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Athens BZA grants 14-square-foot sign variance for 932 East State Street
Summary
The Athens Board of Zoning Appeals voted 5–0 on March 10 to grant a variance allowing a 114-square-foot sign at 932 East State Street, exceeding the 100-square-foot limit; board members cited the parcel’s setback and visibility constraints as the basis for the decision.
The Athens Board of Zoning Appeals voted 5–0 on March 10 to grant a sign-size variance for the property at 932 East State Street, allowing 114 square feet of freestanding signage where the zoning code permits a maximum of 100 square feet.
City zoning representative Lance Allison told the board that in the four-lane section of East State Street the combined allowable freestanding sign area for multi-tenant properties is 100 square feet and that the applicant’s proposal would "be over by 14 square ft." Allison confirmed the existing upper cabinet on the pylon sign is just under the limit and that the new plate would be a non-illuminated panel mounted on the masonry base rather than added higher on the structure because of wind-load and engineering concerns.
Applicant representative Ryan Brady said the landlord preferred not to subdivide the existing multi-tenant cabinet (about 96 square feet), that tenant lease obligations allocate sign area among occupants, and that placing a modest panel at the base improves visibility for drivers on East State Street. "We would like a presence here on this pylon sign for traffic on East State Street," Brady said, describing the new panel as a flat, non-illuminated addition attached to the base.
During deliberation the board considered the five variance criteria the code requires. Members cited the property’s setback and screening by out-buildings and parking as an "exceptional circumstance" that limits visibility from the street and noted the applicant’s need for reasonable identification. The board concluded the requested 14-square-foot increase was the minimum variance necessary for reasonable use and would not cause substantial detriment to adjacent properties; members referenced past, older sign variances in the East State corridor as context.
A motion to approve case 26-01V was made and seconded; the board approved the variance by voice vote, 5–0. The board’s procedure materials note that any person aggrieved by the decision may petition the Athens County Court of Common Pleas within 30 days of the mailing of the board’s decision.
The variance applies only to the sign dimensions and mounting described at the hearing; the board did not add special conditions such as illumination or revised setbacks in its motion.
