07-10-2014 Planning Comm. Agenda

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June 23, 2014 To Whom It May Concern: We would like to propose a variance to Ordinance 903.110.E.5 Section 5 Subsection b (2). "Identification signs may be no closer than 5 feet to any street right of way." We would like our sign to be on the property line. Please see the reasons below: Improvements to the Property Our intent when we purchased this office building in 2011, was to bring new business and revenue to the City of Little Canada. The building was on the market since 2008 and was vacant and not inhabitable as 50% of the building had water damage and mold from a sprinkler system that froze. The building was built in 1971 so the building was worn and out of date. (See pictures 1-6.) When we first took ownership of the building, we spent $305,000 to upgrade the interior of the 223 building for my own company, Production Services International, to occupy this space. This space likely had not been remodeled since 1980, and we have brightened and upgraded this space (See pictures 7- 12.) Then in the summer of 2013, we upgraded the outside of the building with stone work, landscaping, and new lighting (See pictures 13-17). We want to continue to improve the property to raise the profile of the building for ourselves and for the City of Little Canada. Therefore, our plan is to complete the monument sign and resurface the parking lot this summer. Visibility & Placement When our building and the neighboring building were occupied by a single company, there was not a need for a monument sign on our property. Now that the property is a multi -tenant building there are multiple tenants in both buildings and there is a need for signage for the occupants of 219-223 Little Canada Road. In addition, our address is 219-223 Little Canada Road E, and our building is NOT visible from Little Canada Road, so having this sign is crucial to our business and to our tenants. We have often heard complaints from our clients and potential tenants that say "wow, I couldn't find your building" or "I didn't know that this driveway was where I was supposed to turn." In addition, many of the clients and visitors to our building have never been here before and will rely on seeing the signage that indicates they are in the correct location. Since most of our visitors will be utilizing the exits at 35E and Little Canada Rd, the westbound visibility on Little Canada Rd is important to avoid sudden lane changes and maneuvers after seeing the sign too late. (See pictures 18-19) Also, the way the property line is drawn, there is a no other place for us to put a monument sign, clearly marking our property. (See picture 20.) Obstructed View The location determined by the city ordinance positions our proposed sign with an obstructed view caused by cars parked in the adjacent parking lot that is at a higher elevation. (See pictures 18-19.)