Take 5 Oil Change's request for a freestanding sign on its Coshocton Avenue property was rejected by the Mount Vernon Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) during its March 5 meeting. The company plans to use the former Long John Silver's property for its oil change business.
According to draft minutes from the BZA meeting, Development Services Manager Lacey Blankenhorn said that an existing freestanding multi-tenant sign was already present on the property at 935 Coshocton Ave. She noted that city code permits only one freestanding sign per public street frontage per property. The responsibility for determining the messaging on such signs falls to the property owner when multiple tenants or uses are involved. The site comprises three separate structures occupied by various tenants.
BZA member Chris O'Quin expressed concerns that approving the variance would set a precedent, as it would be the first property with a second freestanding sign, potentially leading to future issues for the BZA. He questioned why Take 5 did not seek inclusion on the existing multi-tenant sign.
Michael Percy, elected as chairman of the BZA earlier in the meeting, mentioned that the current multi-tenant sign is nonconforming due to its height exceeding city code limits. He emphasized that significant consideration and input were involved in formulating and adopting new city code regulations regarding signage. Percy suggested that Take 5 negotiate with the property owner for inclusion on the existing sign.
Matthew Lynn of Kessler Sign Co., according to draft minutes, referred to a previous Long John Silver's sign located near the drive entrance when facing the complex's front. Law Director Rob Broeren explained that this sign predated current city code regulations. Percy confirmed it was removed long ago when Long John Silver's vacated.
Donald Carr and Gary Koester voiced opposition to granting another sign variance during their statements to the BZA. Carr highlighted that businesses like Kay Jewelry and Cross Creek Dental also lack signage on Coshocton Avenue frontage, with many area businesses sharing or lacking freestanding signage altogether. Koester opposed the variance citing recently adopted city code and concerns about potential cluttering along Coshocton Avenue. Ultimately, the BZA voted against granting Take 5 a variance for an additional sign.
