Planning board approves Walmart sign variance but bars canopy gas‑price displays

The St. Johns County Planning and Zoning Agency on Aug. 8 approved a non‑zoning variance permitting increased wall signage and a slightly larger monument sign for a new Walmart in the World Commerce PUD, but added a condition banning illuminated gas‑price displays on the store’s fuel‑canopy after intense public comment.

Brad Genzeg, representing General Sign Service for Walmart, told the board the request included three elements: modestly larger wall signage to help direct customers once they are on the site, a 10‑square‑foot increase on the fuel station monument (from 150 to 160 sq ft) and a deviation to allow price pricers mounted to the canopy. "The gas prices are what we're asking for as it pertains to the fuel station," Genzeg said during his presentation. He said the majority of the exterior signage is non‑illuminated, formed letters intended to orient patrons once they enter the parcel.

Residents who live directly across International Golf Parkway argued the additional signage, canopy displays and associated lighting will harm neighborhood quality of life and property values. "The changes Walmart is asking for will be devastating to the residents in Buildings 115 and 125," said Sharon Bowman, who identified herself as a homeowner at Legends Condominiums. Neighbors also cited concerns about traffic, construction noise, flashing lights and safety near nearby schools.

Board members questioned photo perspectives, sight lines and the necessity of multiple department signs on a single large retail fascia. Staff and the applicant said the proposed wall letters occupy about 8.3% of a 9,375‑square‑foot front fascia and were largely internal, directing customers to specific entrances and services. The applicant offered alternatives, including removing canopy pricers from the package.

The board first considered a motion to approve the package without restrictions; that motion failed. A subsequent motion by Miss Spiegel to approve the variance subject to staff findings and five conditions — explicitly including a prohibition on lighted gas‑price signs on the canopies — passed 4–3. The board instructed staff to memorialize the findings and conditions in the permit record.