SB Item 3 - SV17-001 DemonstrationDemonstration
Please demonstrate that the following conditions are applicable to the requested sign variance:
That a literal enforcement of the sign regulation will create an unnecessary hardship or practical
difficulty on the applicant.
The Starbucks exterior facade was designed with the drive-thru art in mind, adding interest
to the muted color palette of the building. The addition of the drive thru arts breaks up the
consistency of the brown brick facade by infusing tasteful, earth toned colors into the design.
The addition of the drive thru art allows for this Starbucks location to have a unique design
element not found in other nearby locations.
2. That the situation causing the unnecessary hardship or practical difficulty is unique to the affected
property and is not self imposed.
The construction of the existing Starbucks building is the most current development in this shop-
ping center, making it unique due to age. The design of the building and architectural elements for
this site, including the drive-thru art were made thoughtfully with the intent of allowing the building
to have cohesion with the existing center, while allowing for the incorporation of muted modern
touches. The practical design difficulty is not self imposed as the installation of the art was planned
with the full incorporation of the spirit of the City of Southlake design and master signage codes.
3. That the variance will not injure and will be wholly compatible with the use and permitted
development of adjacent properties.
Approval of the variance will not cause harm to the adjacent properties as none of the adjacent
properties are residential and are similar in use to the Starbucks property. All neighboring tenants
are commercial businesses, many of which have existing variances allowing for increased letter size
and expansion of allowable wall signage. The variance will be compatible with the existing use of all
properties and will not affect permitted development of existing or future tenants currently allowed
in the C-3 Commercial zoning district.
4. That the variance will be in harmony with the spirit and purpose of the sign ordinance.
Approval of this variance will be in harmony with the design goals of Southlake's Master Sign Plan
Ordinance by helping to provide a "sense of place" and creative design for this development.
The complimentary muted earth toned color scheme of the art and incorporation into the exterior
facade design of the drive thru wall allows this art to be an architectural compliment to the build-
ing rather than just an element adhered to the building that distracts from the overall aesthetic.
Revised: January 2016