Council approves sign variance for Strawberry School after size dispute

The Bridgeton City Council voted 5–3 to approve a sign variance requested by Strawberry School, overruling design-review concerns that the proposed wall sign exceeded the city's size limit.

Staff described the application as a combination sign with a fixed portion showing the school and an LED panel incorporated behind where an American flag is shown in renderings. City staff said the sign exceeded the allowed surface area by about 19 square feet under the way the city calculates sign plane area, but added that “as you can see from the picture, the sign they have here fits very well within the whole entire front of that building” (Staff member, S2). Council members debated whether the property was in a residential zone; staff said it is in a planned commercial district.

Council member Thornburg moved the variance and Council member Bezada seconded. After council discussion focused on the plane-based calculation that generated the overage, the roll call showed five votes in favor and three opposed; the mayor announced the variance passed by a 5–3 vote. Council member Suttell later asked about reconsideration rules; the city attorney replied that a motion to reconsider must be made by one of those who voted against the measure.