Salina board approves setback variance for ground sign at former Merrimount school

The Salina Board of Zoning Appeals approved application V25-6 on Oct. 25, 2025, granting a variance to the University District 10-foot front-yard setback so a ground sign can be placed at the former Merrimount school property.

Planning staff told the board the application, filed by Megan Schaefer of Lumineo Signs on behalf of Merrimount Properties and g r JRI Enterprises, proposes a non-illuminated ground sign roughly 5.5 feet tall and about 26 square feet. Staff said a survey showed the usual 10-foot setback would locate the sign in an access driving aisle that serves an underground garage and surface parking, creating a traffic hazard.

Staff recommended approval, citing the property's wider-than-typical right-of-way on Iron Avenue: the distance from curb to property line is about 23 feet at this site, roughly 10 feet more than typical, which affects where a sign could be located without interfering with circulation. Staff said there were no feasible alternative locations on the frontage that would both mark the preferred driveway and avoid blocking circulation or sight lines. The presentation noted adjacent large parcels (the Salina Country Club and the Kansas Highway Patrol training facility) and a Catholic Diocese cemetery; staff said only two residential dwellings are within 500 feet of the proposed sign.

Applicant Megan Schaefer, of Lumineo Signs, told the board the sign would be a simple black-and-white design and is intended to direct drivers to the primary driveway rather than mark the property name. "I think she just wanted to go black, white, keep it simple and crisp, and just identify that driveway as the main so that they don't go in the other driveway," Schaefer said.

The board considered the staff recommendation and public participation; staff reported that no neighbors had provided feedback on the application. A board member moved to approve V25-6 with the stipulation that the sign's construction and placement substantially conform to the plans submitted to and approved by the board. Another member seconded the motion. The board approved the variance by voice vote with no opposition recorded.

The approval is recorded as application V25-6 with the condition that construction and placement be in substantial conformity with the submitted plans. No further details on a construction schedule or permit timing were provided at the meeting.