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Board approves five-part sign variance for Honey Creek Church with masonry-base condition
Summary
The Greenwood Board approved five sign-related variances for Honey Creek Church (VZA2026-014), including allowing two ground-mounted signs and an 8-foot monument sign; staff had recommended denial on several items but the petitioner agreed to a masonry-base condition and the board approved all five requests 5-0.
The City of Greenwood Board of Zoning Appeals on July 27 approved five requested variances for a church sign filed as VZA2026-014 by Lauren Obermeyer on behalf of Honey Creek Church. The petition sought permission for (1) two ground-mounted signs, (2) masonry or stone sign-face materials, (3) a changeable-copy area up to 21 square feet, (4) a 40-square-foot sign face, and (5) an 8-foot monument sign height. After staff recommended approval only of request 1 and recommended denial of requests 2–5, the petitioner agreed to add a masonry-base condition and the board approved each request on individual motions, each carrying 5-0.
Petitioner Lauren Obermeyer described the existing sign as "very old, very dated" and said the church wanted to reuse the existing concrete pad and steel to keep costs down. She explained visibility concerns, telling the board that "the height is the sign is 30 feet off the road, so the additional height is helpful." Planning staff told the board that while refacing an existing sign requires no permit, enlarging a sign or adding electronic/display components would trigger a new-sign review and must meet current ordinance standards. Staff recommended denial on materials and larger display area because those items "don't really match the character of the area" and because the staff view was that the main issue is the sign's location and visibility rather than the UDO.
Board members asked whether a masonry skin or faux stone would satisfy the ordinance; staff confirmed a masonry appearance (including thin or foam masonry veneer that looks like real masonry from the road) would meet the aesthetic requirement without requiring a full structural rebuild. With that agreement the board approved request 1 (allow two ground-mounted signs), approved request 2 with the condition that a masonry base or acceptable veneer be used, and then approved requests 3 (21 sq ft changeable copy), 4 (40 sq ft face), and 5 (8-foot monument sign). The board also directed the corporation counsel to draft written findings of fact reflecting the decisions; final action was scheduled in two weeks.
Vote tallies recorded on the audio were unanimous on each action: five in favor, zero opposed. Counsel was asked to prepare written findings to memorialize the board's decisions.
