10-22-1997 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MIND 1'ES PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 9, 1997 the vinyl backlit canopies are warranted because there is a good reason to vary from the standards. Lawrence pointed out that in five years there could be another group of people making up the architectural review board. Lawrence was concerned about the consistency with which these standards are applied. The Planner indicated that to vary from the standards, the architectural review board would have to come up with a finding that makes the variance appropriate. A recommendation would then be passed on to the City Council. Lawrence felt it gets down to a matter of personal opinion. The Planner pointed out that the opinion is based on the City's Comprehensive Plan. Montour pointed out that many franchises have corporate design criteria that may conflict with local architectural guidelines. Montour pointed out that he works for Dairy Queen. Dairy Queen has a sign package for its stores that is applied either in whole or in part based on local ordinances and criteria. Montour asked if this particular situation was an economic or a corporate issue. Montour felt it was unfortunate that there was no one from Arby's here this evening. Montour pointed out that Arby's has a position and image in the market place and felt that whether or not this particular store has vinyl backlit canopies would not affect that position. Carson again pointed out that in September Arby's represented to the Commission that metal or canvass awnings would be used. As part of the entire architectural review package, the Commission allowed the existing drive - through canopy to remain in order to allow Arby's to save the cost of replacing that canopy. Carson pointed out that now additional modifications are being requested, and felt the entire architectural review should be redone rather than dealing with one feature independent of the others. Lawrence questioned the architectural review process and its consistency commenting that it is based on the luck of the draw as to who sits on the architectural review board when a building owner comes in for review. Lawrence stated that he was confused about the legality of this. Lawrence stated that he thought ordinances and regulations were made to regulate these sorts of things. Montour asked if Arby's would have proceeded with the lease of the building if it had known that vinyl backlit panels would be prohibited. Page 58