TO: Planning Board Members
FROM: Gregg Harding, Assistant Planning & Zoning Division Manager
DATE: 5/15/2023
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT: 6
SUBJECT:
title
8 N. 9th Avenue - Gateway Redevelopment District - Request for Variance to Sec. 12-3-12(1) - Hilton Garden Inn Signage
Zone GRD
end
BACKGROUND:
PHOTA Pensacola, LLC, is seeking a variance to the requirements of Sec. 12-3-12(1)d.1.iii.(c)(1)b. of the Land Development Code. The variance request is to increase the maximum allowable size of attached wall signage from 25 square feet to 127.62 square feet on the north and south sides of a new hotel (an increase of 102.62 square feet). Within GRD, each parcel under single ownership shall be limited to one sign per street adjacent to the parcel. The north elevation fronts onto a private roadway, and the south elevation fronts onto Colfax Street. Both are considered “other streets and areas within the gateway redevelopment district” and all attached wall signs have the following regulations:
a. Height. No sign shall extend above the main roof line of a building to which it is attached.
b. Size. Ten percent of the building elevation square footage (wall area) which fronts on a public street, not to exceed 25 square feet.
Per GRD regulations, Planning Board may grant a variance due to unique and peculiar circumstances or needs resulting from the use, size, configuration, or location of a site. In addition to special conditions, the board must also find that the variance granted will not detract from the architectural integrity of the development and its surroundings, and that the variance will be in harmony with the general intent and purpose of the district. Since variance hearings are quasi-judicial in nature, the decision of the Planning Board is final subject to judicial review.
This variance application pertains only to the size of the proposed wall signs. It does not pertain to the proposed placement, type, design, or lighting although indirect and internal lighting is encouraged in GRD.
RECOMMENDED CODE SECTIONS
Sec. 12-3-12(1) Redevelopment land use district, GRD
<https://library.municode.com/fl/pensacola/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_TITXIILADECO_CH12-3ZODI_ARTIINGE_S12-3-12RELAUSDI>
Sec. 12-12-2(6)f. Planning board, Authority and duties, Variances
<https://library.municode.com/fl/pensacola/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_TITXIILADECO_CH12-12BOCO_S12-12-2PLBO>
Sec. 12-11-2 Appeals and variances
<https://library.municode.com/fl/pensacola/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_TITXIILADECO_CH12-11ADEN_S12-11-2APVA>