Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Signage Variance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves reduced signage variance for racetrack while holding to UDO precedents
Summary
The Board of Adjustment approved a reduced signage variance for a proposed racetrack development, allowing a compromise cap of 313 sq ft rather than the applicant’s larger request after staff cited nearby precedents and recommended limits tied to similar properties.
The Bryan County Board of Adjustment voted May 20 to grant a reduced signage variance for a proposed racetrack development on the north end of the county near the I‑16 interchange, allowing 313 square feet of total sign faces rather than the larger amount sought by the applicant.
Planning staff explained the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) limits total sign faces to 200 square feet for developments of the size described and referenced prior approvals nearby, including the Pilot truck stop, which had a larger allowance. Staff said the racetrack proposed an 8,100-square-foot facility and requested a substantially larger signage allowance; staff recommended a compromise cap based on recent local approvals.
Staff framed the variance analysis around the standard criteria: unnecessary hardship, uniqueness of the property (including dual frontage), and whether the applicant caused the condition. Staff said dual frontage is not unique in the county but that previous sign variances have been granted in the area and recommended allowing 313 square feet instead of the applicant’s requested 376 square feet.
The applicant’s representative said the racetrack would reduce some promotional and wall signage to comply with the 313-square-foot maximum recommended by staff. One public commenter, Dustin Jensen, submitted a speaker slip and the applicant’s representative answered questions about consistency with nearby developments.
After the public hearing closed, the board approved variance 2024029 with staff recommendations. The decision references UDO provisions for signage and will be reflected in the final permit conditions.
The variance allows the racetrack to increase signage above the standard 200-square-foot limit but imposes a ceiling aligned with recent local precedents.
