Garland planning commission approves 30‑square‑foot sign for downtown gallery

The Garland Plan Commission unanimously approved a major waiver to allow a 30‑square‑foot wall sign for Epiphany Gallery at 622 West State Street in the downtown historic subdistrict. The vote followed a staff presentation saying the sign-size limit in the code would otherwise bar the applicant from placing a larger sign lower on the building.

Planning staff told the commission the request (case DD-25-01) seeks a major waiver to chapter 7, table 7‑7 of the Garland development code, which limits signs positioned below 12 feet above grade to a maximum of 10 square feet. The applicant asked to place a 30‑square‑foot wall sign centered on the façade; staff said the building’s façade is about 13 feet high, which is why the applicant sought the waiver. Staff recommended approval, saying the waiver was consistent with the general intent of the downtown historic district and would be an attractive contribution to downtown.

Leslie Montana, owner of Epiphany Gallery at 622 West State Street, described the gallery’s community programming and said the building’s short façade would reduce visibility if a sign had to be placed at the permitted height. "At Epiphany Gallery, we showcase local talent, artists. We host exhibits, classes, and cultural events that enrich the community," Montana said. She told commissioners she already has a contractor lined up and that, "once we receive a permit to execute, it'll take him a little under 2 months to get it installed." Montana identified the address as 622 West State Street, Garland, Texas.

Commissioner Rose asked whether the applicant planned to install the sign immediately if approved: "Is there a time frame... If this gets approved, are they gonna do it now, or are they gonna wait 6 months or 2 years?" Staff deferred that scheduling question to the applicant; Montana answered that she expected installation to take under two months after permit issuance.

Commissioner Abel moved to close the public hearing and approve the major waiver as recommended by staff; Commissioner Rose seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

In other business, the commission approved the consent agenda, including the March 10, 2025 plan commission minutes. Commissioner Dalton moved to approve the consent agenda; Commissioner Abel seconded. That motion also passed unanimously.

At the start of the meeting the chair noted that two agenda items listed on the prior agenda—an unspecified zoning ordinance revision and a request by the city of Garland—were postponed to the commission's April 28 meeting and would not be heard at this session.

The commission adjourned the meeting at 6:44 p.m.