The applicant is requesting three variances from the city's sign code: (1) To allow a 35-foot high monument sign where the code permits a maximum of 8 feet, (2) To allow a 151 square foot sign area where the code permits a maximum of 48 square feet, and (3) To allow a 16 square foot digital reader board where moving signage is prohibited. The planning and zoning board recommended approval of the variance requests, while staff recommends approval of increased height but denial of the other requests.

1. City Commission Tropical Paradise Resorts, LLC 2440 W State Road 84

2. Property Information ZONING: Commercial (C-3) FUTURE LAND USE: Commercial OVERLAY DISTRICT: Marina Mile Business District The property has an existing 35 foot high pole sign which has been cited by code compliance for being in violation of the city’s sign regulations. Additionally, the property currently has an open violation for car rental fleet storage.

3. Location Map

4. Variance Requests To allow for 35 foot high monument sign; code permits a maximum height of 8 feet in this district. To allow for 151 square foot sign area; code permits a maximum copy area of 48 square feet in this district. To allow for a 16 square foot digital reader board; code prohibits moving signage.

5. Height Existing pole sign is 35 feet high. Applicant wishes to convert pole sign to monument sign, keeping existing height. Applicant states reducing height would hinder visibility due to elevated Interstate 95 ramp located in front of site. Red Carpet Inn, located west of subject site, has an existing legal pole sign. With exception of Red Carpet Inn, there are no permitted signs of comparable height in the Marina Mile District.

6. Sign Area Existing sign cabinet is 135 square feet. Applicant wishes to use existing cabinet to reduce costs and for maximum visibility. Digital Reader Board Applicant is also requesting to install a 16 square foot digital reader board, which provides a total sign area of 151 square feet. Applicant states that reader board would be static and only change periodically to announce current specials. Code prohibits signage containing lights that flash or move in any way.

7. Existing & Proposed Sign

8. Planning and Zoning Board Recommendation On January 20, 2010, the Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval of the variance requests.

9. Staff Recommendation HEIGHT Staff recommends approval of an increase in height of 15 feet to be harmonious with the permitted monument sign of the Industrial zoned properties in along Marina Mile. SIGN AREA Denial. DIGITAL READER BOARD Denial.