevation” replacement sign was approved as submitted in a unanimous 5‑0 vote. For the larger south‑facing elevation, the board required the applicant to either replicate the smaller parking‑lot‑facing sign or submit a “like‑for‑like” replacement no larger than the approved smaller sign. That condition passed 5‑0; staff will review the final submittal to confirm the sign face matches the approved dimensions.
City staff noted the T‑Mobile signs were installed as cabinet/box signs mounted to metal frames; the applicant, Keyshawn Greaves, said the change is a brand‑wide conversion required for authorized dealer locations.
Ending — The board made clear that sign approvals under the sign ordinance do not waive other permitting or business‑tax requirements; staff will process building permits and any required permits for future ownership changes.
