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CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION 2020-14
RESOLUTION 2020-14 OF THE SEWARD PLANNING AND ZONING
COMMISSION, GRANTING A VARIANCE FROM SEWARD CITY CODE 15.20
SIGNS TO PHILIP ZIMMERMAN, PERMITTING AN EXCEPTION TO THE
ZONING CODE TO ALLOW FOR A TOTAL SIGN AREA GREATER THAN 32
SQFT FOR THE TEMPORARY ADVERTISING OF THE GATEWAY/
PHOENIX HEIGHTS SUBDIVISION LOCATED AT 2004 DUNHAM DRIVE,
GATEWAY SUBDIVISION ADDITION 1 LOT 1 BLOCK 3, IN THE MULTI-
FAMILY(R3) ZONING DISTRICT
WHEREAS, Philip Zimmerman has applied for a Variance from the Seward Planning
and Zoning Commission to erect a temporary freestanding sign for the advertisement of the
Gateway/Phoenix Heights Subdivision in the Multi-family(R3)Zoning District; and
WHEREAS,the proposed location is 2004 Dunham Drive; and
WHEREAS, signs advertising subdivision tract developments of two or more acres, not
exceeding 32 square feet would be allowed without requiring a permit; and
WHEREAS, the proposed sign face measures 4' by 7' for a total area of 28 sqft. The
support structure as proposed is an additional 21 sqft. for a total sign area of 49 sqft.; and
WHEREAS,the total area of the proposed sign would not be greater than 1.5 times what
is allowed without permit and would be harmonious with the scenic beauty of the area.; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Seward Planning and Zoning
Commission that:
Section 1. In accordance with SCC§15.20.055 (a), the Planning and Zoning Commission is
authorized to grant special variances from the provisions of the chapter in accordance with the
following restrictions. The Commission has reviewed the applicant's request for a Sign Code
Variance to allow an exception to the Zoning Code to allow for a total sign area greater than 32
sqft for the temporary advertising of the Gateway/ Phoenix Heights Subdivision located at 2004
Dunham Drive, Gateway Subdivision Addition 1 Lot 1 Block 3, in the Multi-family (R3)
Zoning District,and made the following Findings of Fact:
1. To encourage the use of signs which are harmonious with Seward's scenic beauty
and historic character, the commission may issue a variance for specific signs up to
1.5 times larger than provided in this chapter. The total area of the proposed sign
would not be greater than 1.5 times what is allowed without permit. Photos submitted
Seward Planning and Zoning Commission
Resolution No. 2020-14
Page 2 of 3
provide for evidence that the proposed sign would be harmonious with the scenic beauty
of the area.
2. A variance may be granted in harmony with the general purpose and intent of this
Code by varying the application of rules, regulations or provisions so long as the
spirit and benefits of this Code will be preserved. A variance would meet the intent of
this requirement.
3. The commission may vary the rules and regulations or provisions of this Code
provided the commission, upon due and diligent investigation, makes specific
findings that all of the following conditions have been considered:
a. The variance will not constitute a grant of a special privilege inconsistent with the
limitation upon signage and uses of other properties in the vicinity and zone in
which the property, on behalf of which the application as filed, is located; This
would not constitute special privilege as any citizen could apply for a variance in
allowable square footage for a sign in harmony with Seward's scenic beauty or historic
character. Currently there are no other active Subdivision Advertisements in the area.
b. That such variance is necessary because of special circumstances such as, but not
limited to, health and safety or the size, shape, topography,location or surroundings
of the subject property, to provide it with signage use rights and privileges
permitted to other properties in the vicinity and in the zone in which the subject
property is located. The sign face is within the allowable square footage 4' x7' for 28
sqft area. The design of the support is intended to be in harmony with the area, however
the bulk of the support structure (21') would not allow for a readable sign face if the total
area of the sign must remain within the 32 sqft total.
c. That the granting of such variance will not be materially detrimental to the public
welfare or injurious to the subject property or improvements in the vicinity and in
the zone in which the subject property is situated. Granting this sign variance will not
be materially detrimental to the public welfare, or other property in the vicinity or the
Multi-family Zoning District.
Section 2. The Planning and Zoning Commission hereby approves, the applicant's request for a
Sign Code Variance to allow an exception to the Zoning Code to allow for a total sign area
greater than 32 sqft for the temporary advertising of the Gateway/ Phoenix Heights Subdivision
located at 2004 Dunham Drive, Gateway Subdivision Addition 1 Lot 1 Block 3, in the Multi-
family(R3) Zoning District.
Seward Planning and Zoning Commission
Resolution No. 2020-14
Page 3 of 3
Section 3. This resolution shall take.effect 10 days following its adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission this 15th day of
December,2020.
THE CITY OF SEWARD
Cindy L. cl und, Chair
AYES:Hatfield, Seese, Swann, Ecklund
NOES:
ABSENT: Charbonneau, Ambrosiani
ABSTAIN:
VACANT: One
ATTEST:
ends Bal ou, MC,
City Clerk
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