Approve the attached Resolution authorizing a temporary variance to UDO Section \n \n 4.4.8 Signs in Public Right-of-ways to allow an existing bank advertising sign \n \n that is located in the South Lumpkin Road right-of-way to remain in place with \n \n new Wells Fargo Bank's name at 3436 Victory Drive for a period of time not to \n \n exceed nine (9) months while a new bank advertising sign is constructed on bank \n \n property.
Approval
Approved
Background
The Wachovia Bank located at 3436 Victory Drive is being renovated to include
new bank name signs for conversion to a Wells Fargo Bank. This property is
located on the south side of the intersection of Victory Drive and South
Lumpkin Road. During the site plan review by the Engineering Department in
August 2010, Wachovia was notified that the bank sign on the north side of the
building was on City right-of-way and had to be relocated to bank property.
Analysis
We received a request from Architectural Graphics, Inc. (AGI)., to allow the
new bank sign to be installed on the South Lumpkin Road right-of-way for which
we denied as a violation of UDO Section 4.4.8 Signs in Public Right-of-ways
that prohibits advertising signs in Public right-of-ways. We advised AGI that
the Engineering Department would support a Temporary Variance to this
requirement for a period not to exceed six (6) months to allow them to
construct a new sign on bank property, but that it would have to be approved by
Council. AGI countered requesting a nine (9) month time frame. We then
learned that River Signs, LLC had already obtained a sign permit
(SIGN-2-10-7297) on August 18, 2010 to remove the two existing Wachovia Bank
signs and construct two new Wells Fargo Bank signs. This approved permit
resolved the problem.
River Signs LLC recently installed a new bank name sign on the existing bank
sign in the right-of-way. Based on a conference call on October 26, 2010 with
Wachovia/Wells Fargo, the City Manager agreed to submit the attached Resolution
authorizing a Temporary Variance to UDO Section 4.4.8 for a period of nine (9)
months.
Financial Considerations
There are no direct expenses to the City
Projected Annual Fiscal Impact Statement
Legal Considerations
A variance involving City right-of-way requires Council approval.
Recommendations/ Actions
Approve a Temporary Sign variance to 3436 Victory Drive.
A RESOLUTION
NO. _____
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A TEMPORARY VARIANCE TO THE UDO SECTION 4.4.8 SIGNS IN
THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY TO ALLOW AN EXISTING ADVERTISING SIGN LOCATED 3436
VICTORY DRIVE TO REMAIN IN THE RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR NO MORE THAN NINE (9) MONTHS
WHILE A NEW ADVERTISING SIGN IS DESIGNED AND INSTALLED BY PERMIT ON PRIVATE
PROPERTY FOR WELLS FARGO.
WHEREAS, Wachovia Bank located at 3436 Victory Drive is performing renovations
in preparation for an official bank name change to Wells Fargo Bank; and,
WHEREAS, during the plan review process with the Engineering Department, it was
found that the existing Wachovia Bank sign located on the northwest side of the
property was actually about ten (10) feet within the South Lumpkin Road
right-of-way; and,
WHEREAS, the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Section 4.4.8 prohibits
private advertising signs on public right-of-way; and,
WHEREAS, a contractor for Wells Fargo Bank has applied for the
appropriate sign permit to remove the existing advertising sign on right-of-way
and construct a new advertising sign on Wells Fargo Bank property; and,
WHEREAS, Wells Fargo Bank requested a temporary variance to allow them
to accomplish the official bank name change for a period of no more than nine
(9) months while the new sign is designed and constructed; and,
WHEREAS, the Engineering and Inspections and Code Departments recommend
approval of this request as a means to have the advertising sign moved to
private property in accordance with the City Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA, HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
THAT THE CITY MANAGER IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE A TEMPORARY
VARIANCE TO THE UDO SECTION 4.4.8 SIGNS IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY TO ALLOW AN
EXISTING ADVERTISING SIGN LOCATED 3436 VICTORY DRIVE TO REMAIN IN THE
RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR NO MORE THAN NINE (9) MONTHS WHILE A NEW ADVERTISING SIGN IS
DESIGNED AND INSTALLED BY PERMIT ON PRIVATE PROPERTY FOR WELLS FARGO.
__________________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ___________, 2010 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______members of said Council.