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Council grants variance to Westfield HOA to place entrance sign on fence
Summary
Council approved elimination of a 15-foot encroachment restriction so Westfield HOA can mount a 22-square-foot, low-lit entrance sign on an existing fence along James Boulevard; staff confirmed materials and size conformed to sign standards and the variance was granted by voice vote.
The Signal Mountain Town Council on March 23 approved a variance allowing the Westfield subdivision to mount a 22‑square‑foot entrance sign on an existing fence at the James Boulevard entrance, removing the 15‑foot setback requirement that would have placed any sign behind the fence.
Corinne Mason, chair of the Westfield Landscape Committee, told council the new sign would replace an undersized 4.7‑square‑foot sign and would improve visibility for residents, deliveries and emergency responders. “Westfield respectfully request elimination of the 15 foot encroachment restriction to allow placement of a Westville subdivision sign on the existing entrance fence bordering James Boulevard,” Mason said, adding the sign would be integrated into the existing fence, not a new freestanding structure.
Staff and the building inspector reviewed the proposal and confirmed the materials and size meet the town’s sign regulations; the only formal conflict was the setback tied to the subdivision ordinance. Council members asked whether the sign placement would impede future right‑of‑way expansion; staff explained the fence aligns with the property line and the setback would have placed a sign in a service road, so eliminating the 15‑foot setback would allow the sign to be mounted at the fence line without creating a new freestanding structure.
Chair moved to approve the encroachment, specifying the location described in the application and stipulating low‑voltage lighting from below; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. The council recorded no roll‑call tally in the minutes; staff noted the variance was granted and the applicant was thanked for attending.
Why it matters: The variance directly affects neighborhood wayfinding and responder visibility; staff documented that the sign will not exceed the 25‑square‑foot limit for subdivision entrance signs and will be integrated into an existing entrance feature.
Next steps: Applicant may proceed with sign installation consistent with the application exhibit and the lighting plan.
