ITEM07 C16-2024-0002 ADV PACKET DEC9 — original pdf
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CITY OF AUSTIN Board of Adjustment- Sign Variance Decision Sheet ITEM04 DATE: November 14, 2024 CASE NUMBER: C16-2024-0002 _______Thomas Ates (D1) _______Bianca A Medina-Leal (D2) _______Jessica Cohen (D3) _______Yung-ju Kim (D4) _______Melissa Hawthorne (D5) _______Jeffery Bowen (D6) _______Janel Venzant (D7) _______Margaret Shahrestani (D8) _______Brian Poteet (D9) _______Michael Von Ohlen (D10) _______Marcel Gutierrez-Garza (M) _______VACANT (Alternate) (M) _______Suzanne Valentine (Alternate) (M) _______VACANT (Alternate) (M) APPLICANT: Michael J Whellan OWNER: Mark Worsham ADDRESS: 12221 MOPAC EXPY SVRD NB VARIANCE REQUESTED: The applicant is requesting a sign variance(s) from the Land Development Code: (B) (1) (b) to increase the maximum sign area on a lot from 64 square feet (B) to allow more freestanding signs from one (1) (maximum allowed) to eight (8) Section 25-10-124 (Scenic Roadway Sign District): (requesting) (existing) (maximum allowed) to 90 square feet (requesting) (requesting), to 3 feet (requesting) (B) (2) to increase overall sign height from 12 feet (maximum allowed) to 17 feet (F) to allow for internally sign illumination for three (3) signs (requesting) (G) to decrease signs from the right-of-way of at least 12 feet (minimum required) Section 25-2-191 (Sign Setback Requirements) allowed) to 0 feet (requesting) (E) to decrease the setback of 12 feet from the street right-of-way (minimum ITEM07/1 (F) (1) to increase height of not more than 30 inches (maximum allowed) to 17 feet (F) (2) to reduce clearance of at least nine (9) feet (minimum allowed) to zero (0) (requesting) feet (requesting). in order to remodel Free-standing sign(s) for Emergency Services/Hospital Services in a “PUD”, Scenic Roadway Sign District. Note: 25-10-124 - SCENIC ROADWAY SIGN DISTRICT REGULATIONS. (A) This section applies to a scenic roadway sign district. (B) One freestanding sign is permitted on a lot. (1) The sign area may not exceed the lesser of: (a) 0.4 square feet for each linear foot of street frontage; or (b) 64 square feet. (2) The sign height may not exceed 12 feet. (C) Wall signs are permitted. (D) For signs other than freestanding signs, the total sign area for a lot may not exceed 10 percent of the facade area of the first 15 feet of the building. (E) In a Hill Country Roadway corridor, a spotlight on a sign or exterior lighting of a sign must be concealed from view and oriented away from adjacent properties and roadways. (F) Internal lighting of signs is prohibited, except for the internal lighting of individual letters. (G) In addition to the sign setback requirements established by Section 25-10-191 (Sign Setback Requirements), a sign or sign support must be installed at least 12 feet from the street right-of-way, or at least 25 feet from street pavement or curb in the right-of-way, whichever setback is the lesser distance from the street. This subsection does not apply to a sign permitted by Section 25-10-102(F) (Signs Associated with Political Elections). Source: Sections 13-2-867 and 13-2-868; Ord. 990225-70; Ord. 031030-11; Ord. 031211-11; Ord. No. 20170817- 072, Pt. 10, 8-28-17. 25-10-191 – SIGN SETBACK REQUIREMENTS. (A) A sign installed in compliance with this section is not required to comply with building setback requirements established elsewhere in this title. (B) A sign support 12 inches or less in diameter is not required to be set back from a street right-of-way. (C) A sign support more than 12 inches and not more than 24 inches in diameter must be set back at least three feet from a street right-of-way. (D) A sign support more than 24 inches and not more than 36 inches in diameter must be set back at least five feet from the street right-of-way. (E) A sign support more than 36 inches in diameter must be set back at least 12 feet from the street right-of-way. (F) Except for a wall sign, a sign within 12 feet of a street right-of-way must have either: (1) a height of not more than 30 inches; or (2) a clearance of at least nine feet. (G) This section does not apply to a sign permitted by Section 25-10-102(F) (Signs Associated with Political Elections). Source: Section 13-2-886; Ord. 990225-70; Ord. 031030-11; Ord. 031211-11; Ord. No. 20170817-072, Pt. 22, 8-28-17. BOARD’S DECISION: November 14, 2024 Postponed to December 9, 2024 due to the absence of a sufficient number of Board Members required for a formal vote on each case ITEM07/2 FINDING: 1. The variance is necessary because strict enforcement of the Article prohibits and reasonable opportunity to provide adequate signs on the site, considering the unique features of a site such as its dimensions, landscape, or topography, because: OR, 2. The granting of this variance will not have a substantially adverse impact upon neighboring properties, because: OR, 3. The granting of this variance will not substantially conflict with the stated purposes of this sign ordinance, because: AND, 4. Granting a variance would not provide the applicant with a special privilege not enjoyed by others similarly situated or potentially similarly situated, because: Elaine Ramirez Executive Liaison Jessica Cohen Madam Chair Diana Ramirez forITEM07/3 BOA SIGN REVIEW COVERSHEET RENOTIFICATION CASE: C16-2024-0002 ADDRESS: 12221 N Mopac Expy SVRD NB COUNCIL DISTRICT: 10 BOA DATE: Monday, December 9th, 2024 AGENT: Michael J. Whellan OWNER: Mark Worsham ZONING: PUD LEGAL DESCRIPTION: 36.3670 A LOT 1 BLK B CENTRUM SUBD THE RESUB OF BLK B & E VARIANCE REQUEST: Land Development Code, Section 25-10-124 (Scenic Roadway Sign District): (B) to allow more freestanding signs from one (1) (maximum allowed) to eight (8) (requesting) (B) (1) (b) to increase the maximum sign area on a lot from 64 square feet (maximum allowed) to 112 square feet (requesting) (B) (2) to increase sign height from 12 feet (maximum allowed) to 17 feet (requesting) SUMMARY: remodel Free-standing sign for Emergency Services/Hospital Services ISSUES: topography ZONING LAND USES Hospital Services Community Commercial; Neighborhood Commercial General Office Community Commercial; General Office; Single-Family Hospital Services Site North GR; LR PUD South GO-CO East GR; GO-CO; SF-2 West PUD NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATIONS: Austin Independent School District Austin Neighborhoods Council Friends of Austin Neighborhoods Homeless Neighborhood Association Save Our Springs Alliance ITEM07/4 Revised 11/20/24 Board of Adjustment Sign Variance Application WARNING: Filing of this appeal stops all affected construction activity. This application is a fillable PDF that can be completed electronically. To ensure your information is saved, click here to Save the form to your computer, then open your copy and continue. The Tab key may be used to navigate to each field; Shift + Tab moves to the previous field. The Enter key activates links, emails, and buttons. Use the Up & Down Arrow keys to scroll through drop-down lists and check boxes, and hit Enter to make a selection. The application must be complete and accurate prior to submittal. All information is required (if applicable). For Office Use Only Case # C16-2024-0002 ROW # 13413021 Tax # 0260130901 Section 1: Applicant Statement Street Address: 12221 North Mopac Expressway Northbound Subdivision Legal Description: CENTRUM SUBDIVISION, RESUB OF BLOCKS B & E Lot(s): 1 Outlot: Zoning District: PUD Sign District: Scenic Roadway Sign District _ Block(s): B Division: Council District: 7 I/We Michael J. Whellan and April A. Brown on behalf of myself/ourselves as authorized agent for St. David's HealthCare Partnership, L.P., L.L.P. affirm that on Month October , Day 1 , Year 2024 , hereby apply for a hearing before the Board of Adjustment for consideration to (select appropriate option below): Erect Attach Complete Remodel Maintain Other: Type of Sign: Internally Illuminated Freestanding Wayfinding Pylon Signs - Emergency Services/ Hospital Services Portion of the City of Austin Land Development Code applicant is seeking a variance from: § 25-10-124 - SCENIC ROADWAY SIGN DISTRICT REGULATIONS (B) to exceed one freestanding sign per lot to eight per lot (existing); (B)(1) to exceed sign area from 64 sf to 112 sf; (B)(2) to exceed sign height from 12 ft. to 17 ft.; (F) to allow internally illuminated signs; (G) to allow signs 3 ft. from the curb in the ROW. § 25-10-191 - SET BACK REQUIREMENTS (E) to reduce the setback to 0 ft. from the ROW; (F) to allow a height of 17 ft. and a clearance of 0 ft. City of Austin | Board of Adjustment Sign Variance Application 7/3/23 | Page 2 of 4 ITEM07/5 Section 2: Variance Findings The Board must determine the existence of, sufficiency of, and weight of evidence supporting the findings described below. In order to grant your request for a variance, the Board must first make one or more of the findings described under 1, 2, and 3 below; the Board must then make the finding described in item 4 below. If the Board cannot make the required findings, it cannot approve a sign variance. Therefore, you must complete each of the applicable Findings Statements as part of your application. Failure to do so may result in your application being rejected as incomplete. Please attach any additional supporting documents. I contend that my entitlement to the requested variance is based on the following findings: 1. The variance is necessary because strict enforcement of the Article prohibits any reasonable opportunity to provide adequate signs on the site, considering the unique features of the site such as dimensions, landscaping, or topography, because: The topography of the site is such that the emegency wayfinding signage along the Mopac frontage road is lower than the trees growing behind them, elevating the trees further above the signs than they otherwise would be and leading to the signage blending in with the trees. Cars approach at very high rates of speed, exacerbating the impact of visual obstruction and lack of visibility. See attached letter for more details. —OR— 2. The granting of this variance will not have a substantially adverse impact upon neighboring properties, because: The sign is on a highway frontage road any does not block any nearby signage. It is not visible from any residential properties near the site. Several other properties along N Mopac already have signs that are both internally illuminated and exceed the maximum height limit under the code. —OR— 3. The granting of this variance will not substantially conflict with the stated purposes of this sign ordinance, because: Section 25-10-1(A)(4) seeks to "protect the safety and efficiency of the City's transportation system by reducing confusion and distractions to pedestrians and motorists." Improving the visibility of the hospital's emergency room wayfinding signs reduces confusion and helps motorists navigate to the appropriate hospital wing more quickly and efficiently. AND, 4. Granting a variance would not provide the applicant with a special privilege not enjoyed by others similarly situated or potentially similarly situated, because: Other sites do not face the same combination of topographical + tree coverage limiting sign visibiltiy. Additionally, the signs' purposes are unique in that they specifically aim to improve emergency wayfinding and reduce confusion for drivers seeking time sensitive medical attention. These drivers are typically travelling at high rates of speed under stressful conditions are are more likely to miss signage. Improved visibility of the hospital signs benefits the community & helps achieve better medical outcomes with the improved navigational efficiency. City of Austin | Board of Adjustment Sign Variance Application 7/3/23 | Page 3 of 4 ITEM07/6 Section 3: Applicant Certificate I affirm that my statements contained in the complete application are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Applicant Signature: Date: 10/01/2024 Applicant Name (typed or printed): Michael J. Whellan Applicant Mailing Address: 100 Congress Avenue, Suite 1300 City: Austin State: TX Zip: 78701 I affirm that my statements contained in the complete application are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Date: 10/01/2024 City: Austin State: TX Zip: 78701 Phone (will be public information): Email (optional – will be public information): Section 4: Owner Certificate Owner Signature: See agent authorization form Owner Name (typed or printed): Mark Worsham Owner Mailing Address: 98 San Jacinto Blvd. Suite 1800 Phone (will be public information): Email (optional – will be public information): Section 5: Agent Information Agent Name: Michael J. Whellan Agent Mailing Address: 100 Congress Ave., Suite 1300 Phone (will be public information): Email (optional – will be public information): City: Austin State: TX Zip: 78701 City of Austin | Board of Adjustment Sign Variance Application 6/26/20 | Page 4 of 4 ITEM07/7 Revised 11/20/24 ARMBRUST & BROWN, PLLC A T T O R N E Y S A N D C O U N S E L O R S 100 CONGRESS AVENUE, SUITE 1300 AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701-2744 November 20, 2024 MICHAEL J. WHELLAN Via email City of Austin Board of Adjustment 301 W. 2nd St. Austin, TX 78701 Dear Members: Re: Variance request for 12221 N. Mopac Expy, also known as TCAD Parcel No. 0260130901 (the “Property”) On behalf of St. David’s HealthCare Partnership, L.P., L.L.P. (“St. David’s”), I am submitting the attached updated request seeking a variance for remodeled hospital wayfinding signs. St. David’s is seeking a variance from parts of City Code §25-10-124 to allow the hospital to improve the visibility of emergency wayfinding signs around the campus perimeter. Approval of this request would help improve wayfinding for patients and drivers seeking emergency medical attention in the following ways: 1. Allowing more than one sign of a lot allows drivers approaching from all directions to more easily find the correct entrance and location of the needed hospital wing (§25-10-124(B)); 2. Allowing signs to exceed the 64 sq. ft. maximum area – up to 112 sq. ft. – will improve visibility for drivers traveling at high rates of speed who may be distressed and may not be familiar with the hospital campus (§25-10-124(B)(1)); 3. Allowing signs to exceed the 12 ft. height limit – up to 17 ft. – will better elevate the signs above the surrounding tree line, existing landscaping, and average vehicular height – all of which detract from the signs’ visibility (§25-10-124(B)(2)); 4. Allowing the signs along the Mopac frontage road to be internally illuminated improves wayfinding efficiency at night when patients and drivers are seeking time-sensitive emergency medical attention (§25-10-124(F)); 5. Allowing the signs along the Mopac frontage road to be closer to the curb in the right-of- way provides the flexibility needed to comply with clearance requirements for overhead utility lines and reduces fire risk (§25-10-124(G), §25-10-191(E), §25-10-191(F). The topography of the site slopes down from north to south. This means that drivers traveling northbound towards the hospital along the Mopac frontage road are looking for signs that sit below the tree line, ITEM07/8 hindering visibility. Sign visibility along Mopac is also impacted by the limited lighting along the frontage road, making the signs harder to read at night, and the grade along Park Bend Drive, which results in east- west traffic partially obstructing the southernmost frontage road sign. Additionally, the existing sign at the main campus entrance is partially obstructed by landscaping. These impediments are further exacerbated due to the high rates of speeds at which cars are often approaching. Accurate navigation is critical in time sensitive moments of medical need, and improving the visibility of hospital signage serves as a benefit to the broader community. The site also has overhead utility lines running north-south along the western property line. Overhead utility lines have certain clearance requirements for safety, and the signs may need to be placed further west of the electrical lines depending on Austin Energy review. Reducing the required distance from the curb in the right-of-way provides the flexibility needed to accommodate the utility lines in alignment with safety regulations. In addition to the site’s unique topographical and physical encumbrances, emergency room signs are unique from other commercial or advertising signs due to their nature and purpose. Emergency wayfinding signs provide critical navigational assistance and reduce confusion for Austinites seeking urgent medical attention, which is in alignment with the purpose of the sign ordinance as set forth in §25-10-1(A)(4). That code provision, established by Ordinance 20170817-072, asserts that the purpose of the City’s sign regulations is in part to “protect the safety and efficiency of the City's transportation system by reducing confusion and distractions to pedestrians and motorists […].” Patients or drivers looking for the emergency room may be stressed or distracted as they search for a place that may be new to them and would benefit from clearer signage and guidance. Moreover, granting the requesting variances would not have an adverse impact on neighboring properties; the signs would not obscure the view of any other commercial signs, would not be visible in any capacity from the nearby neighborhoods, and would require a lower level of variance than other nearby signs along Mopac that reach heights as tall as 35 ft. Attached to this application are exhibits showing the existing and proposed sign locations, dimensions, and approach visibilities. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to answering any questions and providing further details. Respectfully, Michael J. Whellan ITEM07/9 BOA SIGN REVIEW COVERSHEET CASE: C16-2024-0002 BOA DATE: Thursday, November 14th, 2024 ADDRESS: 12221 N Mopac Expy SVRD NB COUNCIL DISTRICT: 10 OWNER: Mark Worsham AGENT: Michael J. Whellan ZONING: PUD LEGAL DESCRIPTION: 36.3670 A LOT 1 BLK B CENTRUM SUBD THE RESUB OF BLK B & E VARIANCE REQUEST: Land Development Code, Section 25-10-124 (Scenic Roadway Sign District): (B) to allow more freestanding signs from one (1) (maximum allowed) to eight (8) (requesting) (B) (1) (b) to increase the maximum sign area on a lot from 64 square feet (maximum allowed) to 90 square feet (requesting) (B) (2) to increase sign height from 12 feet (maximum allowed) to 17 feet (requesting) SUMMARY: remodel Free-standing sign for Emergency Services/Hospital Services ISSUES: topography Site North GR; LR PUD South GO-CO East GR; GO-CO; SF-2 West PUD ZONING LAND USES Hospital Services Community Commercial; Neighborhood Commercial General Office Community Commercial; General Office; Single-Family Hospital Services NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATIONS: Austin Independent School District Austin Neighborhoods Council Friends of Austin Neighborhoods Homeless Neighborhood Association Save Our Springs Alliance ITEM07/10 ITEM07/11 Board of Adjustment Sign Variance Application WARNING: Filing of this appeal stops all affected construction activity. This application is a fillable PDF that can be completed electronically. To ensure your information is saved, click here to Save the form to your computer, then open your copy and continue. The Tab key may be used to navigate to each field; Shift + Tab moves to the previous field. The Enter key activates links, emails, and buttons. Use the Up & Down Arrow keys to scroll through drop-down lists and check boxes, and hit Enter to make a selection. The application must be complete and accurate prior to submittal. All information is required (if applicable). For Office Use Only Case # __________________ ROW # ___________________ Tax # ____________________ 13413021 C15-2024-0002 0260130901 Section 1: Applicant Statement Street Address: __________________________________________________________________ Subdivision Legal Description: ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Lot(s): _________________________________ Block(s): _____________________________ Outlot: _________________________________ Division: _____________________________ Zoning District: ___________________________________________________________________ Council District: 7 Sign District: _____________________________________________________________________ I/We ________________________________________________ on behalf of myself/ourselves as authorized agent for ________________________________________________ affirm that on Month , Day , Year , hereby apply for a hearing before the Board of Adjustment for consideration to (select appropriate option below): Erect Attach Complete Remodel Maintain Other: ____________ Type of Sign: __________________________________________________________________ Portion of the City of Austin Land Development Code applicant is seeking a variance from: ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ITEM07/12 Section 2: Variance Findings The Board must determine the existence of, sufficiency of, and weight of evidence supporting the findings described below. In order to grant your request for a variance, the Board must first make one or more of the findings described under 1, 2, and 3 below; the Board must then make the finding described in item 4 below. If the Board cannot make the required findings, it cannot approve a sign variance. Therefore, you must complete each of the applicable Findings Statements as part of your application. Failure to do so may result in your application being rejected as incomplete. Please attach any additional supporting documents. I contend that my entitlement to the requested variance is based on the following findings: 1. The variance is necessary because strict enforcement of the Article prohibits any reasonable opportunity to provide adequate signs on the site, considering the unique features of the site such as dimensions, landscaping, or topography, because: ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ —OR— 2. The granting of this variance will not have a substantially adverse impact upon neighboring properties, because: ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ —OR— 3. The granting of this variance will not substantially conflict with the stated purposes of this sign ordinance, because: ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ AND, 4. Granting a variance would not provide the applicant with a special privilege not enjoyed by others similarly situated or potentially similarly situated, because: ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ The topography of the site is such that the emegency wayfinding signage along the Mopac frontage road is lower than the trees growing behind them, elevating the trees further above the signs than they otherwise would be and leading to the signage blending in with the trees. Cars approach at very high rates of speed, exacerbating the impact of visual obstruction and lack of visibility. See attached letter for more details. The sign is on a highway frontage road any does not block any nearby signage. It is not visible from any residential properties near the site. Several other properties along N Mopac already have signs that are both internally illuminated and exceed the maximum height limit under the code. Section 25-10-1(A)(4) seeks to "protect the safety and efficiency of the City's transportation system by reducing confusion and distractions to pedestrians and motorists." Improving the visibility of the hospital's emergency room wayfinding signs reduces confusion and helps motorists navigate to the appropriate hospital wing more quickly and efficiently.Other sites do not face the same combination of topographical + tree coverage limiting sign visibiltiy. Additionally, the signs' purposes are unique in that they specifically aim to improve emergency wayfinding and reduce confusion for drivers seeking time sensitive medical attention. These drivers are typically travelling at high rates of speed under stressful conditions are are more likely to miss signage. Improved visibility of the hospital signs benefits the community & helps achieve better medical outcomes with the improved navigational efficiency.ITEM07/13 Section 3: Applicant Certificate I affirm that my statements contained in the complete application are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Applicant Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: _____________ Applicant Name (typed or printed): ___________________________________________________ Applicant Mailing Address: __________________________________________________________ City: ________________________________________ State: ________________ Zip: _______ Phone (will be public information): _______________________________________ Email (optional – will be public information): ____________________ Section 4: Owner Certificate I affirm that my statements contained in the complete application are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Owner Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: _____________ Owner Name (typed or printed): ______________________________________________________ Owner Mailing Address: ____________________________________________________________ City: ________________________________________ State: ________________ Zip: _______ Phone (will be public information): ____________________________________________________ Email (optional – will be public information): _______ Section 5: Agent Information Agent Name: ____________________________________________________________________ Agent Mailing Address: ____________________________________________________________ City: ________________________________________ State: ________________ Zip: _______ Phone (will be public information): ________________________________________ Email (optional – will be public information): ___________________ City of Austin | Board of Adjustment Sign Variance Application 6/26/20 | Page 4 of 4 10/01/2024Michael J. Whellan100 Congress Avenue, Suite 1300AustinTX7870110/01/2024Mark Worsham98 San Jacinto Blvd. Suite 1800AustinTX78701Michael J. Whellan100 Congress Ave., Suite 1300AustinTX78701ITEM07/14 ITEM07/15 ARMBRUST & BROWN, PLLC A T T O R N E Y S A N D C O U N S E L O R S 100 CONGRESS AVENUE, SUITE 1300 AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701-2744 FACSIMILE October 21, 2024 MICHAEL J. WHELLAN Via email City of Austin Board of Adjustment 301 W. 2nd St. Austin, TX 78701 Dear Members: Re: Variance request for 12221 N. Mopac Expy, also known as TCAD Parcel No. 0260130901 (the “Property”) On behalf of St. David’s HealthCare Partnership, L.P., L.L.P. (“St. David’s”), I am submitting the attached updated request seeking a variance for remodeled hospital wayfinding signs. St. David’s is seeking a variance from parts of City Code §25-10-124 to allow the hospital to improve the visibility of emergency wayfinding signs around the campus perimeter. Approval of this request would help improve wayfinding for patients and drivers seeking emergency medical attention in the following ways: 1. Allowing more than one sign of a lot allows drivers approaching from all directions to more easily find the correct entrance and location of the needed hospital wing (§25-10-124(B)); 2. Allowing signs to exceed the 64 sq. ft. maximum area – up to 90 sq. ft. – will improve visibility for drivers traveling at high rates of speed who may be distressed and may not be familiar with the hospital campus (§25-10-124(B)(1)); 3. Allowing signs to exceed the 12 ft. height limit – up to 17 ft. – will better elevate the signs above the surrounding tree line, existing landscaping, and average vehicular height – all of which detract from the signs’ visibility (§25-10-124(B)(2)); 4. Allowing the signs along the Mopac frontage road to be internally illuminated improves wayfinding efficiency at night when patients and drivers are seeking time-sensitive emergency medical attention (§25-10-124(F)); 5. Allowing the signs along the Mopac frontage road to be closer to the curb in the right-of- way provides the flexibility needed to comply with clearance requirements for overhead utility lines and reduces fire risk (§25-10-124(G), §25-10-191(E), §25-10-191(F). The topography of the site slopes down from north to south. This means that drivers traveling northbound towards the hospital along the Mopac frontage road are looking for signs that sit below the tree line, hindering visibility. Sign visibility along Mopac is also impacted by the limited lighting along the frontage road, making the signs harder to read at night, and the grade along Park Bend Drive, which results in east- west traffic partially obstructing the southernmost frontage road sign. Additionally, the existing sign at the main campus entrance is partially obstructed by landscaping. These impediments are further exacerbated due to the high rates of speeds at which cars are often approaching. Accurate navigation is critical in time ITEM07/16 sensitive moments of medical need, and improving the visibility of hospital signage serves as a benefit to the broader community. The site also has overhead utility lines running north-south along the western property line. Overhead utility lines have certain clearance requirements for safety, and the signs may need to be placed further west of the electrical lines depending on Austin Energy review. Reducing the required distance from the curb in the right-of-way provides the flexibility needed to accommodate the utility lines in alignment with safety regulations. In addition to the site’s unique topographical and physical encumbrances, emergency room signs are unique from other commercial or advertising signs due to their nature and purpose. Emergency wayfinding signs provide critical navigational assistance and reduce confusion for Austinites seeking urgent medical attention, which is in alignment with the purpose of the sign ordinance as set forth in §25-10-1(A)(4). That code provision, established by Ordinance 20170817-072, asserts that the purpose of the City’s sign regulations is in part to “protect the safety and efficiency of the City's transportation system by reducing confusion and distractions to pedestrians and motorists […].” Patients or drivers looking for the emergency room may be stressed or distracted as they search for a place that may be new to them and would benefit from clearer signage and guidance. Moreover, granting the requesting variances would not have an adverse impact on neighboring properties; the signs would not obscure the view of any other commercial signs, would not be visible in any capacity from the nearby neighborhoods, and would require a lower level of variance than other nearby signs along Mopac that reach heights as tall as 35 ft. Attached to this application are exhibits showing the existing and proposed sign locations, dimensions, and approach visibilities. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to answering any questions and providing further details. Respectfully, Michael J. Whellan ITEM07/17 St Davids North Austin Medical Center Exterior Signage Variance Request 20 November 2024 St Davids North Austin Medical CenterExterior SignageVariance RequestITEM07/18 Directional Sign B 38 A A 56 B Directional Sign East Campus Entrance 54A B S u r g e r y C tr e n’s C tr E n tra n c e E n tra n c e W o m E E n a t r a s t n c e Main Campus Entrance B B 2 2 A A 2 b ula n c e E n tra n c e m A Adult ED Entrance Main Entrance u t p a tie n t a gin g C e n te r I m O A m C hild re n’s b ula n c e E n tra n c e C hild re n’s E E n tra n c e D South Entrance North Campus Entrance B 37 A Directional Sign B B 1 1 A A 1 South Campus Entrance B 5 A Directional Sign 3 3 3 SK220NOV2024 St Davids North Austin Medical CenterExterior SignageVariance RequestENGINEERING GROUP INC.GRIFFINNORTH AUSTIN MEDICAL CENTEROVERALL CAMPUS PLANITEM07/19 Allowable: Height: 12'-0" Square Footage: 64 sf Proposed: Height: 11'-10" Square Footage: 58 sf Illumination: No internal face illumination Illumination: *Internal face illumination Set Back: At least 12 feet from the street right-of-way, or at least 25 feet from street pavement or curb in the right-of-way, whichever setback is the lesser distance from the street. Set Back: 3 feet from curb in the right- of-way; 0 feet from the right-of-way. *Red Text = Proposed design does not meet current code requirements 18' 16' 14' 12' 10' 8' 6' 4' 2' LOCATION 1: Directional at Mopac and Cedar Bend Existing Condition: 10'-10"(h) x 6'-8"(w) 7'-0" Emergency All Entrances Women’s Ctr " 0 1 - ' 1 1 SK320NOV2024 St Davids North Austin Medical CenterExterior SignageVariance RequestITEM07/20 Allowable: Height: 12'-0" Square Footage: 64 sf Proposed: Height: 14'-9" Square Footage: *111 sf Illumination: No internal face illumination Illumination: *Internal face illumination Set Back: At least 12 feet from the street right-of-way, or at least 25 feet from street pavement or curb in the right-of-way, whichever setback is the lesser distance from the street. Set Back: 3 feet from curb in the right- of-way; 0 feet from the right-of-way. *Red Text = Proposed design does not meet current code requirements 18' 16' 14' 12' 10' 8' 6' 4' 2' LOCATION 2: Main Entrance Monument Existing Condition: 10'-10"(h) x 8'-7"(w) 10'-0" " 9 - ' 4 1 Main Entrance Emergency SK420NOV2024 St Davids North Austin Medical CenterExterior SignageVariance RequestITEM07/21 Allowable: Height: 12'-0" Square Footage: 64 sf Proposed: Height: *13'-11" Square Footage: *66 sf Illumination: No internal face illumination Illumination: *Internal face illumination Set Back: At least 12 feet from the street right-of-way, or at least 25 feet from street pavement or curb in the right-of-way, whichever setback is the lesser distance from the street. Set Back: 3 feet from curb in the right- of-way; 0 feet from the right-of-way. *Red Text = Proposed design does not meet current code requirements 18' 16' 14' 12' 10' 8' 6' 4' 2' LOCATION 3: Directional at Mopac and Park Bend 7'-0" " 1 1 - ' 3 1 Emergency Children‛s Emergency Main Entrance Women’s Ctr Existing Condition: 10'-10"(h) x 6'-8"(w) SK520NOV2024 St Davids North Austin Medical CenterExterior SignageVariance RequestITEM07/22 Signage Precedants along North Mopac Estimated Height = 20’ – Internally Illuminated Estimated Height = 25’ – Internally Illuminated Estimated Height = 30’ Estimated Height = 20’ – Internally Illuminated Estimated Height = 30’–35’ – Internally Illuminated SK620NOV2024 St Davids North Austin Medical CenterExterior SignageVariance RequestITEM07/23