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Board approves 6.25-square-foot sign variance for McDonald’s at 4819 Rochester Road
Summary
The Troy City Board of Appeals granted a sign-area variance allowing a 56.25-square-foot ground monument sign at 12-foot setback for the McDonald’s at 4819 Rochester Road, finding the circumstances related to road widening met variance criteria.
The Troy City Board of Appeals voted Aug. 13 to grant a sign-area variance that allows McDonald’s at 4819 Rochester Road to install a 56.25-square-foot monument ground sign set back 12 feet from the planned right-of-way, exceeding the ordinance limit of 50 square feet at that setback.
Jerry Pesek, representing McDonald’s, said the restaurant removed a larger, older sign because of a Rochester Road widening/condemnation project and is seeking a new monument sign that “is the same size and dimensions used across the country.” Pesek told the board the company complied with the city’s request to remove the previous sign and is seeking an additional 6.25 square feet above the 50-square-foot limit for a modern, precast monument sign.
Dominic Magnus, planning staff, described the request as a sign-area variance subject to the five-criteria test in Chapter 85 of the city sign ordinance. Magnus said the proposed replacement sign would be set back 12 feet from the planned or future right-of-way and that the ordinance requires a 50-square-foot maximum at that setback; 56.25 square feet was the figure in the application.
Board members discussed alternatives, including moving the sign farther into the lot (which would allow larger signs under current code if moved 20 feet or more) and redesigning to a 50-square-foot sign at the lot line. Several board members and the applicant’s attorney described the circumstances of the condemnation project as a hardship that the property owner did not create.
Teresa moved to grant the variance, citing the road-expansion condemnation as an “exceptional characteristic” that made strict compliance difficult and stating the change would not alter the essential character of the area; another member seconded the motion. The motion carried on a unanimous vote of the three members present. Kathy, the board clerk, recorded the affirmative votes.
Planning staff noted the sign would not include a digital display; lighting and illumination will be reviewed during permit plan review. The board and staff said underground utilities and easement clearance (including DPW coordination) will need to be checked during permit review before foundation work begins.
The applicant may proceed with permit submittal consistent with the variance granted; staff will confirm compliance with illumination standards during the plan-review process.
