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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPermit 91-05-V - RAINIER WHITE GMC TRUCKS - SIGN VARIANCEqsv 112?)- E hi 4%G i KIWw/ P$n4teTZ NtitAtTE 6mc• June 10, 1991 Sincerely, Darre llson Assistant Planner CITY OF TUKWILA 6200 SOUTHCENTER BOULEVARD, TUKWILA, WASHINGTON 98188 Rainier White GMC 11222 East Marginal Way South Tukwila, WA 98188 NOTICE OF DECISION RE: Notice of Decision by the Board of Adjustment File Number: 91 -05 -V PHONE M (206) 933.1800 Cary L. VanDuscn, Mayor This is to confirm that the Board of Adjustment (BOA) project's design as presented on June 6, 1991. The BOA also adopted the findings and conclusions contained in the Staff Report dated May 30, 1991. The action of the Board of Adjustment in denying the variance shall be final and conclusive unless, within ten days from the date of the Board's action, an applicant or an aggrieved party makes an application to the Superior Court of King County for a writ of certiorari, a writ of prohibition, or a writ of mandamus. STAFF REPORT TO THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT Prepared May 30, 1991 PHONE k (206) 433.1800 Gary L. VanDusen, Mayor HEARING DATE: June 6, 1991 FILE NUMBER: 91 -05 -V APPLICANT: Rainier White GMC REQUEST: A variance from Section 19.32.140 C (2) of the Sign Code to allow a second free standing sign. LOCATION: 11222 East Marginal Way ZONING: M -2L Heavy Industry ATTACHMENTS: A. Site & Vicinity Map B. Applicant's submittal 1. Vicinity map 2. Site map 3. Photography 4. Photography 5. Sign elevation 6. Sign elevation Staff Report to B.O.A. 91 -05 -V: Rainier White GMC Sign Variance Page 2 VICINITY /SITE INFORMATION Project Description: The applicant is requesting a variance to add one free standing sign. Existing Development: There is one large building on the site with two tenants in the building; Rainier White GMC and Ingersoll -Rand. Surrounding Land Uses: Two single family residences are located across the street. Industrial and commercial uses are also located across the street and to the north. BACKGROUND The applicant is requesting a variance from the sign code to place a second free - standing sign on the lot. The City's Sign Code Section 19.32.140 (C) states the following; Freestanding signs: One freestanding sign shall be permitted for each site. One additional freestanding sign may be permitted for sites which meet the following conditions: (1) (2) (3) DECISION CRITERIA FINDINGS The site has at least 400 linear feet of frontage on a public street; The site has at least two detached commercially occupied buildings neither of which is accessory to the other; and The site is occupied by at least two tenants. The applicant's site meets condition #1 with 567 linear feet of frontage on a public street. The applicant also meets condition #3 with two tenants occupying the site. However, there is only one commercial building on the site. Since the applicant cannot meet condition #2, he is requesting a variance to be allowed to have a second free standing sign. Criteria for Board of Adjustment evaluation are given below, along with the applicant's response to the criteria, followed by staff's response. The Sign Code states that a variance may only be approved if the request meets all seven criteria. A. The variance as approved shall not constitute a grant of special privilege which is inconsistent with the intent of this sign code, nor which contravenes the limitation on use of property specified by the zoning classification in which this property is located. Staff Report to B.O.A. 91 -05 -V: Rainier White GMC Sign Variance Page 3 Applicant's response: "The site meets two criteria; a minimum of 400 linear feet of street frontage and two tenants. It does not meet the third criteria, to allow for two free standing signs, which are two detached buildings. Both businesses have separate driveways 240 feet apart with separate entrances to their portion of the building, and the building facade visually looks like two different buildings. One having a high visual profile and the other a low visual profile. The granting of the variance would, therefore, not be a special privilege. " Staff's response: Under section 19.32.140 (C) (2) states, the site shall have at least (2) two detached commercially occupied buildings neither of which is accessory to the other. The site has one contiguous structure. In addition, the existing free standing sign can be enlarged to 100 sq. ft. with a total of 200 sq. ft. for all sides to provide space for Rainier White GMC. B. That the variance is necessary because of special circumstances relating to the size, shape, topography, location or surroundings of the subject property to provide it with use rights and privileges permitted to other properties in the vicinity and in the zone in which the subject property is located. Applicant's response: "Each business has separate driveways 240 feet apart. One has a sign by it and the other is easily missed when driving up to the site. Since large trucks are involved, a sign by the Rainier White GMC driveway would provide a safety factor and eliminate crossing the whole property." Staff's response: Under the Sign Code, the applicant is permitted Internal Information Signs without needing the variance. Internal Information Signs are defined as: "19.08.120. Internal Information sign means a sign which gives directional information or identifies specific use areas and which is necessary to maintain the orderly internal use of the premises, such as those signs which identify employee parking, shipping, clearance or which restrict ingress and egress. Not included in this definition are signs which are not directly related to an identified need for orderly internal use of the property and off - premise or portable signs." C. That the granting of the variance will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to property or improvements in the vicinity and in the zone in which the subject property is located. Staff Report to B.O.A. 91 -05 -V: Rainier White GMC Sign Variance Page 4 Applicant's response: "It would provide instant recognition of the business from a sufficient distance down the street for truckers and visitors to prepare to turn into the site well in advance and thus reduce the risk of an accident." Staff's Response: The maximum size of sign permitted if the variance is approved would be 75 sq. ft. Due to the site location, zoning designation and surrounding land uses, there should not be any detrimental impact to the public or injurious to surrounding property. D. That the special conditions and circumstances prompting the variance request do not result from the actions of the applicant. Applicant's response: "The applicant has done nothing to the site except to clean it up and repaint the building facade." Staff's response: The conditions prompting the variance is to place a second freestanding sign on one parcel, that has one contiguous building. Based upon site visits by staff, there appears to be no special conditions or circumstances prompting the variance request. E. That the variance as granted represents the least amount of deviation from prescribed regulations necessary to accomplish the purpose for which the variance is sought and which is consistent with the stated intent of this code. Applicant's response: "The purpose of the sign is to identify the site from approximately 500 feet down the road: The sign copy is 11 inches high. Visibility charts say a 12 inch letter can be read 525 feet. No alternative would properly do the job." Staffs response: The applicant has other options to increase business identification other than requesting a sign variance. The existing free standing sign can be enlarged to 100 sq. ft. per face. The existing wall sign could be enlarged due to the distance setback from the street. This would require Planning Commission review and approval. Staff Report to B.O.A. Page 5 91 -05 -V: Rainier White GMC Sign Variance The applicant meets conditions 1 and 3, however, condition 2 cannot be met since the building is contiguous. Even though both businesses are independent of each other, they are under one roof. F. That granting of the variance shall result in greater convenience to the public in identifying the business location for which a sign code variance is sought. Applicant's response: "With the building set back so far and nothing to mark the driveway, the sign would be a major convenience in finding the business and locating the driveway to this particular establishment." Staff's response: The applicant could place shared directional signs which would be in keeping with the City's Sign Code. Section 19.32.020 Shared Directional Signs states the following: "In commercial and industrial areas where a demonstrated need for directional signing exists, owners or tenants of these premises may petition the Planning Commission for review and approval of the design of a shared directional sign. Such sign shall not exceed ten feet in height, ten feet in width, and have a maximum of two signing surfaces which do not exceed a total of fifty square feet. Such sign shall be located on the premises of at least one of the entities identified thereon and shall be used only by geographically associated businesses. The sign structure shall be located in a masonry base of decorative appearance. The shared directional sign shall contain no promotional copy but shall be limited to the names and addresses of the companies or activities being identified." G. That the granting of the variance will not constitute a public nuisance or adversely affect public safety. Applicant's response: "It would in fact improve public safety reducing last minute decisions that could lead to an accident." Staff's response: Based upon a site visit, staff could not identify any factors whereby the variance requested would create a public nuisance or adversely affect public safety. CONCLUSIONS B. Variance is necessary because of special site conditions... to provide it with use rights permitted to other properties: Staff Report to B.O.A. 91 -05 -V: Rainier White GMC Sign Variance Page 6 A. Variance shall not constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with the intent of the code: The applicant has not provided findings to show how the proposed variance will not constitute a grant for special privilege inconsistent with the intent of the Code. The applicant has failed to show what the special circumstances relating the size, shape, topography, location or surroundings of the subject property. In addition, the applicant failed to show the proposal variance is a privilege permitted to other properties in the vicinity with the same conditions. C. Variance will not be detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to property: Due to the surrounding use, development pattern and zoning, the proposed variance would not be detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to property. D. The special conditions...are not the result of applicant's actions. Given the applicant can have a larger free standing sign; he has failed to show the special conditions and circumstances prompting the variance request. E. Variance represents the least amount of deviation from code necessary. The applicant has not provided sufficient information to justify an additional sign with a size, height and setback which deviate substantially from code. As noted in the above findings, the applicant has other options to increase the signage for his business. F. Variance shall result in greater convenience to the public. Section 19.32.020 states the applicant can provide shared directional sign with approval by the Planning Commission. As noted in Criteria E, there are other options to increase the signage without obtaining the variance requested. G. Variance will not constitute a public nuisance or adversely affect public safety. The proposed additional sign would not adversely affect public safety or create a public nuisance. Staff . Report to B.O.A. Page 7 RECOMMENDATIONS 91 -05 -V: Rainier White GMC Sign Variance Based on the information provided by the applicant, staff has concluded that the applicant's variance request meet Criteria C and G; but does not meet Criteria A B,D,E, and F. Since all seven of the variance criteria have not been met, the . Planning Staff recommends denial of the variance request. .11 TRUCH PARTS 15.59 Ac. „,, 0 32 Acl 7: 57 11 5TH — — ; A . WY2 10-23-4 - 112T0, — 7ST.' — OF Iilsearrce Lot 6 - )0 Ac. cC.C.C6 •'OSS faCVC C7RATZER Ac 6RUND 1 \ • 2. 3 DUWAMISH 7oAtt7 .1;1:11. .1 Ac 1— 1 1 ; 1 F.R1 P. ROSA 1 1(1 1 E. 6 Ac.. • ro..7fl'V • • - • ' 17( • 0434 rt.:: '017 Ac : 0: Ac itA71777. ASSUN 1 AL7SUI•I r A i.C.11A0Nt. 4 Ac TRANSMISSI • 0.90 A. O9.0 Ac. -•___ 7 1 7.1 0 4-7 .1.1 t• ,40 Govt Lot 1 vtiv6— . NT 70 24.70 .Acres ' 1 138.3, 7... g —. 7.1iP, ,-■...:)...; 1 6 61- 1 4 r zti 2!1 iut is b / 1 ; 71 1.7 4.1 BEN \‘‘ 1.W 1 RAv R50 4 05 AG. t RIVER 77351 -• 8 1.1 - INTERURBAN TRApTS. 20 " 19 4 Lot 5 Gov't. Lot 7 25.02 Acres 7. RIVERTON QUARRY ATTACHMENT A 121 Ot9' I 1-• • 23 I 1 1,77' AL 1 1- 1 - 1 - j.° S T. MAY 0 2 1991 ATTACHMENT B1 , • ! I 1 I 1 1 -- I r I k I E.-111'1'G - I I ----- 13ip ro[-1- I Pi- A.Y702...4 4-1 17, ppore• .!_i)LcJ:11 v!/ MAY 0 2 1991 T CITY OF TUKWILA PLANNiNG DEPT. 0 o exvourc p4 0.1 - r oes'AL r?flo O. 16 finiuo oFF/cE • J 0 . . . • 1412_ - Yo S _TV - 1 1,91_ e. '131- -41 OD - - tJELVAY_ — 77. f r . o -2-- i --• j t- t`CfeaSot..L•- e-g 7-00. ecevnl I.> Igoe s6 p . S G ATTACHMENT B3 PFU kite" fACAO- Co tv PRVr' 1- ►ni6c R•"-'O 1 (. rY.o2 1991 CITY TO MI LA PLANNING DEPT. L 11 If' )n) LEI 9 S LI Lm LAY 02 1991 ) J. CITY OF TUKWILA PLANNING DEPT. ATTACHMENT B4 • 0 • r Si L Ft- a i CTt:[JCEl7 ALUM. LE. # AE17 lEM r-A.c.a5 11.JMETIN ly 1 LWM . NEW 5(L '1t bY?_ ,C 14-7c I •"L Ft a ,,, x 47 0 X . LSO ST. "TUBE. GDAPTCE ONLY L) D WHEt.1 STEEL GEJ.ITEEZS VA{zY FecU Vl rcT - r1G J DV'2L LJ . 1 Mtn v 0 2 1991 ). . j O OF t; , . ATTACHMENT B5 -` ,,'+vnvc;r. =pT . • h I CITY OF TUKWILA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEV 0 - 9 7 171in El .i i CITY OF TUKvvit.A LOP +NING DEPT. 1. SIGN CODE SECTION (TUKWILA MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 19) FROM WHICH YOU ARE REQUESTING A VARIANCE: TMC 19.32.140 2. DESCRIBE THE VARIANCE ACTION WHICH YOU ARE REQUESTING: Tnstallation of an 8' x 8' pole sign 3. PROJECT LOCATION: (Give street address or, if vacant, indicate lot(s), block, and sub- division; or tax lot number, access street, and nearest intersection) 11222 East Marginal Way, Tukwila WA Quarter: Section: Township: Range: (This information may be found on your tax statement) Rainier White GMC Trucks 4. APPLICANT:* N Meyer Sign Co., Inc. - ATTN: Ted Christy Address. 926 N. 165th, Seattle, WA 98133 624 -4243 OWNER • -•n - : Signature. ..i Ad.i � D alPf";fYDate• May 2, 1991 * The applicant is the person w • • m the staff will contact regarding the application, and to whom all notices and reports shall be sent, unless otherwise stipulated by applicant. AFFIDAVIT OF OWNERSHIP 5. PROPERTY Name: L A 1-I A 4 6 La- .1 1 . Address. `" q / � ' u /) 0 A v AJ . .. � 5 f j.7 71 Phone S 2- 2 -U I /WE,[signature(s)] ly Q swear that I /we are the owner(s) or contract purchaser(s) of the property involved in this application and that the foregoing statements and answers . contained in this application are true and correct to the • best of my /our knowledge. and belief. : Date: 512- �. 9 / CO -E VARIANCE PL CATION 6300 Southcenter Boulevard, Tukwila, WA 98188 Telephone: (206) 431 -3680 olIu Li1C vuLCL a ivw v L lJ.i1 pr0ri i P m ne gran mu Or rnP v n i anCP u,r,ul ew fore, not be a special rivil 11 r MAY 0 2 1991 CITY OF TU KML, SIGN CODE VARIANCE APPLICATION a F Page 2 HY 6. W IS THIS VARIANCE EI BNG REQUESTED? nip h„pi nPRs serves the trucking anri has trucks going into and out of its yard. There is a concern for identifying the business from the street as the building is set back 76' and for assisting the truck drivers in finding the driveway by placing the sign at the driveway entrance improving safety. 7. DOES YOUR REQUEST MEET THE VARIANCE CRITERIA? The Board of Adjustment will base its decision on the specific criteria shown in bold below. You are solely responsible for justifying why your property should not have to satisfy the same development standards which all other properties/ projects must meet. The Board must decide that your variance request meets all seven criteria. Be specific; a "yes" or "true" is not a sufficient response. Additional sheets should be attached if needed. The Planning Staff has provided some examples to help you respond to each criteria. Please feel free to use or ignore these as you see fit. The Board will make a decision based on the bold criteria, not staff examples. A. The variance as approved shall not constitute a grant of special privilege which is inconsistent with the intent of this sign code, nor which contravenes the limitation on use of property specified by the zoning classification in which this property is located. Example: Explain how your requested variance would not give you a special privilege in your use of the property in relation to the requirements imposed on adjacent and neighboring properties and on properties with the same zone classification. RESPONSE: The c j1- mPQj two rri t a : a minimum of 400' frontage and two tenants. It does not meet the third criteria, to allow for two free standing signs, which . is two detached buildings. Both businesses have seperate driveways 240' apait, seperate entrances to their portion of t 1n�ilding, anri the h,ii1r ing far-ar9 visually looks like two different buildings. One having a high visual profile • • L. PLANNING DEPT. B. That the variance is necessary because of special circumstances relating to the size, shape, topography, location, location or surroundings of the subject property to provide it with use rights and privileges permitted to other properties in the vicinity and in the zone in which the subject property is located. SIGN CODE VARIANCE A'3LICATION Page 3 _ Example: Does a special property characteristic such as size, shape or topography, com- bined with the zoning code requirement, prevent you from using your property in the manner of adjacent properties or other like -zoned properties? Special circumstances should not be due to: 1) actions by past or present property owners or leasing property before knowing Code restrictions; or 2) actions which have already • been compensated for (i.e., the State condemns a portion of land for 1 -5 construction and compensates the owner for the diminished value of the remaining parcel. RESPONSE. Era - business has seperate driveways 240' apart. One has a sign by it aryl the other is easily missed when driving up to the site. Since large tricks are involved a sign by the Rainier White GMC driveway would provide a safety factor and eliminate cross driving the whole property. C. That the granting of the variance will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to property or improvements in the vicinity and in the zone in which the subject property is located. Example: Would granting your request cause any harm, injury, or interference with uses of adjacent and neighboring properties? (Consider traffic, views, light, aesthetic impacts, etc.) RESPONSE. It would provide instant recognition of the business from a suffi- cient distance down the street for truckers and visitors to prepare to turn into the site well in advance and thus reduce the risk of an accident. [ MAY 0 2 1991 : CITY . O0 TUKWILA PLANNING DEPT. SIGN CODE VARIANCE APPLICATION Page 4 D. That the special conditions and circumstances prompting the variance request do not result from the actions of the applicant. RESPONSE: Applicant has done nothing to the site except to clean it up and repaint the building facade. E. That the variance as granted represents the least amount of deviation from pre- scribed regulations necessary to accomplish the purpose for which the variance is sought and which is consistent with the stated intent of this code. Example: Describe other alternatives for signage of your business. Why were these alter- natives rejected? The purpose of the Code is to establish standards for signs so that the streets of Tukwila appear orderly and safety is increased by minimizing clutter and distraction. RESPONSE: The-purpose of the sign is to identify the site from approximately 500' down the road. The sign copy is 11" high. Visibility charts say a 12" letter c t_ be read 525'. No alternative would properly do the job. NUMB [ MAY 0 2 1991 CITY OF TUkvvtLA PLANNING DEPT. . SIGN CODE VARIANCE trIPLICATION F. That granting of the variance shall result in greater convenience to the public in identifying the business location for which a sign code variance is sought. RESPONSE: With the building set back so far and nothing to mark the driveway, the sign would be a major convenience in finding the business an0 1rc•ating the driveway to this - particular establishment. G. That the granting of the variance will not constitute a public nuisance or ad- versely affect the public safety. AHEWH [MAY 0 21991 Page 5 Example: Would granting the variance result in a sign which interferes with traffic and street improvements, signage and traffic flows? RESPONSE: It would in fact improve public safety reducing last minute decisions that could lead to an accident. CITY OF TUKWILA PLANNING DEPT.