Item 9A
Department of Planning & Development Services
STAFF REPORT
April 15, 2015
CASE NO: SV15-002
PROJECT:Sign Variance for BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse Murals
EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY:
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, is seeking approval of a sign variance to the Sign
Ordinance No. 704-G and the Master Sign Plan to Kimball Oaks to allow two (2)
murals on the east and west facades of the building located within the Kimball Oaks
development at 2201 E. Southlake Boulevard.
REQUEST
DETAILS:
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, currently under construction, is seeking approval of a
sign variance to the Sign Ordinance No. 704-G for two (2) murals. Murals are not
explicitly defined in the Sign Ordinance or the Master Sign Plan for Kimball Oaks.
However, staff believes that the murals help promote the business and that a review
through the sign variance process is appropriate.
The Kimball Oaks Master Plan allows for each tenant to install one (1) attached sign
on each building facade, visible from a public street or internal drive of the site, as long
as said building façade encompasses their lease space. Single-tenant buildings shall
be allowed signage on a maximum of three (3) building facades. The sign area allowed
is .75 sq. ft. per 1-foot width of building or lease space, but not limited to less than 50
sq. ft. of area. The mural on the east (front) elevation is approximately 188 square feet
in area and the mural on the west (rear) elevation is approximately 372 square feet in
area. The requested variance for BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse are as follows:
Permitted in Permitted in
Sign Approved for
Sign Ord. No. Kimball Oaks Proposed
Regulation BJ’s
704-G Master Sign Plan
One (1) attached
One (1) attached
sign per building
sign on each North: 3 signs North: 3 signs
Number of façade facing
building façade; East: 3 signs *East: 4 signs
Signs street or driveway;
Max. of 3 attached West: 3 signs *West: 4 signs
Max. of 2
signs
attached signs
75 sq. ft. per 1-foot
0.70 sq. ft. per 1-
width of bldg. or
foot width of
lease space North: 51.86 sq. ft. North: 51.86
building or lease
Sign Area OR East: 57.41 sq. ft. *East: 245.7 sq. ft.
space; Max. area
North: 78.75 sq. ft. West: 30.06 sq. ft. *West: 402.1 sq. ft.
not to exceed 300
East: 81 sq. ft.
sq. ft.
West: 78 sq. ft.
* Murals being proposed are being evaluated as signs
Case No.
SV15-002 Page 1
On June 10, 2014 the Southlake Arts Council provided feedback to BJ’s Restaurant
and Brewhouse on the proposed murals. The applicant went back and revised the
murals and presented them again to the Southlake Arts Council on March 24, 2015. At
the March 24, 2015 meeting, the Southlake Arts Council recommended approval of the
proposed murals subject to the applicant removing the glasses shown on the murals.
The applicant has since removed the glasses shown on the murals.
ACTION NEEDED:Consider Approval of Sign Variance Request
ATTACHMENTS:
(A) Background Information
(B) Vicinity Map
(C) Sign Criteria and Proposed Murals
(D) Sign Variance Application
STAFF CONTACT:
Ken Baker (817) 748-8067
Daniel Cortez (817) 748-8070
Case No.
SV15-002 Page 2
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
APPLICANT:
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse
OWNER:
Spc Kimball Oaks, Ltd
PROPERTY SITUATION:
2201 E. Southlake Blvd.
HISTORY:
On May 20, 2014 the City Council approved the Master Sign Plan for Kimball
Oaks with respect to Building ‘E’ (BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse).
STRATEGIC LINK:
Quality Development
ARTS COUNCIL:
On June 10, 2014 the Southlake Arts Council provided feedback to BJ’s
Restaurant and Brewhouse on the proposed murals.
On March 24, 2015 the Southlake Arts Council recommended approval of the
proposed murals subject to the applicant removing the glasses shown on the
murals. The applicant has since removed the glasses shown on the murals.
SIGN BOARD:
April 9, 2015; Approved (4-0) as presented with the suggestions made by the
Sign Board with respect to the elements of the murals (to consider including a
golden retriever as the dog depicted on the mural and the state flag of Texas
rather than the U.S. flag).
STAFF COMMENTS:
The sign criteria, site plan and application are attached to this report.
Case No. Attachment A
SV15-002 Page 1
Case No. Attachment B
SV15-002 Page 1
Kimball Oaks Sign Criteria for Building ‘E’
Case No. Attachment C
SV15-002 Page 1
Proposed Murals
West Elevation Mural
East Elevation Mural
Case No. Attachment C
SV15-002 Page 2
Proposed Elevations
Case No. Attachment C
SV15-002 Page 3
Applicant Narrative
BJ’s murals were inspired by the history of Southlake and Texas. Prior to the 1950’s, Southlake
was dotted with small farms, churches, schools and even some stills. Businesses included service
stations, farms, grocery stores, nightclubs, “beer joints”, dude ranches and even a track for dog
racing. The images in the murals depict laborers both at work and at rest amidst the backdrop of
Texas wheat and sorghum crops, and oil rigs.
During this era, families belonged to “small communities”. A church, a school, a post office or a
store stood at the center of the community. Communities were important and provided a sense of
identity.
BJ’s, a contemporary American brewhouse, evokes that sense of community by bringing people
together with offers of food, drink and fellowship. Our restaurants are welcoming, energetic and
fun. Our culture of striving to say “yes” to every request from our guest helps us to earn their loyalty
and trust. We have the commitment and courage to put quality and absolute guest satisfaction
ahead of cost. We do whatever it takes to consistently and correctly serve great food, beer and
beverages to our guests. We understand that when our guests choose to spend their hard earned
dollar at one of our restaurants they deserve the best.
Case No. Attachment D
SV15-002 Page 1
Case No. Attachment D
SV15-002 Page 2