1) Reducing the height of the proposed sign from 13 ft. to 9 ft.
2) Provide evergreen shrubs along the length of the sign base. Shrubs shall be 36 in. min. ht. upon installation.

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Details of Action

1) Reducing the height of the proposed sign from 13 ft. to 9 ft.
2) Provide evergreen shrubs along the length of the sign base. Shrubs shall be 36 in. min. ht. upon installation.

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Staff Recommendation

Based on the application and elevation as submitted, the staff recommends DENIAL of the Certificate of Appropriateness for a sign permit.

Comments:

Based on field checks by staff, the current sign can be seen from both the east bound and west bound lanes of I-40/75, as well as Cogdill Road. It cannot be seen from the access ramp to I-40/75 from Pellissippi Parkway, but in staff's opinion, the sign would have to be much taller than the requested 13 ft. to be seen. The sign only becomes visible after you have passed the Averrit property. The staff can only conclude that the sign, as requested, cannot be justified with a height of 13 ft. Pictures included with this report show the existing Averitt sign from the south side of the interstate and the sign approved for Northstar Church, in 2010, which was approved at 8 ft., with landscaping around the sign's base. Staff would be willing to recommend an increase of from 9 ft. to 10 ft., with landscaping around the base of the sign, since the proposed message area and overall sign area will be reduced from the existing sign.