BZA approves variances for 44-sq.-ft. electronic message sign at 12497 Broad Street SW

The Pataskala Board of Zoning Appeals approved three variances Oct. 14 to allow a double-sided electronic message center (EMC) sign at 12497 Broad Street SW that exceeds the city's area and framing requirements.

The proposed EMC would be 44 square feet and 9.8 feet tall, mounted between brick posts on a brick foundation. City code sets a maximum area of 32 square feet for ground signs and contains additional rules that changeable-copy or electronic signs be fully framed by the supporting structure and that changeable copy not exceed 30% of sign area (or 24 square feet, whichever is less). Staff calculated the applicant's proposed EMC would exceed the maximum area by 12 square feet and would exceed the permissible changeable-copy area by roughly 30 square feet based on a 30% metric.

Charles Robbins, identified in the record as the company’s chief compliance officer and the property representative, told the board the applicant originally pursued a modular sign and worked with an out-of-state vendor; supply or procurement issues led them to select a different display technology. Robbins said the new sign will be a full-LCD frame rather than the modular unit they had planned.

Staff recommended caution about setting a precedent for oversized signs along the state route; the city engineer also advised against increasing size allowances along that corridor. Nevertheless, the board found the site could yield a reasonable return and that replacing an existing, similarly sized sign mitigated neighborhood character concerns.

The board approved the variances (recorded motion requires the applicant to obtain necessary permits from the City of Pataskala and the Licking County Building Code Department within one year). The roll call in the record showed: Mr. Howe — yes; Mr. Coleman — yes; Mr. Cooper — yes.