HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2021-009 CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
II
RESOLUTION 2021-009 Sponsored by: Applicant
A RESOLUTION OF THE SEWARD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION,
GRANTING A VARIANCE FROM SEWARD CITY CODE 15.20 SIGNS TO
PROVIDENCE SEWARD MEDICAL CENTER, PERMITTING AN EXCEPTION
TO THE ZONING CODE TO ALLOW TWO ADDITIONAL SIGNS TO BE
PERMITTED ON THE PREMISES LOCATED AT 417 FIRST AVENUE,
WITHIN THE INSTITUTIONAL (INS)ZONING DISTRICT
WHEREAS, Providence Seward Medical Center has applied for a Variance from the
Seward Planning and Zoning Commission to implement a rebranding campaign and upgrade all
signage on the premises; and
WHEREAS, the applicant is requesting to install two additional signs, for a total of 4
signs which require permits; and
WHEREAS,the proposed location is within the INS district; and
WHEREAS, Planning and Zoning resolution 1998-09 was approved by the Planning and
Zoning approved a sign variance for one additional sign due to the building having two street
frontages and two primary occupants: PSMC and SCHC; and
WHEREAS, Seward City Code 15.20.055 allows the Planning and Zoning Commission
to grant variances in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the Code so long as the
spirit and benefits of the Code will be preserved; and
WHEREAS, the Commission may vary the rules and regulations or provisions of the
Code provided that the Commission, upon due and diligent investigation, makes specific findings
that all of the conditions listed in Seward City Code 15.20.055 (3)have been considered; and
WHEREAS, as required by Seward City Code §15.01.040, Public Hearings, property
owners and lease holders within 300 feet of the requested variance parcel were notified of the
proposed action,and the property was posted with public notice signage.
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
Seward Planning and Zoning Commission
Resolution No. 2021-009
Page 2 of 3
Variance to allow an exception to the Zoning Code to allow for two (2) additional signs for a 3
total of four (4) signs at 417 First Ave, Seward Townsite Marathon Addition Replat Lot 1 A in
the Institutional (INS)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
provide for evidence that the proposed signage is consistent with the Institutional zoning.
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. According to the sign ordinance,
permitted commercial and industrial uses in the Institutional District are allowed one
square foot of signage per lineal foot of street frontage. Signs for other permitted uses, or
legal nonconforming uses,are subject to the following limitations:
i. One permanent identification sign is permitted for each premises. The area of the
sign shall not exceed one square foot for each lineal foot of street frontage,
provided that no such sign shall exceed 40 square feet;
ii. No sign shall exceed eight feet in height; and
iii. Illumination for institutional facilities shall be restricted to indirect lighting.
Providence Seward Medical Center is an institutional facility. Lot 1A, Marathon Addition
has 410 feet of frontage on First Avenue and 200 feet of frontage on Lowell Canyon
Road. Existing and proposed signage on the property, not including allowed directional
and warning signs, totals 125.4 square feet. The proposed addition of 2 signs would total
281 sq. ft. 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:
i. 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.
ii. 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 of both proposed signs is within the
allowable square footage of 200 sq. ft. measuring 3' x 15' for 30 sq. ft.
Seward Planning and Zoning Commission
Resolution No. 2021-009
1111
Page 3 of 3
area and 6' x 21' 126 sq. ft. area for a total of 156 sq. ft. SCC 15.20.040
(B) (2) and 15.20.040(E)(2)
iii. 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. There is no
indication that granting this sign variance will be materially detrimental to the
public welfare, or other property in the vicinity or the Industrial Zoning District
the subject property is situated.
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 an additional two signs
for a total sign area greater than 200 sq. ft., at Seward Townsite Marathon Addition Replat Lot
1A,417 First Ave. in the Institutional (INS) Zoning District.
Section 3. This resolution shall take effect 10 days following its adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission this 6th day of
April, 2021.
THE CITY OF SEWARD
Cindy L. lund, Chair
AYES: Ambrosiani, Charbonneau, Sees, Sullivan, Ecklund
NOES: Swann, Verhey
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
VACANT: None
ATTEST:
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