The Multi-Use Special Planning District is not subject to the sign regulations outlined in the Oakwood Zoning Code like other districts. With Element Oakwood, LLC being located in the Multi-Use Special Planning District, sign proposals are evaluated against the Special Use standards in Section 1004.6.

In 2017, the Planning Commission approved the construction of two condominium buildings with a combined total of 84 units. Signage was not addressed at that time.

The Sugar Camp/Pointe Oakwood Master Plan allowed staff to review and approve signage at the three entrances to the development, a process which took place in 2007. The Master Plan did not provide for signage in the interior of the development, however, because specific uses and tenants were not known at that time. It was understood that future signage needs would be addressed via amendments to the Master Plan as they became necessary.

Application #19-4 is seeking approval for the following:

• A wall sign placed on the east building oriented towards downtown Dayton. The sign will read “Element” and is roughly 22’ x 4’;
• A wall sign placed above the leasing/sales center entrance which will read “Element” and is roughly 4.7” x 11.5”;
• A monument sign located to the right of the entrance/driveway. The sign will read “Element Oakwood” accompanied with a logo, and is roughly 5’ x 4-7”; and
• Replacing the existing monument sign positioned in the island located at the intersection of Ascent Circle and Old River Trail. The monument sign is approximately 6’ x 8-4”.

Mr. Kroger then reviewed proposed lighting, building materials, site plans, and renderings of the proposed sign locations. The Element Oakwood, LLC building will be lit by sconce-type lighting that will be placed on the exterior of the building and will not shine directly on the signage. The monument sign, located to the right of the driveway entrance, will be lit using ground-mounted/landscape lighting, and the same is proposed at the requested monument sign located at the intersection of Ascent Circle and Old River Trail. The applicant is planning to use materials which will complement the building features and architecture of the development.

Mr. Kroger closed his presentation by sharing that preliminary staff findings are set forth in the written Staff Report. As a planned development, approval of the application falls under the Special Use standards set forth in Section 1004.6. The Planning Commission is responsible for making a recommendation to City Council who then has final authority to act on the application.

City staff feels that the proposed signs are reasonable in size and scale for the Element Oakwood condominium development, and would complement the existing architecture. The proposed monument sign located at the intersection of Ascent Circle and Old River Trail is considered an off-premises identification sign and would not be permitted in any other Zoning District. At the July 3, 2019 meeting, the Oakwood Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the first three (3) signs, but declined to recommend approval of the monument sign at the intersection of Old River Trail and Ascent Circle.

Mayor Duncan asked if the replacement sign is the sign that the Planning Commission did not recommend for approval.

Mr. Kroger confirmed that this is correct.

Mayor Duncan asked who owns the land at the intersection where this existing monument sign is located.

Mr. Kroger shared that he believes that the Oakwood Investment Group owns the land.

Mr. Jacques clarified that the island is considered a common area that is actually owned by the Pointe Oakwood Homeowners Association.

Mayor Duncan asked if city staff recommended approval of the replacement sign at the intersection of Ascent Circle and Old River Trail.

Mr. Kroger shared that city staff did not recommend approval of this sign.

Before inviting Jim Obert with Hills Development Inc., on behalf of Element Oakwood, LLC to address City Council, Mayor Duncan asked Law Director Rob Jacques to administer an oath to those who wish to testify.

Mr. Jacques proceeded to swear in, en masse, the visitors that plan to testify.