Planning board recommends variances to allow larger, dual facade signs for Sonny’s Car Wash Factory

The Tamarac Planning Board on Wednesday recommended that the City Commission approve two variances allowing Sonny’s The Car Wash Factory to install larger non‑illuminated façade lettering and two wall signs on its south elevation.

Jennifer Ronneberger, representing applicant GoPermit on behalf of Sonny’s, told the board the company seeks two non‑illuminated, 2‑inch‑deep aluminum pin‑mounted signs—one at each side of the south elevation—primarily to maintain brand consistency with other locations. City planner Christian T. Waterbaugh said the site is in the BP (Business Park) zoning district, the future land use is industrial, and the building sits approximately 150 feet from the Commercial Boulevard right of way. Under the code’s façade sign‑size formula, that distance yields a permitted maximum of 31 inches; Sonny’s requested 42 inches to accommodate its teardrop logo.

Staff recommended forwarding a favorable recommendation to the City Commission, concluding the general variance review standards had been met and noting existing mature street trees and building placement in the right‑of‑way as relevant context. Ronneberger said the lettering will be engineered and attached close to the building; she described the signs as non‑illuminated and thin, and said engineering will be included with the building permit application.

During the public‑hearing portion there were no speakers. A motion to recommend approval passed 5‑0. Planning Board members confirmed with staff that the building height is approximately 47 feet, 6 inches (as noted in materials) and that signs would be permitted to remain if the variance is approved; any installation must still satisfy building‑permit and engineering requirements.

The Planning Board will forward its recommendation to the City Commission for action on June 25, 2025.