ZBA approves 324-sq-ft, 35-ft sign variance for proposed gas station on West University Drive
September 28, 2026 | Denton City, Denton County, Texas
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The City of Denton Zoning Board of Adjustment voted 6-0 on Sept. 28, 2026, to grant a variance allowing a 324-square-foot, 35-foot-tall freestanding sign for a proposed automotive fuel sales development at the southwest corner of West University Drive and Northwestern Boulevard.
City staff told the board that the property is approximately 5.89 acres and that current code limits the effective area of a sign to 60 square feet and the height to 20 feet. “They’re requesting an additional 264 for a total of 324 square feet,” the city presentation stated, and staff added the request would result in “for a total total of 35 feet in height.” Staff reported site constraints — utility poles, a row of mature trees about 650 feet from the proposed sign location, and a slight curve in University Drive — and said the applicant relied on industry and federal guidance that drivers at the posted speed need roughly 800 feet of continuous visibility to make safe maneuvers.
The applicant, Justin Mayberry of Texas Republic Signs, said the site’s traffic speeds and roadway geometry justify the larger, taller sign and that the project team sized lettering and display area so gas prices and information would be legible at distance. Mayberry identified his business address as 2211 Peck Road, Houston, Texas.
Board members questioned staff about liability if a smaller sign reduced visibility, whether the sign would be illuminated, and whether nearby residences would be affected by lighting. Staff said the sign would use internal illumination that meets the city’s illumination standards and that the immediate area is zoned for commercial uses.
After closing the public hearing, a committee member moved to grant the variance under section 33.142(b) of Chapter 33 (Signs and Advertising); the motion received a second and passed by a show of hands, 6 in favor, 0 against. The chair announced, “The request of the variance is approved.”
The board did not record additional conditions in the motion on the record; the chair noted that conditions may be added when a motion is made if members choose to do so. The meeting adjourned at 6:27 p.m.
City staff told the board that the property is approximately 5.89 acres and that current code limits the effective area of a sign to 60 square feet and the height to 20 feet. “They’re requesting an additional 264 for a total of 324 square feet,” the city presentation stated, and staff added the request would result in “for a total total of 35 feet in height.” Staff reported site constraints — utility poles, a row of mature trees about 650 feet from the proposed sign location, and a slight curve in University Drive — and said the applicant relied on industry and federal guidance that drivers at the posted speed need roughly 800 feet of continuous visibility to make safe maneuvers.
The applicant, Justin Mayberry of Texas Republic Signs, said the site’s traffic speeds and roadway geometry justify the larger, taller sign and that the project team sized lettering and display area so gas prices and information would be legible at distance. Mayberry identified his business address as 2211 Peck Road, Houston, Texas.
Board members questioned staff about liability if a smaller sign reduced visibility, whether the sign would be illuminated, and whether nearby residences would be affected by lighting. Staff said the sign would use internal illumination that meets the city’s illumination standards and that the immediate area is zoned for commercial uses.
After closing the public hearing, a committee member moved to grant the variance under section 33.142(b) of Chapter 33 (Signs and Advertising); the motion received a second and passed by a show of hands, 6 in favor, 0 against. The chair announced, “The request of the variance is approved.”
The board did not record additional conditions in the motion on the record; the chair noted that conditions may be added when a motion is made if members choose to do so. The meeting adjourned at 6:27 p.m.
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