Rolla City Board of Adjustment approves McBride Homes' temporary signage with height, time limits

The Rolla City Board of Adjustment on Jan. 23 unanimously approved a special exception allowing McBride Homes to install additional temporary signage for a planned subdivision, imposing limits on height and duration.

City Planner Tom Coots read an email from Rolla resident Vicki Gibbons expressing concern that the proposed signage "would block the view of vehicles trying to pull out onto Highway 72," and asked the city to retain current signage standards. Aaron Windholz, representing McBride Homes, presented the size and proposed locations of the signs. During public comment, resident Doug Mugel objected to the banners, calling them "tacky and obnoxious."

After staff outlined the criteria for a special exception, board members discussed sign illumination, maximum heights and how long temporary signs should be allowed to remain. The board concluded the application met the required criteria and approved the special exception on a 5–0 roll call vote. Jonathan Hines made the motion; Matt Miller seconded.

The board attached five conditions to the approval: signage fronting Osage Drive is limited to 10 feet in height and signage fronting Highway 72 is limited to 12 feet; all signs and supporting structures must be removed within 30 days of closing the last house lot or eight years from the approval date, whichever is sooner; a sign permit must be submitted and approved before erection; signs may not be located in the rights-of-way of Osage Drive or Highway 72; and signs must be located on property owned by the applicant or on platted common lots. The board recorded ayes from Crowell, Miller, Meusch, Rohter and Hines and no nays.

The decision means McBride Homes may proceed to seek a sign permit consistent with the board's conditions. The Board of Adjustment is scheduled to meet next on Feb. 20, 2025.