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Variance petitions for commercial signage and building setbacks dominated the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals Monday.
Two downtown businessmen, Brian Szalai of Warsaw Tool and Supply and Jerry Kramer of Mountain Music, sought variances from development standards and approval to encroach into the right-of-way to install signs projecting over the sidewalks to advertise their businesses.
"You'll recall Brian's (Szalai) building was destroyed in the downtown fire last year," said Jeff Noffsinger, city planner. "He is seeking a variance to install a 4-by-6-foot projecting sign."
A variance is needed for the size of the sign, Noffsinger said, because the city's sign ordinance limits signs projecting from building to a maximum of 8 square feet. Szalai's sign would total 24 square feet and would have the name of the business and a reader board.
"A reader board for a retail business is essential to advertise," Szalai said. "I think it's part of the life's blood of a retail business."
Kramer also said his planned 17-foot by 8-inch sign, which was to hang from the existing awning outside his store at 108 E. Market St., was essential to inform the community of his goods and services.
"This sign is to let the community know what our product lines are and what we're doing in the community," Kramer said.
The BZA took another view, however.
"I'm personally in favor of sticking with the rules we have, because once you open that gate, you have to open it for everyone," said board member Richard Keevan.
The board voted to deny the variance requests of both businesses, but they did approve the right-of-way encroachment of each, pending the approval of the Warsaw Board of Works.
In other business, the board approved a variance from development standards for Philip Parker, 715 Biscayne Ave., permitting a 15-foot rear yard setback where a 20-foot setback is required.
The board also approved a setback variance for George Clemens at 1121 Country Club Road, for a 12.77-foot rear yard setback where a 20-foot setback is required.
