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Commission grants variances for Local Social signage after staff review and debate over retroactive paint work
Summary
The Planning Commission approved multiple sign variances for Local Social at the bank-block property on Grandview Avenue, including rear painted murals and an awning sign, despite questions about the fact the murals were painted before formal approvals.
The commission approved variances and overlay-district sign permission for Local Social (EPIC Brands) at the Grandview Avenue location listed in the record as 1291 Grandview Avenue, after the applicant and counsel presented design changes and said they had worked with planning staff to address concerns.
Attorney Joe Miller and design lead Liz Alexander represented the applicant; Rachel Miller of EPIC Brands described the business and the awning and rear painted panels. The application sought three variances for Local Social: a rear-facing painted mural area that exceeded the code’s 20% limit for signage on that face (the applicant calculated 28%), an awning-mounted sign larger than the typical awning limits (37.09 square feet with lettering up to 36 inches high), and a total-building signage overage (about 119 square feet vs. a 100-square-foot maximum in the zoning code).
Planning staff recommended approval, and the applicant said it had revised the awning (removing a bright green background) and worked with staff before the hearing. Commissioners probed why murals and painted signs had already been applied without permits; applicant representatives said the prior work predated their involvement and that the team had since sought to “right the ship.” Several commissioners expressed frustration that the paint work had been done before approvals and asked whether the decision would set a precedent for other tenants; city counsel and staff explained variances are property-specific and not precedential.
A motion to approve the variances carried on a roll-call vote (recorded votes: Commissioner Mallard Yes; Mister Konasinski Yes; Commissioner Hawk No; Commissioner Evans Yes; Chair Gentry No). Staff will continue to work with the applicant on final material choices and any required follow-up permits.
