Sign Variance Process

There may be rare instances where a combination of strict application of the standards in Chapter 15.32 of the City Code and/or public safety concerns may preclude use of signs as a communication medium for a primary frontage. In these cases, it may be appropriate to vary a particular standard to enable a property owner to utilize signs in a manner similar to others in a district.

Steps for a Sign Variance

A. To request a sign variance, an applicant shall submit the following:

1. A completed sign variance application in a form provided by the City and payment of fees.

2. Sign renderings, including sign square footage, height, colors, and any other applicable information that will help in the variance decision.

3. A narrative explaining how the requested variance is consistent with the criteria as set forth below:

a. The variance is consistent with the purposes of this chapter and will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or materially injurious to other property in the vicinity.

b. Special circumstances or conditions apply to the property which do not apply generally to other properties in the same zone or vicinity, and result from lot or parcel size or shape, topography, or other circumstances over which the applicant has no control.

B. The decision by the Director may impose such conditions on the approval as necessary to achieve the purposes of these regulations.

C. An appeal of the Director's decision shall be decided by the City Council. The City Council's decision is the City's final decision.

D. Where a sign approved through these variance procedures is not installed within two years from the date of the approval, the variance approval shall expire, and all work must fully comply with these regulations as amended to that date.