Item 4E
Department of Planning & Development Services
S T A F F R E P O R T
April 14, 2010
CASE NO:SV10-005
PROJECT:Sign Variance for Bethel Methodist Church
REQUEST:
Bethel Methodist Church is requesting a variance from the Sign Ordinance No. 704-D
regulations for a temporary ground sign. Specifically, the applicant is requesting an
extension on the approval of the existing ground sign located at the church’s temporary
facility at 190 S. White Chapel Boulevard. This sign was approved by City Council in
October 2006 for a period of 18 months. A 12 month extension was approved in
February 2008 and again in April 2009. Due to ongoing delays in the construction of a
permanent facility for the church, the applicant is now requesting approval through
January 2011. They are currently in the process of planning a relocation from the
existing facilities on or before this date.
The applicant is requesting a ground sign in lieu of a monument sign, which is not
permitted under Sign Ordinance No. 704-D. The ground sign is approximately 5 feet
tall and 28 square feet in area. This variance is requested due to the short time left
that the applicant requires a sign at this location and due to the expense involved in
erecting and demolishing a masonry monument sign. The specific proposed sign
standards are as follows:
Sign Regulation Permitted Regulation Proposed Regulation
Sign Type Monument Sign Ground Sign
Maximum Height 6 feet 6 inches 5 feet
(Monument Sign)
Maximum Area 60 square feet 28 square feet
(Monument Sign)
Minimum Setback 10 feet 11 feet
(Monument Sign)
Material Brick, stone, or masonry
Base:
Steel post anchored in
Requirements matching the building
concrete
(Monument Sign)
Supports:
Steel post to be framed
and covered in wood trim
Colors:
Frame is constructed from
wood and painted in gloss white
Case No.
SV10-005
enamel; sign faces are
constructed of white aluminum
panels with black vinyl letters.
Sign Expiration N/A February 2011
(10 month extension from current
expiration)
ACTION NEEDED: Consider sign variance approval
ATTACHMENTS:
(A) Background Information
(B) Vicinity Map
(C) Site Plan
(D) Sign Details
(E) Sign Variance Application
STAFF CONTACT:
Lorrie Fletcher (748-8069)
Ken Baker (748-8067)
Case No.
SV10-005
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
APPLICANT:
Bethel Methodist Church of Southlake
OWNER:
NMEM Ltd.
PROPERTY SITUATION:
The property address is 190 S. White Chapel Boulevard.
STAFF COMMENTS:
The specific sign criteria, site plan and application are attached to this report.
HISTORY:Sign Variances:
October 3, 2006 - This sign was originally approved (6-0) by City Council,
limiting the sign height to no more than 5 feet, limiting the sign width to no
more than 8 feet, and limiting the display period to 18 months or until the
applicant vacates the property, whichever comes first.
February 19, 2008 - The sign was approved (7-0) by City Council on February
19, 2008 for an additional 12 months.
April 7, 2009 – The sign was approved (7-0) by City Council on April 7, 2009
until April 2010.
Portable Building:
A portable building to be used for Sunday School classrooms on property
located at 190 S. White Chapel Blvd went before ZBA on January 28, 2010, for
approval of a special exception use permit. It was approved (5-0), subject to its
continuous use by the occupant and owner. Zoning Ord. No. 480, Section
44.12.7.c requires that approval of a portable building shall be on a temporary
basis only and shall be for a maximum period of three (3) years. In addition, all
portable buildings must be placed upon a permanent foundation and shall have
a masonry façade meeting the requirements of the City’s Masonry Ordinance.
The applicant was seeking re-approval of the existing portable building for the
maximum period of three (3) years. City Council granted a variance to the
masonry requirements for a period of one year on January 19, 2010. If a
Special Exception Use Permit is granted for a period of greater than one year,
the applicant will be required to go back to Council after the one year period
expires to request another variance to the Masonry Ordinance or to add a
masonry façade to the building meeting the requirements of the Masonry
Ordinance. City staff has determined that the portable building as placed and
tied down meets the requirement of a permanent foundation.
The Zoning Board of Adjustment approved this Special Exception Use Permit
(5-0) on September 28, 2006 as presented with the waiver of the masonry and
permanent foundation requirements as requested.
The Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a one-year extension of the Special
Exception Use Permit (4-0) on February 14, 2008 under the same conditions
as previously approved.
The Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a one-year extension of the Special
Exception Use Permit (5-0) on January 29, 2009, granting waiver of masonry
and permanent foundation requirements as previously granted.
Case No. Attachment A
SV10-005Page 1
City Council approved a variance to Masonry Ord. 557-A, Section 1(a) (6-0) on
January 19, 2010, noting the applicant has agreed to remove the sign on the
back of the building, for a period of one year.
COUNCIL ACTION:
April 6, 2010; Approved to table (7-0) until April 20, 2010.
Case No. Attachment A
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Case No. Attachment B
SV10-005Page 1
Site Plan
Case No. Attachment C
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Case No. Attachment C
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Existing Sign
Sign is approximately 5 feet tall and 8 feet wide.
The proposed sign is only changing in sign face color – white with black lettering
Case No. Attachment D
SV10-005Page 1
Sign Variance Application
Case No. Attachment E
SV10-005Page 1
Case No. Attachment E
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