OLD BUSINESS:
Jurisdiction: Board of Zoning Appeals
Being a continuation of a public hearing on the matter of an application filed by McDonalds and Pegasus Future II, LLC., requesting a variance from the terms of the City of Muncie Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to allow a pole sign for a new restaurant on a corridor road, on premises located on the southeast corner of Macedonia Avenue and 29th Street, Muncie, Indiana, as more accurately described in the application.
Dan Olson, 1027 Nottingham Road, Sycamore Illinois, appeared to represent the applicant. He stated that they had originally asked for a much taller sign and that they had lowered it to a height of 21’ to still be in the same location. He stated that there was a multi-tenant sign and a 32’ tall billboard that created the hardship for the taller sign due to the limited opportunity for sign placement. He stated that visibility was very important for the restaurant to be successful since they were more of an impulse stop for most people. He stated that they had broken ground and construction was underway on the site.
Ms. Mathewson asked if the sign would be close to the same height as the existing sign for the multiple businesses.
Mr. Olson stated yes.
Ms. Mathewson clarified that the original request was for 45’ and had been reduced to 21’ tall.
Mr. Olson stated yes, they had tried to compromise by asking for a reduced height.
Mayor Ridenour appeared and stated that the city was excited to have a McDonald’s on the southside of town and hoped that due to the existing sign a billboard that the board would vote in favor of their request.
No one appeared in opposition.
Ms. Swackhamer stated that they had adjusted the height to 20’ which would not meet the required 10’ clearance under the sign, so they went up to 21’. She stated that the City Building Commissioner, Mr. Rawlings, stated that the proposed sign was appropriate with the existing signs in the area. She stated that the existing billboard and cluster sign were for off-site businesses and that McDonald’s had agreed to let them remain there at this time.
Ms. Fritch made a motion to approve BZA 04-26 the appeal filed by McDonalds and Pegasus Future II, LLC., with the hardship as stated in the application with reduced sign height of 21’ rather than 45’. Mr. Hinds seconded the motion. Voting in favor: Mr. Billington, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Hinds, Mr. Ivy, and Ms. Mathewson. Voting against: Ms. Fritch and Ms. Knapp. Motion carried (5-2), BZA 04-26 approved.