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<br />Variance No. 2004-10 <br />December 13, 2004 <br />Page 3 <br /> <br />proposes to install four internally illuminated wall signs (Exhibits 3, <br />4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10). Sign B, C and E are 49 square foot signs <br />composed of reversed channel letters with a cabinet above. A sign will be <br />installed on each of the building's three street frontages. Sign D is <br />identical to the other signs, except that it is 140 square feet in area. <br /> <br />Analysis of the Issues <br /> <br />Signs have a direct impact on the quality of the visual environment. When <br />displayed correctly, along with serving as business identification, they <br />can help improve community identity, conserve property values and improve <br />traffic safety. When improperly displayed, they can promote visual blight <br />and clutter. The Sign Code is designed to communicate positive community <br />standards by establishing guidelines for size, location, type and number <br />of signs. <br /> <br />Sign B, C and E are wall signs with three-foot, four inch high <br />internally illuminated reverse channel letters and an II-inch high <br />internally illuminated reverse cabinet sign. A variance is needed to <br />allow the internally illuminated cabinet component of the sign. In <br />1991, the City Council approved a comprehensive update to the City's <br />Sign Code which included the prohibition of new cabinet signs due to <br />their poor architectural quality. The new regulations favor individual <br />channel letters, which are more architecturally compatible and <br />aesthetically pleasing. <br /> <br />At the September 27, 2004 Planning Commission meeting, the Commission <br />requested staff meet with the applicant to review the details of the <br />proposed cabinet signs. Based on this meeting, staff has determined <br />that the proposed cabinet signs are fabricated of high quality materials <br />and are attractive, tasteful, modern in design and architecturally <br />compatible with the architecture of the building. The proposed cabinet <br />signs meet the intent of the code, which is to promote high quality <br />signage. Additionally, the installation of the cabinet sign will <br />minimize the need for drilling holes into the building fa9ade and <br />therefore minimize damage to the natural marble clad building. The <br />cabinet component of the sign will require six supports, while the <br />individual letters would require at least 26 supports. Since marble is <br />a natural material with a unique pattern and color variations, optimum <br />repairs could be difficult to achieve once the sign is removed. <br /> <br />31A-5 <br />