Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Signs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves two sign variances for Jovi in Town Square; blade sign draws split vote
Summary
ZAPCO approved a monument sign unanimously and later approved a taller ‘blade’ building sign for the Jovi mixed‑use project; commissioners debated aesthetics, visibility and precedent before votes of 7‑0 (monument) and 6‑1 (blade).
The Zoning and Planning Commission approved two separate sign variances for the Jovi development on Lomond’s Crossing Road, granting a monument sign unanimously and approving a larger “blade” building sign after a divided vote.
Staff told the commission the development is part of the mixed‑use square project and that the blade sign’s copy area is about 18–19 square feet, although the requested mounted sign exceeds the city’s ordinary by‑right building sign dimensions. Terry Sherhart of Executive Signs, representing the applicant, said the letters would be 28 inches tall and back‑halo lit to keep evening illumination minimal and noted the blade sign was placed to improve visibility over retaining walls and trees.
On the monument sign: Commissioners voted 7‑0 to approve the monument sign. The commission treated that request as compliant with code after the applicant adjusted location and documentation: staff confirmed the monument material met masonry requirements.
On the blade sign: The commission split over whether a tall blade sign suited the site and whether the decision would create precedent. Commissioner LeBlanc and others worried about applying a tall blade sign to a residence‑oriented building, arguing it might not match local character; other commissioners said the building’s scale and the mixed‑use “town square” context made the blade sign proportionate. After motion and second, the blade sign passed 6‑1.
Why it matters: Commissioners said each sign request must be judged on its context; staff noted a variance approval does not automatically set precedent and that each future request would be judged on its merits. Commissioners also discussed how the ordinance measures sign size (text box area rather than total blade area), how visibility from nearby roadways factors into readability, and whether future code updates ought to narrow current standards.
Next steps: Approvals allow the applicant to proceed with permit applications and sign construction, subject to standard permitting and electrical reviews.
