Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Sign Variance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board permits second wall sign for Goldfish Swim School at Clifton Park plaza
Summary
The Clifton Park Zoning Board of Appeals granted a sign-area variance allowing a second wall sign for Goldfish Swim School at 1208 Route 146, citing wayfinding and plaza geometry; the vote was unanimous after staff explained directional-sign limits and size calculations.
The Clifton Park Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to allow a second wall sign for Goldfish Swim School at 1208 Route 146 in Clifton Park, approving an area variance that exceeds the smaller directional-sign allowances in the town code.
Karly Clark of AJ Sign Company, representing Goldfish Swim School, said the school’s main entrance sits on the side of a corner building and is hard for customers to find. “We are seeking more of a directional sign because the entrance to Goldfish is actually on the side of the building,” Clark said, noting many users are grandparents and caregivers who need clearer wayfinding.
Staff explained directional signs are typically limited to two square feet and that image content is restricted; the proposed addition was therefore classified as a second wall sign. Planning staff and board members reviewed the coding, measured allowable area based on the building’s 8,100 sq ft gross floor area, and discussed previous larger tenant signs in the plaza.
Board members weighed wayfinding and safety in a large parking lot against strict size limits for directional signage and said the proposed sign is modest relative to other existing signs at the plaza. After discussion a motion to approve the sign variance as requested passed by roll call; the vote recorded six yes votes (Mr. J., Mr. Ro., Mr. Fibo, Mr. Klein, Mr. Styles and Mr. Shu).
The board closed the public hearing before voting; staff noted the application was treated as an unlisted action with no significant environmental impacts and that Saratoga County planning provided no countywide concerns.
