Board continues Tulsa library sign request for more information on lighting; hearing reset to Oct. 28

The City of Tulsa Board of Adjustment continued a request from the Tulsa City-County Library to increase the permitted aggregate area of wall signage for the new Madison library (BOA case 23941). The board set the matter for continuation to the Oct. 28 meeting so staff and the applicant can provide additional material on lighting, hours and potential impacts to nearby residences.

Francis Wilmore, architect with KKT (now Ethos) Architects, told the board the project sits back from Madison Place because of an on-site sewer easement and that the monument sign option permitted by code could be large and intrusive to nearby homes. To avoid a large freestanding sign, the library proposes a wall-mounted sign on the building parapet that would be visible to drivers approaching from the north. Wilmore said the three signs on site operate together; signs B and C have been approved and installed, while sign A (on the parapet) is the only outstanding element that pushes the aggregate area over the 32-square-foot cap for nonresidential uses in RS-3.

Two residents spoke in opposition at the hearing, raising concerns about neighborhood character, driver distraction near school drop-off areas and the sign’s nighttime appearance. One resident provided photographs and said the parapet lighting appears bright at night. The applicant said installed lighting and the parapet were permitted through the building process and that lights are on a time clock; project representatives said lighting is designed to limit light spill (photometric calculations were referenced).

After discussion the board voted to continue the item to Oct. 28 to allow the library and staff to return with a lighting plan, proposed hours for illumination and any further concessions to reduce nighttime impacts. Motion to continue passed: Miss Williams — aye; Mr. Wallace — aye; Chair — aye.