Thunderbolt planning commission grants Enmark sign variances after split votes

At a virtual meeting on May 20, 2020, the Town of Thunderbolt Planning & Zoning Commission approved multiple sign variances for a proposed Enmark Stations Inc. at 2309 E. Victory Drive.

Doug Carroll, representing Enmark Stations Inc., presented a sign package and told the commission the original sign had been removed from the right-of-way and the new standalone sign would sit on the west side of the parcel. Carroll said the company needed a 4-foot height variance and a 2-foot width variance to place the sign in the chosen location and that last-minute Department of Transportation comments had required changes to driveway cuts into the site. "Enmark stations are convenience stores and last‑minute options based on price point," Carroll said when comparing the design to other local stations.

The commission split on the standalone sign height: Commissioner Len Hiers moved to approve the 4-foot height variance with Commissioner John Mattingly seconding. The motion carried 3–2; the transcript records a three-for and two-opposed result but does not identify which commissioners cast the dissenting votes. Chairperson Lisa Williams presided during the vote.

Commissioners unanimously approved canopy signage after Town Attorney Charlie Barrow and Clerk/Zoning Administrator Deatre Denion characterized canopy signage as a type of façade sign. Separately, the commission approved façade lettering as presented by a 3–2 vote. Carroll said each letter would be internally illuminated and provided dimensions of 14 by 4½ (as presented); Town Attorney Barrow noted the town code limit for a façade sign is 10 by 4 feet (40 square feet). Building Inspector Bob Fischer observed that a decorative leaf element increased the overall visual size of the sign and that removing the leaf would avoid the need for a variance.

Several commissioners asked for local sign comparisons. Commissioner Patricia Holland warned that granting the variance could prompt similar requests, noting the town sign ordinance has been in place since 2003. Commissioner Len Hiers suggested using two smaller signs as an alternative; Carroll said that was an option under consideration.

The commission recorded no roll-call names for the dissenting votes in the transcript. The board approved the canopy signage unanimously and approved the height and façade variances by 3–2 margins.

The commission’s decisions allow Enmark Stations Inc. to proceed with the sign designs as approved; any building permits, illumination limits, or final engineering tied to DOT driveway requirements will be addressed during permitting.