Zoners Deny Billboard Request, OK Beauty Salon Variance
Posted
Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
After lengthy discussion Monday night, Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals denied a request for an off-premise billboard for Indiana Institute of Technology.
The BZA heard the request for a variance from development standards to permit an off-premise billboard facing U.S 30 on a property on Mariners Drive.IIT was proposing a 16-feet wide by eight-feet high billboard. The billboard would direct traffic to IIT, 2180 North Point Drive, Warsaw.
IIT will still have the opportunity to re-petition for another directional sign for the institution.
Steve Snyder, attorney representing IIT, said the college is not visible from U.S. 30, and the college wants a billboard to direct traffic from U.S. 30 to it.
Warsaw's zoning ordinance lists off-premise signs as being prohibited.
Rick Keeven, zoning board member, said in his 22 years of serving on the board, signage has always been an issue.
"I'm extremely concerned about giving up territory now that we fought so hard to get billboards reduced," Keeven said.
Board member Bruce Woodward said he also had concerns with installing a billboard.
"The sign has merit to get people to the right location, but I don't think the billboard is the correct avenue," Woodward said.
Board President Tom Allen said he supports IIT being promoted by the sign, but said the city could do with less signs.
Board member Mary Ellen Rudisel-Jordan said she wasn't convinced the proposed directional billboard on U.S. 30 would lead drivers to IIT.
She recommended a green sign instead of a billboard could be installed to alert drivers of IIT.
In other business, the board approved a special exception to allow for a beauty salon at 311 S. Union St., Warsaw.
Petitioner Sandra Staley requested the special exception in a residential zoned district to allow for the salon.
She said she plans on purchasing the property, living in it and operating the beauty salon in the home.
She said her typical hours would be from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays.
The board approved the home and beauty salon occupancy with the following conditions: signage prohibited, the salon must be limited to one chair and one employee, and outside lighting is encouraged.
The board elected a slate of officers for 2010, including Allen to serve as the board's president and Woodward to serve as vice president.
