SB Item 7- SV17-007 DemonstrationDemonstration
Please demonstrate that the following conditions are applicable to the requested sign variance:
1. That a literal enforcement of the sign regulation will create an unnecessary hardship or practical
difficulty on the applicant.
The property in question already has a sign plan in place for portions of the property that allow
more than what the sign code would allow Marshalls to have, the precedence has been set
due to the uniqueness of the property. The hardship that is created is related to the motorists
that are safely trying to navigate their way to this site from the south. Motorists that could
inadvertently become confused when they cannot see the "Marshalls" text if installed at 16"
letter height. The hardship by treescapes that would block the view of a smaller sign making it
hazardous for transient motorists and patrons that are not familiar with this destination.
2. That the situation causing the unnecessary hardship or practical difficulty is unique to the affected
orooerty and is not self imposed.
The situation that is causing hardship is not self imposed, Marshalls was not planned when
the sign plan allowed PGA Tour to have a larger sign. The practical difficulty that is unique
because of the layout of the building, location of the entrances to the lot are not created by
Marshalls. The hardship is to the citizens of the community when there is a potential for traffic
related accidents due to the sign not being visible from a substantial line of site distance. The
United States Sign Council recommends 48" letters for clear visibility at a distance of 480', the
turning lane on S. Kimball is 480' feet away, this is not self created, the roads are existing.
3. That the variance will not injure and will be wholly compatible with the use and permitted
development of adjacent properties.
The variance would not injure the compatibility or development of the adjacent properties. This
is a commercial shopping area, with adjacent commercial properties that have signs of this size
and type. However, the lack of adequate signs here will cause motorists that are traveling on
S. Kimball to be at a disadvantage and may result in traffic incidents that would eventually be a
burden on the infrastructure and emergency services for the city. Adequate signs are
necessary to reduce injury to the citizens of the City of Southlake and those motorists that are
transient and unfamiliar with the shopping area.
4. That the variance will be in harmony with the spirit and purpose of the sign ordinance.
The overall intent of any sign ordinance is to reduce sign clutter and provide for safety and
notification to those that are traveling so that they may be able to locate their destination all
while considering the aesthetics of the neighborhood and design of the shopping center. The
sign proposed is consistent with the surrounding area by design and type. The sign proposed
for Marshalls is also smaller than the overall height of the PGA Tour sign to the east on the
same visible elevation from South Kimball. The sign proposed while smaller, would help
persons to find their designation when approaching from the south while keeping in harmony
with the spirit and purpose of the sign ordinance.
Revised: January 2016