Council approves sign variances for Whataburger on Ringgold Road over staff objections and ordinance limits

The East Ridge City Council on April 20 approved a variance to the city’s sign ordinance allowing two detached signs for the new Whataburger at 6521 Ringgold Road: a 90‑foot pylon sign and a larger monument sign. The council voted 4–1; Council member Cagle voted no.

Staff and applicant presentation

Houston Woodis of Houston General Sign Company presented the request and site constraints, explaining the business sought a pylon sign to maintain visibility from the Interstate 75 off‑ramp and raised approach on Ringgold Road. Woodis said topography and existing vegetation along the interstate mean building‑mounted signs and a standard monument sign would be obscured to passing traffic, and that a tall pylon would provide acceptable visibility.

Council concerns and background

Council member Cagle led an extended critique of the proposal’s compliance with East Ridge’s sign code and the ordinance’s history. Cagle read from sign regulations and several past council actions, including a moratorium and a later code revision that moved sign appeals to city council. He pointed out that the requested signs exceed the city’s stated size and height limits and said the…