Zoning board denies Graff dealership request to keep banner flags at 116 North Mission

The Mount Pleasant Zoning Board of Appeals on May 27 denied a request from Graff Buick GMC & Cadillac to increase the number, height and placement of temporary banner flags at its 116 North Mission Street lot.

Staff introduced the case under Sec. 154.414(b)(3) of the city sign code, noting the ordinance limits temporary signs and sets size and spacing requirements. Seth Blackie, a sales manager for the Graff dealerships, told the board the flags are part of the dealership’s brand and ‘‘liven up the area,’’ and asked the board to grant a variance to allow the display on light poles across the lot.

The board heard one nearby resident at the public hearing, Joseph Carreon of 109 North Arnold Street, who said after reviewing the packet he agreed with staff that the applicant had ‘‘not demonstrated enough evidence to approve this request’’ and urged the board to deny the variance.

During discussion, several members said they were sympathetic to the business and acknowledged that car dealerships face unique marketing challenges, but they also stressed legal requirements for variance approval and concern about creating a precedent that would require similar approvals elsewhere. The board cited the lack of demonstrated hardship and consistency with the sign code as central reasons for denying the request.

A motion to approve the variance was moved and seconded but did not carry. The board recorded the motion as defeated and the variance was not granted.

The board noted staff could discuss potential zoning code adjustments with the planning commission if the dealership seeks a change that would apply more broadly to dealership signage. No changes to the site or enforcement were ordered at the meeting; staff also noted correspondence from Patricia Strong and that the fire and public works departments had no objections.