Panel denies low‑mounted sign but allows extra signage for Oxford Automotive on Bone Road

The Planning & Zoning Commission split its decisions on two related sign variances for 6270 Bone Road on July 13: it denied VA26012, which sought an exemption to mount part of a wall sign less than 8 feet above grade, but it approved VA26013, which sought an additional 22.3 square feet of wall signage on the same elevation.

Staff urged denial of VA26012 because the proposed lower mounting height reduced the minimum obstruction‑free zone along the building’s drive aisle, creating potential safety hazards for both pedestrians and vehicles. The staff report noted the applicant had alternative placements on the same elevation that would meet the 8‑foot minimum and that the proposed mounted portion of the logo (the wrench) lacked detailed cabinet profile and clearance data.

Caleb Moore of Moore Signs, representing Oxford Automotive, said the sign would protrude only 3–5 inches and argued the rear of the site is fenced and not used by pedestrians; he also stressed that the logo/wrench is integral to the brand and that reduced scale would make the sign unreadable from US‑33.

After discussion about scale, alternative placements, and sight lines from US‑33, Commissioner Deeds’ motion to approve VA26012 failed on a 0‑4 roll call and the variance was denied. The commission then considered VA26013 (additional square footage). Staff recommended approving the modest increase in signage area for wayfinding reasons on a parcel recently rezoned and with an unusual site configuration; the commission approved VA26013 by unanimous vote.

The record shows the commission balanced pedestrian and vehicular safety for VA26012 against branding and wayfinding impacts for VA26013: the low‑mount safety concern governed the denial, while additional square footage (configured to avoid the clearance issue) was accepted for the unique parcel.