Commission approves wall-sign variance for Valley Ford at 5575 Kine Circle with illumination restricted to business hours

The planning commission approved a wall-sign graphic-area variance for the property at 5575 Kine Circle (Valley Ford), with a condition that any internal illumination be limited to the site’s business hours.

Planning staff reported that the building previously had a larger, internally illuminated wall sign; that sign was removed when ownership changed. The applicant, Kurt Barris of MA Design representing the dealership, said the proposed sign is smaller than the earlier sign and argued internal illumination was needed for visibility from the ramp and adjacent highway. The Westside Area Commission recommended approval but asked that the sign not be illuminated because the face of the sign faces residentially zoned properties. Staff described the proposed sign as compatible with the building and supportive of wayfinding to the dealership.

During discussion, several commissioners and a signage/lighting professional noted that external illumination, timers or limiting energized hours could reduce impacts to nearby residential properties. An owner representative told the commission ownership would accept a timer tied to business hours; the applicant also said external illumination was a possibility to be considered. The commission’s final approval included a condition specified on the record that the sign be illuminated only during business hours. The motion carried with recorded affirmative votes.

Staff noted that a nonconforming, internally illuminated 120-square-foot sign had previously existed at the location; the new sign is smaller than that earlier sign, according to the applicant’s presentation. The commission did not require a specific set clock for business hours in the motion and left the definition of business hours as the operative condition recorded with approval.