Item 9C
Department of Planning & Development Services
S T A F F R E P O R T
February 25, 2009
CASE NO: SV09-004
PROJECT: Sign Variance for Lakes of La Paloma Real Estate Sign
REQUEST:
William G. Monroe is requesting approval of a variance to the Sign Ordinance No. 704-
C requirements for real estate signs to allow an off-site residential real estate sign near
the intersection of La Paloma Court and South Carroll Avenue. The applicant is
requesting to display a residential real estate sign outside of the gate near the
entrance to the Lakes of La Paloma Addition. Under Sign Ordinance No. 704-C,
residential real estate signs must be on-site. Although there is an exception to allow
subdivision marketing signs/open house signs off-site on weekends, the applicant is
requesting to display the sign at all times when a home is for sale within the
neighborhood.
The variance request is as follows:
Sign Regulation Current Regulation Proposed Sign
Location of residential No off-site signs allowed 1 off-site sign
real estate signs
ACTION NEEDED: Consider variance request.
ATTACHMENTS:
(A) Background Information
(B) Vicinity Map
(C) Site Plan
(D) Proposed Sign
(E) Sign Variance Application
STAFF CONTACT:
Ken Baker (748-8067)
Jenny Crosby (748-8195)
Case No.
SV09-004
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
APPLICANT:
William G. Monroe
PROPERTY SITUATION:
The property is located at the corner of La Paloma Court and South Carroll
Avenue.
STRATEGIC LINK:
Quality Development
CITIZEN INPUT/
BOARD REVIEW:
None
STAFF COMMENTS:
The sign criteria, site plan and application are attached to this report.
COUNCIL ACTION:
N:\Community Development\MEMO\SIGNS\2009\SV09-004 La Paloma Real Estate.doc
Case No. Attachment A
SV09-004Page 1
Case No. Attachment B
SV09-004Page 1
Aerial
Case No. Attachment C
SV09-004Page 1
Sign Variance Application
Case No. Attachment E
SV09-004Page 1
Dear Sir or Madam:
The current ordinances governing temporary signage, as posted on the City's website, leaves enforcement subject to
interpretation. Specifically, under Sign Ordinance 704-C, Exhibit A, Section 5.4, Table 1, item 6, the ordinance limits
one temporary Residential Real Estate For Sale Sign per site (a site being defined as the property lot). This
ordinance does not work well for residences within a gated community such as mine. I would like to petition your
office for an immediate variance to this ordinance to allow a second and conforming sign to be placed outside the
gated area on the homeowners association's common property where it would not compromise the public's right of
way. I believe it is in everyone's best interest, especially during this period of economic uncertainty, to eliminate any
impediments, which do not alter the spirit and intent of the ordinance, to a timely real estate transaction.
Secondly, I offer the suggestion that such a variance be considered for permanent inclusion in the sign ordinance.
For those of us who choose to live in a gated community and for those who live in communities with restricted public
access, we knew the benefits as well as the inconveniences when we purchased our property. Most of us did so
because a restricted access community offered another level of home and neighborhood safety and security. If the
only solution to the timely sale of a neighbor's home is to leave the gates open while the home is on the market, then
we will have defeated the purpose of the gates. With thirteen homes in our development, it is reasonable to assume
at least one home will be on the market a majority of the time. It would still be up to the homeowners association to
allow the second sign on the common property.
Bill Monroe
1113 La Paloma Court
Southlake, TX 76092
817 416 9324 home
214 755 9579 mobile
817 416 5939 office
wgmonroe1@verizon.net
Case No. Attachment E
SV09-004Page 2