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Variance Nos. A=ptember 27, ~age 5 2004-08 and 2004-10 2004 The shared parking study prepared by Austin-Foust Associates shows the total number of parking spaces at the intended parking facilities is 691 stalls, with 613 stalls available at 5:30 p.m. Therefore, ample parking for the theater venue will be available since only 224 off-site parking stalls are required. The applicant proposes to secure the required parking spaces on an exclusive use basis during the theater's hours of operation via an easement. The proposed parking facilities are about 500 feet from the proposed venue, which is within the 800-foot walking distance identified in the Midtown parking plan's shared parking guidelines. In addition, the applicant will secure the use of 48 parking stalls in the parking lot across Bush Street for the exclusive use of the theater's administrative and business office. Therefore, since the applicant is able to accommodate the required parking on a shared parking basis, no in-lieu fees apply to this project. Conditions have been incorporated that are intended to address impacts to mitigate any concerns that may negatively affect the surrounding area and to ensure that spillover parking does not impact adjacent neighborhoods, such as French Park. Security guards and parking attendants will be ~equired to ensure parking from the designated parking lots occurs in an ~derly manner, with most of the pedestrian traffic anticipated on Bush Street. To encourage the use of the designated parking facilities, the parking will be free of charge for theater patrons. Signs Signs have a direct impact on the quality of the visual environment. When displayed correctly, along with serving as business identification, they can help improve community identity, conserve property values and improve traffic safety. When improperly displayed, they can promote visual blight and clutter. The Sign Code is designed to communicate positive community standards by establishing guidelines for size, location, type and number of signs. Sign A is an existing roof-mounted sign for which a new reader board component is proposed in the lower portion of the sign along with a new sign face to identify the theater. Variances for a roof mounted sign and to allow a reader board are required. The nonconforming code allows signs to remain as long as they continue to advertise the current use, the site is continuously occupied and no changes to the exterior of the building occur. Since the site has been vacant for more than a year, the roof mounted sign has lost its nonconforming status and must be Aemoved. Additionally, signs that incorporate motion, such as the ~roposed reader board, create distractions to the motoring public that in turn can impact public safety. As a result, staff does not support retaining this sign or adding the reader board component. 318-24