Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Signs And Graphics topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
BZA denies wall‑sign placement variance for 214 W. Maple; staff and HDC cited alternatives
Summary
The Board denied a request to place a dimensional wall sign outside the city's designated sign band at 214 W. Maple, finding alternative permitted sign types (projecting blade signs, interior/window signage, or relocating within the sign band) available to the applicant.
The Birmingham Board of Zoning Appeals on June 13 denied a wall‑sign placement variance for 214 West Maple after staff and board members said the applicant had alternative, permitted options that would not require a variance.
Staff explained the proposed sign was acceptable in area, projection and grade but sat outside the city's required sign band (the area between first‑floor windows and the roof line) by roughly 2 feet 3 inches, which triggered the variance request. Staff and the board noted that the Historic District Commission had reviewed and approved the sign design on condition the applicant seek a BZA variance; HDC review did not find a historic‑character conflict, the staff said.
Members asked whether the applicant could use other allowed signage types — a projecting/blade sign, window/interior signage, or placing the same three‑letter dimensional element inside the sign band — or simply rework the existing projecting sign. Architect Chris Long (representing the applicant) said the proposed element is "subtle," set back about five feet from the storefront, and intended as a dimensional, discreet identity mark rather than a decal.
Board members concluded alternatives existed that would achieve similar visibility without departing from the sign‑band rules. A motion to deny the variance carried on roll call; staff and board members encouraged the applicant to pursue a permitted solution (blade sign, interior mounted signage, or adjusted placement) and to return if necessary after exploring those options.
What happens next: the applicant may revise the sign to fit within permitted categories or reapply with a redesigned placement tied to the sign band; HDC and staff remain available for design coordination.
