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BZA rejects variance to paint visible rooftop HVAC at Crane Hyundai site
Summary
Crane Investments asked to paint visible rooftop mechanical equipment in lieu of full screening at a new dealership; commissioners and staff cited sight‑line, parapet and grouping concerns and the variance failed (7 opposed, 1 in favor, 1 abstention).
Crane Investments LP sought a variance Jan. 13 to allow visible portions of rooftop mechanical equipment at the new Crane Hyundai dealership (3300 River Valley Drive) to be painted to match the building instead of being fully screened. Staff told the Board the architect had previously assured reviewers that parapets would fully screen rooftop units, but site inspection showed portions of some units visible from the right‑of‑way. Staff recommended denial unless all visible equipment were painted and conditions met.
Jett Ricks of Crane Automotive said the project is far along and asked the board to allow painting of the minimally visible units and to permit screening for the most visible unit. Commissioners and staff questioned sight‑line calculations, parapet height and the practicality of piecemeal enforcement. One commissioner said a taller parapet or grouped screening is preferable to spot painting individual units.
After discussion, the BZA vote was recorded as seven opposed, one in favor and one abstention; the variance did not pass.
