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Rockwall council denies request to keep real wood on I-30 plaza signs
Summary
The Rockwall City Council voted unanimously to deny a materials variance that would have allowed cedar pole covers on directory signs at the Plaza at Rockwall, saying the city’s sign standards and long‑term maintenance concerns weigh against permitting real wood where the Unified Development Code prohibits it.
The Rockwall City Council on June 2 denied a materials variance request that would have allowed real cedar pole covers on two directory signs facing Interstate 30 at the Plaza at Rockwall shopping center.
Planning staff told the council the city had issued a permit in error after staff overlooked a council decision from approximately 2007 that required masonry wraps on the sign poles. The applicant, represented by Jason Horton of Sinerama, said the change to stained cedar was made because the owner and customer preferred the appearance.
"It was not realized that it was not even allowed," Horton said, describing the decision as a cosmetic change made after prototypes were built. Horton said the property owner plans to maintain the wood by restaining it every three or four years.
Council members raised durability and long‑term aesthetic concerns about wood in Rockwall’s I‑30 overlay district. Council member Lewis said that, as a contractor, he expects permit approvals to be followed and questioned why the owner had not returned to the city before changing materials. Mayor Tim McCallum and other council members noted the city's prior request that the original sign poles be wrapped in masonry.
City planning staff told the council there are three options: allow the current wood, require a metal material that simulates wood (the material the permit had approved), or require return to the original masonry wraps. Staff also noted the Unified Development Code allows the council to grant a materials variance but that signs in the overlay district require a supermajority vote.
Council member Lewis moved to deny the variance; Council member Thomas seconded. The motion to deny passed unanimously of those present (yes 5, no 0, absent 1), denying the applicant’s request to retain the real wood pole covers.
The city staff said it will work with the applicant on next steps for bringing the signs into compliance with the permit or reverting to masonry as required by the council’s prior direction.
The action came during a meeting that also included proclamations, police awards and other routine city business.
