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Historic board approves variance for oversized projecting sign at Stafford House, 101 E. Main
Summary
The Denison Historic Preservation Board on Nov. 18 approved a variance allowing a 42-sq.-ft. projecting sign at the Stafford House (101 E. Main), exceeding the ordinance’s 20-sq.-ft. limit; the board debated precedent and lighting before approving the permit contingent on permitting steps.
The Denison Historic Preservation Board voted Nov. 18 to approve a variance allowing a projecting sign that exceeds the 20-square-foot-per-face limit at the Stafford House, 101 East Main St.
Staff presented the case (Case 202565H), saying the proposed projecting sign measures 42 square feet per side and therefore requires a variance under the current Chapter 19 sign ordinance. "This sign is 42 square feet per side," the staff presenter said, noting the building official normally handles sign permits but that the Historic Overlay triggers board review for variances.
Board members debated whether approving the larger projecting sign would set a precedent for multiple large signs on the same building or nearby facades. Board member (Speaker 3) warned that allowing the sign "could lead to quite a few signs around the Katy Depot at some point," raising concerns about how many projecting signs a single façade could host. Staff responded that the existing code does not explicitly cap the number of projecting signs per façade and that some related issues are awaiting revision in a new ordinance that the council has directed staff not to pursue at this time.
The applicant’s representative, who later identified himself as Ricky Bates, confirmed the existing Katy Depot sign will be removed and that the proposed Stafford-side projecting sign will be "the only sign" on that avenue-facing façade. Bates also confirmed the sign will be internally lit, "just like the one on City Hall."
Board member (Speaker 3) moved to approve the variance; Board member (Speaker 2) seconded, and the motion passed by voice vote. After the vote staff directed the applicant to coordinate with permit technicians and the building official to complete permitting.
Why it matters: The board’s decision permits a sign materially larger than what the current Chapter 19 sign ordinance allows, and members flagged that the decision could affect future signage on adjacent historic buildings. Staff said ordinance revisions are planned but currently on hold, leaving the present code as the governing standard.
What’s next: The applicant must complete building-permit steps with permit staff and the building official. Any future requests for additional projecting signs on the same façade or neighboring structures would come back to the board under the same overlay rules.
