Planning commission denies Sun Auto pole-sign redesign at Cemetery Road location

The Planning and Zoning Commission on Oct. 9 denied a request from Sun Auto to change the face of a legally nonconforming pole sign at 4580 Cemetery Road, concluding that prior precedent and the sign code weigh against altering nonconforming pole signs.

Staff advised the commission that pole signs are legally nonconforming under the current code and cannot be altered without commission approval; staff recommended denial, noting a string of recent denials of similar proposals in the area. "Staff finds that the proposed sign variance is not consistent with the spirit and intent of the sign code," staff said, urging the applicant to consider other code-compliant sign alternatives.

Applicant representative Colin Brinkman said the client sought to reface the existing pole sign for brand visibility and that alternative options (lower post signs or blade signs) would reduce visibility. Brinkman said the applicant sought to keep the existing structure and replace the face for Sun Auto branding.

Commissioners voted against the variance; several members cited precedent from earlier denials for similar requests in the same corridor. The motion to approve did not carry.

Ending: The applicant may pursue alternative signage that complies with the sign code or submit a different variance proposal; staff noted the applicant may reapply with a revised design.