Zoning Board of Appeals agenda packet — March 25, 2026

Text · page 12 of 66

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For Sign Area Variances (D, E, F) no, none that would not require additional relief. The
enhanced visibility granted by this relief is necessary for the overall site visibility, safe access
to the site, and the long-term success of the new development along Abbott Road. In
reviewing the surrounding neighborhood, the proposed signage is more in line with the
character of the surrounding area.

3. Is the requested area variance substantial when considered against adopted area
  zoning regulations?
The requested variances do not pose to be detriment to the surrounding community as the
requests are consistent with the ongoing development along Abbott. Allowing for the relief of
variances (A, B, C) would increase the amount of lawn and landscaped areas that border
residential neighbors. Additional measures including providing a ±15-20’ landscape buffer to
residential districts, fencing and landscaping have also been proposed.

The area variance requested for (D, E, F) poses no impact on the surrounding community
while maintaining greater visibility for a new development to advertise their new location to a
new market. The applicant has proposed signage in locations that are not anticipated to
impact residential neighbors, is in line with neighboring commercial development and
promotes the long term overall success of the business.

4. Will the proposed area variance have an adverse effect or impact the physical or
  environmental conditions of the neighborhood?
The requested area variances (A, B, C) will minimize any adverse effects to the physical or
environmental conditions of the neighborhood by reducing the amount of required impervious
surfaces and allowing for more open space along neighboring residential properties where a
commercial use abuts a residential use. The applicant also proposes to maintain the
surrounding character of the neighborhood by providing landscape buffering, pedestrian
access routes and enhanced drainage. The requested sign variance will have no impact on
the physical or environmental conditions of the neighborhood as it is in line with the character
of the neighborhood and will not propose signage along the building sides that abut
residential uses .

5. Is the Alleged difficulty self-created, which consideration shall be relevant to the
  decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals but not necessarily preclude the granting
  of the requested area variance.
The alleged difficulty for the requested parking, loading and setback relief is a product of the
unique lot configuration and multiple frontages (Julian Ave & Abbott Road), abutment of
commercial and residential uses and the building size required to optimize the operations
with additional back of house storage capacity that does not increase the need for additional
parking spaces. Although the variance can be perceived as self-created, the variances are
necessary to the overall operation, circulation and site efficiencies required for the overall
long term success of the new to market auto parts store. The store has been sized with the
minimum floor area necessary for its operations. The alleged difficulty with regard to sign
variance could be considered self-created, however it is necessary for adequate visibility and,
long term success of the store and brand recognition for a new to market Auto parts store.

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