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ZBA allows slightly larger, slightly higher signs for renovated West Broadway restaurant with conditions
Summary
The board granted relief for two exterior signs at 240 West Broadway that marginally exceed the municipal sign‑size and parapet height rules, subject to lowering the signs so they do not project above the mansard/parapet and confirming final placement with the Building Department.
The board approved a sign permit variance for two exterior signs for Cooktop Guardian (the renovated restaurant in the former Southside building at 240 West Broadway), but imposed conditions to reduce potential visual precedent.
Owner Ken Wong and designer Christophe Chartier asked the board for relief because their sign faces are about 4.5 feet high by 9 feet long; the primary sign face was described as exceeding the sign ordinance’s 4‑foot height limit by roughly six inches and the secondary sign nearly exceeding an 40 sq. ft. face limit. The architect’s rendering also showed the signs projecting slightly above the building’s mansard/parapet.
Chartier said the signs are internally lit letter panels and that “we would certainly be willing to lower them so they're not above the mansard roof” if the board required it. Building staff and board members discussed whether trimming or redesigning the sign would be feasible and whether lowering the sign would present any safety clearance issues near the front canopy; the building commissioner confirmed lowering was feasible.
The board voted to allow the signs with the condition that the signs be set below the mansard/parapet line and that the applicant confirm final location and clearances with the Building Department when the sign is installed. The board also recorded that the sign faces would be reduced if a future replacement were necessary, and that standard requirements for illuminated signs and building permits still apply.
Chair LaFana closed the item by reminding the applicants to coordinate final placement and installation with the Building Department before mounting the signs.
