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v � 4.0 REVIEW of REQUEST: 4.1 SDDI Sign Systems have submitted an application on behalfofthe Lexington Professional Building to replace an existing non-conforming ground sign on the premises. City records indicate a building permit issued in 1965 and a sign permit issued in 1977 — although the building permit card does not reference what type of sign. Nevertheless, the existing freestanding sign is now located within the Lexington Avenue right-of-way. 4.2 The request sought is for a VARIANCE to the required setback from the front property line adjacent to Lexington Avenue (1 foot versus the required 15 feet) and a VARIANCE to the maximum overall height (10 feet versus the required 8 feet). 4.3 § 1009.03M (Ground Sign) reads: In lieu of a pylon sign, a ground sign would be permitted. Ground signs may be of equal sign area allowed for pylon signs in the same zoning district. Ground signs shall be limited to a maximum of 8 feet in height. Ground signs may be set back from street rights-of-way a distance equal to '/2 of the setback for a pylon sign in the same zoning district. 4.4 The Community Development Department considers a pylon sign to be a structure and therefore a pylon sign is required to have a minimum setback of 30 feet from a property line adjacent a public street. Based on the language in § 1009.03M (Ground Sign) a ground sign would be required to have a minimum I S foot setback from a public street. 4.5 Lexington Professional building has an existing freestanding sign that is located within the Lexington Avenue right-of-way. This sign has served the tenants well over the past 30 to 40 years - however, with recent tenant changes and a desire to update the sign, there now becomes the need to comply with current City Code requirements pertaining to signs. Thus the request for VARIANCES. 4.6 The specific proposal seeks to install a ground sign one foot east of the property line adjacent to Lexington Avenue (a 14 foot encroachment into the required setback) and install a sign 10 feet in height (a 2 foot height overage). 5.0 STAFF COMMENTS/FINDINGS: 5.1 As stated above, §1009.03M (Ground Sign) affords a commercial/industrial owner a freestanding sign to a maximum of 8 feet in height and one that is set back a minimum of 15 feet from a street rights-of-way. 5.2 In the case of the subject site, Lexington Avenue right-of-way has expanded over the years, leaving the office building's existing sign in a non-conforming location. Options for replacing the sign compliant to the Code are limited, especially those that afford good visibility. PF07-008_RVBA_020707 - Page 2 of 5