SB Item 5Case No.
SV19-0017
S T A F F R E P O R T
January 31, 2020
CASE NO: SV19-0017
PROJECT: Sign Variances for Ozeki Ramen & Sushi Izakaya
EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY: EKLC Inc. is requesting approval of variances to Sign Ordinance No. 704, as
amended, for Ozeki Ramen & Sushi Izakaya located at 432 Grand Avenue West,
Southlake, Texas.
DETAILS: Ozeki Ramen & Sushi Izakaya is located at the northeast corner of Grand Avenue
West and Plaza Place in the tenant space previously occupied by Taco Diner.
The applicant is requesting variances to Sign Ordinance 704, as amended, to allow
a painted sign above the store front entrance of their lease space as well as a
painted decorative wood panel on the west elevation.
Specifically, under Sign Ordinance 704, as amended, signs directly painted on
buildings are prohibited with the exception of signs that are less than five square
feet used for building identification.
Currently, under the Southlake Town Square Grand Avenue District sign
regulations, Non-Conforming Signs, certain signs, while not technically meeting the
requirements set forth, will nonetheless be considered for approval on a case-by-
case basis. Staff has determined that the proposed painted signs would require City
Council approval. All other existing signage currently on the building is compliant.
Below is a summary of the requested variances:
Proposed Signs Sign Ordinance 704-J Southlake Town Square Grand
Avenue District Regulations
Painted sign directly painted
over store front entrance of
building (not intended for the
purpose of identifying physical
building)
Prohibited sign Non-Conforming Sign, to be
considered on a case-by-case basis
Painted decorative wood panel
sign attached to the west
elevation.
Prohibited sign Non-Conforming Sign, to be
considered on a case-by-case basis
Case No.
SV19-0017
ACTION NEEDED: Consider Approval of Requested Variances
ATTACHMENTS: (A) Background Information
(B) Vicinity Map
Presentation
Demonstration
Supporting Document
STAFF CONTACT: Dennis Killough 817-748-8072
Lorrie Fletcher 817-748-8069
Case No. Attachment A
SV19-0017 Page 1
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
APPLICANT: EKLC Inc.
OWNER: RPAI Southwest Management LLC
PROPERTY SITUATION: 432 Grand Avenue West
HISTORY: November 1998 – Phase I Sign Regulations adopted
March 1999 – Phase II Sign Regulations adopted
November 2005 – Grand Avenue Sign Regulations adopted
West Side District painted directional signs (3).
September, 2001; permit issued for Larry North Fitness painted sign.
December 11, 2009; permit issued for Jack’s Porch painted signs (2).
March 20, 2012; City Council approved a variance request for a painted sign
for All American Family Fitness. (SV12-004)
Case No. Attachment A
SV19-0017 Page 2
November 4, 2014; City Council approved a variance request for a painted
sign for Columbia Sportswear. (SV14-015)
December 5, 2017; City Council approved a variance request for a painted
sign for Dance With Me. (SV17-014)
March 19, 2019; City Council approved a variance request for a painted sign
for Johnny Was (SV19-0002)
STAFF COMMENTS: City Council approval of the proposed sign does not eliminate the
requirement for appropriate sign application submittal prior to the installation
of the sign. Please contact Seantay Carpenter at 817-748-8215 or
scarpenter@ci.southlake.tx.us for sign application processing and pre-install
inspection.
VARIANCE CRITERIA: 9.6.2 VARIANCES
a. Variance Authorized. The City Council may authorize variances to any
restriction set forth in this ordinance, including but not limited to the
number, type, area, height, or setback of signs, or any other aspect
involved in the sign permitting process.
b. Approval Standards. In granting any variance, City Council shall
consider the following criteria:
(i) Special conditions exist which are peculiar to the land, structure
or building involved and are not applicable to other lands,
buildings or structures in the same zone. The City may attach
Case No. Attachment A
SV19-0017 Page 3
such conditions to granting all or a portion of any variance
necessary to achieve the purpose of this ordinance, and;
(ii) The strict interpretation of the provisions of the ordinance would
deprive the applicant of rights commonly enjoyed by other
properties in the same zone under the terms of the ordinance,
and;
(iii) The special conditions and circumstances do not result from the
actions of the applicant and such conditions and circumstances
do not merely constitute pecuniary hardship or inconveniences,
and;
(iv) Granting the variance will meet the objectives of the ordinance
and not be injurious to the adjoining property owners or otherwise
detrimental to the public welfare, and;
(v) The request will be the minimum variance necessary to alleviate
the special hardship or practical difficulties faced by the applicant
in meeting the requirements of this ordinance; and;
(vi) Granting of the variance will be in harmony with the spirit and
purpose of this sign ordinance.
(vii) Granting of a variance shall be specific to the subject sign(s). Any
modification of the signage approved by the variance or the
installation of new or replacement signage that does not meet the
specific requirements of the City Council variance approval is
prohibited and will be deemed non-compliant.
Application Process. Any request for a variance shall be made to the
Administrative Official and be accompanied by a completed application and
a non-refundable filing fee in the amount specified in the current fee schedule
adopted by City Council. The sign variance will be considered by the City
Council following a recommendation by the Sign Board. The Sign Board’s
recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for their consideration.
N:\Community Development\MEMO\Signs\Conditional Sign Permits\Town Square\SV19-0017 - Ozeki\Sign Board\SB Item 5 - Ozeki.docx
Case No. Attachment B
SV19-0017 Page 1