Board approves 50-square-foot sign variance at 1951 Herr St.

The Harrisburg Zoning Hearing Board on July 20 approved application 2603, granting a variance to allow a 50-square-foot wall sign on the convenience store portion of the consolidated gas station site at 1933/1951 Herr Street.

Jeffrey Knight, the city's planning director, told the board the consolidated parcel presents unique circumstances: the two lots were combined into one parcel but remain split across zoning districts, with the convenience store portion in the Commercial Neighborhood (CN) district where a 25-square-foot sign is permitted by right. Because the pumps and canopy must be sited to provide vehicular access from Arsenal Boulevard and Twentieth Street, the convenience store had to be placed in the CN portion and the applicant requested the larger sign to improve visibility. The Planning Bureau and the Planning Commission recommended approval.

Dennis Boyer, who identified himself as owner of a sign company that would install the sign, said the proposed 50-square-foot sign "is 4.6% of this building front," and argued a 25-square-foot sign would be a "postage stamp" and difficult for drivers to see at the complicated intersection. A neighborhood resident who owns 1939 Boas Street said she favored the larger sign and told the board a smaller sign "may cause, an accident or traffic violations" because drivers might not see the store in time to turn safely.

The Planning Commission placed no additional conditions on its recommendation; staff confirmed the proposed sign meets illumination rules and will not use moving animation. The board made a motion to approve the variance; the motion carried. The board said the written decision will be issued within 45 days.