Oxford appeals board pauses decision on Brick Street LED marquee after hours of testimony

The Oxford Board of Zoning Appeals on Nov. 25 heard an administrative appeal by Wiseman Enterprises Holdings over a July 9 denial of a sign permit for 36 East High Street, home to the Brick Street music venue, and then suspended deliberations to review the record and seek legal advice before issuing a decision.

Zoning administrator Zach Moore told the board he denied permit P2025O300-320 because the proposal to replace two manual changeable-copy cabinets on the marquee with Watchfire LED message displays would be a replacement, not ordinary maintenance, and “the replacement results in the loss of the legal nonconformity.” Moore said the cabinets exceed height limits, are directly illuminated and that the code treats replacement as forfeiting nonconforming status.

Applicant counsel Jack Grove and witnesses argued otherwise. Grove said the work is necessary because original dimensional letters and electrical components are obsolete, and he…