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Council grants sign-variance for Burlington at Richmond Road amid debate over scale and visibility
Summary
The council approved a sign variance allowing Burlington to install four additional wall signs totaling about 237 square feet at 2221 North Richmond Road after staff concluded the request meets variance standards; one member voted no, citing the sign’s dominant appearance.
Council members voted to grant a sign-variance request for Burlington’s proposed store at 2221 North Richmond Road, allowing additional corporate wall signage beyond the size permitted by code.
Planning staff told the council the request is for four additional wall signs totaling roughly 237 square feet beyond code allowances and that staff believes the proposal meets the standards for a sign variance. The project is the relocation of Burlington into the former RoomPlace building and includes interior demo, exterior work and modified loading-dock arrangements.
Several council members expressed concern about the visual impact of the proposed signage on a highly visible highway frontage. One member said the design shows a large red area that ‘‘looks like better than half of the side of the frontage’’ and questioned how the nighttime lighting would affect nearby properties. Another council member argued the building’s position on the site and the need for wayfinding for drivers justified side signage and supported the variance to help the business succeed.
Alderman Miller moved to grant the sign-variance as presented; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll-call vote with one recorded no vote.
The motion authorizes the applicant to proceed with the signage plan as presented, subject to whatever permit review and conditions staff may require during the building-permit and sign-permit processes.
