Planning commission recommends reduced monument signs for Findlay Hyundai at Auto Park Drive

On Dec. 12, 2024, the City of Prescott Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of CSP24-001, a comprehensive sign package for the new Findlay Hyundai dealership at 1315 Auto Park Drive, with conditions limiting both proposed freestanding monument signs to 22 feet in height and requiring signs to be turned off one hour after the business closes or by 10 p.m., whichever is later.

Tammy DeWitt, community planner, told commissioners the property sits in the Deep Well Ranch master plan area and in a commercial corridor overlay. "Per our land development code, any freestanding monument signs, the maximum height they can be is 12 feet," DeWitt said, noting the applicant’s sign faces meet the 32-square-foot limit but that one proposed monument would exceed the code’s standard by a substantial margin. She added the applicant obtained FAA approvals and that the master-plan administrator indicated the proposal complies with the master plan.

Applicant representative Michael Donata (Signs Plus) said the corner sign was sized for visibility at the intersection and for traffic traveling at higher speeds: "The sizes are dependent on being visible on the intersection while approaching," he said. The applicant also noted the corner sign could accommodate panels for additional tenants if other dealerships locate on the site.

Commissioners pressed the applicant to justify a proposed corner monument of roughly 37–38 feet. Commissioner Tom Hutchison said he considered the 38-foot height "a want and not a need," and Commissioner Jim Klazewski warned that the proposed height would be markedly taller than other dealership signs in Prescott. Chair Don Michelman and other commissioners said they supported Findlay’s presence and the potential sales-tax benefits but balked at a three-plus–story-scale sign at the intersection.

After discussion, Vice Chair Tom Riley moved to recommend approval of CSP24-001 with two stipulations: that both freestanding monument signs not exceed 22 feet in height and that sign lighting be turned off one hour after business closing or by 10 p.m., whichever is later. Commissioner Tom Hutchison seconded the motion. The roll call vote was unanimous: Commissioners Jim Whiting, Jim Klazewski, Tom Hutchison, Susan Graham, Tom Davis, Vice Chair Tom Riley and Chair Don Michelman all voted to approve.

The commission noted staff will forward the recommendation to the City Council. The applicant thanked the commission for working toward a compromise. The commission’s decision was a recommendation to city council; final approval will be considered by the council at a later public meeting.