Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

VA-18-11-136 — JONATHAN HUELS

Request: Variance in the C-2 zoning district to allow a ground sign with 190 sq. ft. in lieu of 120 sq. ft.

Decision: Approved

Hearing: The applicant is requesting additional copy area for a proposed ground sign. The applicant is requesting what would be allowed if a pole sign were permitted on site. Staff explained that due to a previous re-zoning case pole signs are not permitted at this location. Staff explained the sign code, provided site photos, and explained the proposal. The applicant stated they are seeking to construct a 190 sq. ft. sign as that is what would be allowed per code if the re-zoning condition did not exist prohibiting pole signs. They also presented an updated sign elevation which showed the plaza name at the top of the sign, and removed the electronic message center as staff had advised. No one spoke in favor or in opposition at the hearing and staff did not receive any commentaries regarding the application. The BZA had questions regarding the size of the adjacent existing signs and other signs in the area. The board stated that the applicant had made several attempts to revise the sign to meet staff's request and felt the re-zoning condition caused an unjust hardship on the property. The BZA felt the variance met the criteria and approved the request.