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Council approves setback variance for monument sign at US‑19 convenience store
Summary
The council approved variance 25‑7‑0032 to reduce the minimum setback from 15 feet to 5 feet for a proposed 50‑sq‑ft monument sign at 7205 US Highway 19 after staff and the LDRB recommended approval and the applicant explained site constraints; the motion passed by voice vote as announced.
The New Port Richey City Council voted to approve variance 25‑7‑0032, allowing a proposed 50‑square‑foot monument sign at 7205 US Highway 19 to be placed 5 feet from the right‑of‑way instead of the 15‑foot minimum required by the city’s land‑use code.
Planning staff presented the application and slides showing the location, site constraints and the prior removal of a damaged, nonconforming pole sign. Mr. Hall, a planning staff presenter, told the council the site’s layout—including gas tanks and underground utilities—limits where a replacement sign can be sited and noted the Development Review Committee and the Local Development Review Board recommended approval.
Applicant Annabelle Susi told the council the proposed spot ‘‘is the safest for the driving conditions and lot’’ because two entrances and underground electrical restrict other placements. A member of the public, Nathan Pollock of Patriot Stogies, argued a monument sign could obstruct sight lines and said the property could still qualify for a pole sign under some code sections; he asked the council to consider traffic visibility.
Council members discussed sight‑triangle safety and whether a smaller setback (6–7 feet) would be preferable. The motion on the table was limited to granting the setback variance; any final design or permitting decisions would follow the development‑plan review process and applicable sight‑triangle requirements. The council approved the variance by voice vote as announced (4‑0 in favor).
The council also recorded an ex parte disclosure from a member who had exchanged texts with the applicant and recused from voting; another member disclosed a prior campaign sign observation but did not recuse. Staff said the LDRB and DRC had noticed and posted the property and that the site was adequately noticed for public hearing requirements.
Next steps: if the applicant proceeds, the city will review the final development plan and view‑triangle/visibility issues as part of permitting; the variance does not certify a final sign design.
