Duke Lesley-CS080117
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CITY OF COPPELL
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
Case No. : PD-221 R4-HC, Duke Leslev Addition
P&Z HEARING DATE:
c.c. HEARING DATE:
January 17,2008
February 12, 2008
STAFF REP:
Gary L. Sieb, Director of Planning
LOCATION:
NWC of I.H. 635 and Belt Line Road
SIZE OF AREA:
Less than one acre of property
CURRENT ZONING:
PD-221-HC (Planned Development-221-Highway Commercial)
REQUEST:
Zoning change request to PD-221 R4-HC (Planned Development-
221 Revision 4- Highway Commercial) to allow two oversized
Monument Signs to be placed in the medians of Dividend Drive
and Point West Boulevard (one at each location).
APPLICANT:
Duke Realty
Alex Bennett, P .E.
14241 N. Dallas Pkwy.
Suite 1000
Dallas, TX. 75254
(972) 361-6700
Fax: (972) 361-6800
HISTORY:
This two monument identification sign request is located on a
small portion of a 184 acre parcel formerly known as the Leslie
Tract. In December of 2006, zoning was changed from A
(Agriculture) to HC (Highway Commercial) on 78.5 acres, and
from A to LI (Light Industrial) on the remainder of the tract--
approximately 105 acres. At that time, the applicant indicated
that a request to change the base parcel to Planned
ITEM # 7
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height. Being a Planned Development, however, allows the
applicant to request any sized sign deemed appropriate for the
site. In fact, Council has allowed pylon signs along LBJ Freeway to
be as tall as 35 feet. Nonetheless, staff has concerns regarding
the height of the proposed signage.
This request also proposes signs with a construction material not
generally allowed by ordinance. In addition to the masonry
allowed by code, theses signs include a metal Cor-Ten steel
element on approximately 20% of the total sign area. This
percentage of non-masonry material is acceptable in that these
signs are similar in design and material to formerly approved on-
site signage.
As mentioned above, what is troublesome is the height of these
proposals. When the city constructed the community
identification signs located along Denton Tap, Sandy Lake, and
Beltline Roads, they were constructed to a maximum height of 16
feet 10 inches, so that they could be easily seen and not conflict
with 4-6 foot high monument signs located on private property.
Being city identification signs, an argument can be made that all
other signs within Coppell should be of lesser impact upon the
overall community. The 17 foot height proposed is too tall and
should be re-designed to a lesser height so as not to conflict with
our city identity signs. If the sign is reduced in height,
proportionally, it should also be shorter in length. Inasmuch as
monument signs have a maximum height of 6 feet, something in
the range of 10 -12 feet for this PD application seems more
reasonable than the 17 foot height proposed. By reducing the
height and subsequently the length of the sign (14.5 or 1 7.5 feet.
respectively), the overall square footage would be more in line
with our normal maximum of 60 feet. Because this is a PD, it could
be argued that a land area of this size and multiplicity of uses
warrants larger signs. We agree, but the sign proposed is just too
large. A sign no taller than 10-12 feet with appropriate reduction
in length will be recommended here. We also, support the sign
materials including the Cor-Ten metal on a portion of the sign and
presume all lettering will be black.
RECOMMENDATION TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION:
Staff is recommending APPROVAL of this request subject to the following conditions:
1) Maximum height of 10 feet, and subsequent reduction in
length to 14.5 feet.
2) Approval of building materials as proposed.
ITEM # 7
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3) Provide detailed landscaping plans and specify plant
materials within both monument sign entry areas.
4) Specify color of lettering and logo (with size) on elevation
sheet.
5) Obtain right-of-way use agreement through the Engineering
Department.
ALTERNATIVES:
1) Recommend approval of the request
2) Recommend disapproval of the request
3) Recommend modification of the request
4) Take under advisement for reconsideration at a later date.
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Site Plan and Monument Elevations
ITEM # 7
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