Council approves rooftop carousel-horse sign for Goody's Toy Store after public hearing

The Homewood City Council on April 8 approved a variance permitting a large rooftop carousel-horse sign for Goody's Toy Store after a public hearing and a round of council questions.

Joe Levins, appearing for the applicant and owner, described the proposed 5'to-6-foot carousel-horse emblem as matching the store logo and serving as a visibility/marketing element. "It simply matches our logo," Levins said, adding the piece is light enough to be handled by hand and that the owners would remove it if the business moves.

Council members asked practical and code-related questions about where the sign would sit, how it would be attached and whether it would extend above the roofline. City staff explained that the existing ordinance restricts roof signs that extend above the highest peak and that because the proposed ornament would extend above the parapet it requires a variance.

Following discussion, Miss Smith moved approval and Miss Nelms seconded; the council voted 9 in favor and 2 opposed to approve the variance, recorded as Resolution 24-41.

The applicant noted the sign would be secured to a platform welded or anchored to the roof and that the base would likely be obscured behind the parapet; he also offered to remove it if the tenant relocates. The council closed the hearing and approved the variance.

What happens next: The variance will be reflected in the meeting record as Resolution 24-41. Any building or structural attachment must comply with applicable permitting and landlord approval requirements noted in the hearing.