Controversial Sign Variance Sparks Heated Debate in Local Board Meeting

In a recent government meeting, the Board of Adjustment discussed a variance request from William Lisk, representing South Central Oil Company, concerning signage for the Norman Crossing business complex located at 204 30 West Catawba Avenue. The applicant sought permission to exceed the height and square footage limits set by the local land development code for three proposed monument signs.

The primary sign, intended for the entrance of Norman Crossing, is proposed to stand at 9 feet tall, while the secondary sign complies with existing regulations. The tertiary sign, facing Interstate 77, is notably larger at 20 feet 3 inches and 283.5 square feet, which exceeds the maximum allowed dimensions of 6 feet in height and 64 square feet in area.

During the meeting, board members expressed concerns about the necessity and visibility of the I-77 facing sign, questioning its effectiveness given the high-speed traffic on the interstate. Lisk argued that the visibility from I-77 is crucial for attracting tenants, despite acknowledging that the sign may not be easily seen by drivers.

The board ultimately approved the variance for the primary sign on West Catawba Avenue but denied the request for the larger I-77 facing sign, citing that it did not meet the necessary findings for a variance. The board emphasized the importance of adhering to established codes and maintaining consistency with previous approvals.

In a separate agenda item, the board also opened discussions regarding a variance request for a front yard accessory structure at 18300 Nance Road, where the applicant seeks to place a pool in the front yard, a request that has not been made in the vicinity in the past five years. The meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to balance development needs with regulatory compliance in the community.