Board approves two 200-square-foot wall signs for 516 East 30th Street after discussion of visibility

The Greenwood Board of Zoning Appeals voted unanimously May 20 to approve a development-standards variance allowing two on‑premises wall signs of up to 200 square feet each at 516 East 30th Street (BZA2026-006).

Virginia Wilson, speaking for the applicant, told the board the client requested the relief because the building’s position and intervening field reduce visibility from a second main road. "They wanted to make sure that they have visibility from both of the main roads," Wilson said, adding the larger signs would help attract business to future tenants at the site.

Wilson also submitted additional photos and artwork to show how the signs would appear on the façade. Staff said it had met with the applicant but did not provide a formal recommendation; staff stated the board must weigh criterion 3 (whether strict application of the ordinance would result in a practical difficulty) because it determined that criterion was not met while the other three criteria were satisfied.

Board members discussed long‑term visibility concerns. Peters noted the north face will be more visible than the west face and warned that if a large building is constructed to the west, the west‑facing sign could be obscured. Members also raised freestanding‑sign issues and whether a ground sign in the future would change the need for large wall signage.

On a motion by Boyce, seconded by Milborne, the board admitted the evidence, approved the variance to allow the two 200‑square‑foot wall signs (a variance from Section 10‑03‑081‑L), and directed corporation counsel to draft written findings of fact. All votes were 4‑0. The board said final action will be taken at its next meeting after the written findings are prepared.