11/05/1973 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Helen Daugherty, owner of Boon's Red Carpet Motel, expressed extreme irritation with the handling of the appeal. She did not understand the reasoning'behind appealing a board of appeals decision. She stated she has a prepaid lease for the ground, which was purchased in 1968, before the sign code was put into effect and . had obtained a permit from the highway department for the sign. She also mentioned that, although the present sign is non-conforming, she is planning to replace it with a conforming one. Al Whetstine, 1735 McLean, brought up the point that the Sign Board has stated this variance would not set a precedent. On that basis, he felt this particular one should be granted. Mrs. Beal moved seconded by Mr'. Murray that Council uphold the staff appeal and overrule the Sign Code Board of Appeals. Vote was taken on the motion, all councilmen present voting aye, except Mr. Hershner voting no and Mr. Williams and Mr. McDonald abstaining. 2. Pape Bros., Inc. The request for variance on this sign was to leave the sign at a heighth greater than permitted under the sign code. The purpose was to insure visibility since Pape Cat is below the grade of the highway and therefore the sign is lower. The Sign Code Board granted a variance' on September 17, 1973; the reason for the staff appeal of I that decision was that the question of dealing with grades above or below the surface of the street should be defined in the Code. It should be clarified whether allowing this type of sign variance should, in fact, be a granting of a variance or a . legislative decision. ~ Public hearing was opened. Roy Adkins, attorney for Pape Bros., 825 E. Park, Eugene, submitted a photo copy of a sketch showing the sign and its heighth. The 46-foot high sign is presently 27 feet above freeway grade, and the ground level is 16.5 feet below the road grade level. It, in effect, is sitting in a hole and is no higher above the road grade than identity signs of businesses directly across the freeway. Betty Niven, Eugene, mentioned that signs are basically and primarily for the purpose of identifying the business and that Papers sign would have to be regarded as advertising, not identity. At the time the sign code was adopted, there was considerable discussion regarding the question of grade. The problem frequently is that, in order to make a sign visible above the grade of the highway, it is also high enough that it becomes an intrusion on residential property. Mrs. Beal moved seconded by Mr. Wood to uphold the staff appeal and overrule the Sign Code Board of Appeals. In making the motion, she stated that perhaps council would want to take a look at the sign code and possibly make some changes but that, until done, exceptions should not be made. . .. , Mr. Hershner raised a question regarding the.'possibili ty of granting a variance for a certain length of time, until Council can look at the whole problem. Manager stated that granting a variance would be an indication of Council's desire for review and reconsideration but that it would be some time before this could be done. Vote was taken on .the motion, all council members present voting aye, except Mr. Hershner voting no and Mr. Williams and Mr. McDonald abstaining. C. Abatement, 1075 West 6th Avenue (Betterton/Olsen) Staff advises the property constitutes a fire hazard, as well as a health and structural hazard. Council has viewed the property on tour. Mr. Roe Betterton, a school teacher at Chemeteka in Salem, stated the property in question is owned by him but has been leased to a fellow who then got Mr. Olsen in as a lessee. Internal Revenue subsequently has locked him up, and therefore Mr. Betterton can do nothing at this time but indicated he would as soon as possible. Manager said it was his understanding the building is not locked up but rather standing wide open. Mr. Betterton , said the house is open but that the store next to it is locked up. Manager indicated it is the house that is being suggested for abatement, not the store. Mrs. Campbell added . that, if a fire occurred, it would be a terrible situation as it is located close to a motel. Resolution No. 2233 - Authorizing abatement at 1075 West 6th was submitted and read by number and title. Mrs. Beal moved seconded by Mr. Williams to authorize abatement. Rollcall vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. ~~I 11/5/73 - 4