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Planning board approves variance to allow Burger King sign at 100 Prince Royal Drive
Summary
The planning board approved a 7.5-foot dimensional variance allowing a Burger King sign to be placed 2.5 feet from the front and right property lines at 100 Prince Royal Drive after the applicant cited branding and visibility hardship; the motion passed by voice vote.
The planning board voted to approve a dimensional variance that will allow a Burger King sign to be installed 2.5 feet from the front and right property lines at 100 Prince Royal Drive, a move the applicant said was necessary for branding and visibility.
Planning staff opened the discussion by saying the property is zoned B-4 (interstate commercial) and that standard sign regulations require a 10-foot setback from property lines. Staff said the applicant’s site plan showed the sign 2 feet 9 inches from both the front and right property lines and that the variance request had been amended to 2.5 feet to allow for the sign post’s diameter, creating a 7.5-foot dimensional variance.
Attorney Preston Wardley, with the McBrayer Law Firm, told the board the gas station and attached restaurant had previously displayed a similar sign before an ownership change led to debranding. “This particular variance request is simply to put the sign back where it was,” Wardley said, adding that neighboring fast-food businesses use similar signage along the corridor.
Susan Anderson, director of operations for the Burger King franchise in Ambler, described the practical need for the sign, saying the site currently lacks interstate visibility. “We just wanted something a little bit higher,” Anderson said, adding that the proposed sign is smaller than the original and is intended to help customers find the restaurant.
Staff read the statutory findings the board must consider under state law, including that a variance may be granted when it will not adversely affect public health, safety or the character of the vicinity. Committee member Katie Berry moved to approve the variance citing that statutory criterion; the motion was seconded by George Mendoza. The board conducted a voice vote; Denise Hagen and Stacy Edwards were recorded as voting yes and the chair announced the motion approved.
The board’s approval allows the applicant to install the sign closer to the property lines than normally permitted. The meeting adjourned following the vote.
