Graphics Commission approves sign variances for three sites, extends graphics plan

The Graphics Commission voted unanimously to approve an extension and three sign variances at its meeting. Commissioners extended an existing graphics plan (application 14320-00464) to May 2028 and approved three separate applications at sites on South High Street, Hilliard and Rome Road, and Kimberly Parkway.

The commission approved a variance for 4755 South High Street to allow three flagpoles, including a proposed 5-foot by 8-foot company logo flag in addition to American and state flags. The applicant (identified in the transcript as the presenter) told the commission, “We are looking for a variance to allow the company logo flag,” arguing customers sometimes struggle to find the site because existing signage is low and partially obscured by trees. Staff noted company-logo flags are treated as “wind-blown” or miscellaneous graphics under the city’s graphics code (chapter cited in the record as 33 75.13 f) and are generally prohibited; commissioners concluded the limited scope of the request and site-specific visibility issues supported the variance and approved the application on a roll-call vote.

A separate graphics plan for a new restaurant at 1790 Hilliard and Rome Road (application GC26-005) was presented by Erica Walker of SignFX, who said the plan would allow a pole sign plus directional ground signs to help drivers access the site. Walker said the building placement and multiple vehicular access points justified the additional directional signage. The Far West Side Area Commission had recommended approval 9–0; the Graphics Commission adopted the findings and approved the application unanimously.

At 4251 Kimberly Parkway (application GC26-006), the owner sought a variance to allow automatic changeable copy for fuel pricing on a ground sign after receiving citations for several unpermitted graphics on the property. Rebecca Green, representing Signstop, said the owner had filed permits for wall signs and intended to remove or reduce noncompliant window and pole signage. Green summarized the compliance plan: “We’re going to remove the second day care sign, reduce the window signage…remove the 2 pricers…and remove the prohibited light pole sign,” and said the applicant accepted staff’s recommended condition limiting the automatic changeable copy to fuel pricing.

Commissioners emphasized that the changeable-copy approval should be conditioned on the property being brought into compliance. One commissioner noted that the only variance requested was the automatic changeable copy and that permits for the remaining signs must be completed; staff confirmed that citations remain on the record and that work to remove violations would be tracked. The commission approved GC26-006 with the staff-recommended condition that changeable copy be limited to fuel pricing and that outstanding violations be rectified or the applicant return to the commission.

Votes at a glance - Extension (application 14320-00464) — Motion to extend to May 2028: approved (roll-call unanimous). - GC26-003 (4755 South High Street — company logo flag variance) — Approved (roll-call unanimous). - GC26-005 (1790 Hilliard and Rome Road — graphics plan for restaurant) — Approved (roll-call unanimous). - GC26-006 (4251 Kimberly Parkway — automatic changeable copy for fuel pricing) — Approved as conditioned (roll-call unanimous).

The meeting closed with a brief announcement of a tree dedication at Franklin Park in honor of Jamie scheduled for May 15 at 4:30 p.m., and the commission adjourned.