07/13/1981 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e Council Bill 2329 was read the second time by council bill number on 1 y. Roll call vote; all councilors present voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered 18827. C. Appeal of the Eugene Sign Code Board of Appeals Decision to deny a Sign Code variance request of the Pacific Cascade Corporation, representing the Delta Oaks Shopping Center (memo and additional information distributed) Mr. Gleason introduced Larry Reed, Assistant Superintendent of Building Inspection, and Barbara McDonald, Sign Inspector. Mr. Reed stated that the Sign Code states that an applicant seeking a variance, having been denied by the Sign Code Board, has the right of further appeal to the City Council regarding variances. Pacific Cascade Corporation, representing Delta Oaks Shopping Center, has filed this appeal for property at the northeast corner of Beltline and Delta. Section 8.635(b)(2) of the Sign Code states that additional signing will not be allowed on other than front walls if such walls are within 1,200 feet of residentially zoned property. This is a request for relief from the sign standards. This is an integrated shopping district with each building having one wall sign per business on the front wall. In addition, the shopping center as a whole may have one overall identity sign which can be freestanding or roof-mounted. This sign could be oriented to be e seen from Beltline Road. If rear walls are at least 1,200 feet from residential- ly zoned area, then additional signing will be permitted. This site is separat- ed from residentially zoned land by only 500 feet and the rear wall signs would be visible. Representatives of GI Joe's, Jafco, and Handyman are requesting these variances. A similar request was denied for the Fred Meyer Shopping Center. The board denial of this case was based on: 1) 1,200 feet separation between residential and shopping center could not be maintained; 2) although Beltline passed between the signs and residences, this is not determined to be a mitigating circumstance as defined by the sign code; 3) no extraordinary circum- stances are involved; 4) granting the variance would be a special privilege, similar to billboards; and 5) there is no real hardship since a freestanding sign could be located near Beltline, to help shoppers locate the shopping center. Notices were sent out and they received a letter from Mr. Vik of 2123 Brookhaven who approves of the request and is a nearby property owner. Public hearing was opened. Jim Saul, PO Box 1650, stated that he is appealing for Pacific Cascade Corpora- tion and that Jack Martin, General Manager, is also in attendance. The council received a written statement to support this appeal and to provide a basis for the appeal. Two determinations must be made by the City Council: 1) whether a "practical difficulty" exists as the term is defined in the Eugene Code; and e MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 13, 1981 Page 7