Variances.
A. The Planning and Zoning Commission or Board of Adjustments may grant variances from the sign regulations contained within this Article for the following reasons:
1. To permit a setback for a sign that is less than the required setback.
2. To permit the area or height of a sign to be increased by up to ten percent (10%) of the maximum height or area allowed if there are topographic or vegetation considerations that affect visibility that are to be preserved on the site.
3. To permit the use of a temporary sign for a period of up to thirty (30) days until such time as a permanent sign complying with the provisions of this Article can be erected, such temporary sign not exceeding the maximum number and allowable height and area provisions established by this Article.
4. To permit a temporary "Grand Opening," "Going Out of Business" or other similar promotional sign or banner not to exceed a period of thirty (30) days and not to occur more than one time per year per business.
5. Such variances may only be authorized if the Planning and Zoning Commission or Board of Adjustments finds there are special physical conditions that preclude an applicant for a sign permit from meeting the provisions as established in this Article that:
a. Such variance requests are due to exceptional narrowness, shallowness, shape, or topography of the premises on which an activity is located;
b. Such variance requests, if not granted, would prevent the activity from earning a reasonable return as compared with other activities in the area; or
c. Such variance requests would result in the opportunity to preserve significant existing vegetation that would otherwise not be the case.
6. The Planning and Zoning Commission or Board of Adjustments may grant a variance from the regulations in this Article if it finds that:
a. The sign is substantially consistent with the design criteria contained in this Article;
b. The proposed exterior design features of the sign are compatible with the character of adjacent buildings and with the character of the adjacent development; and
c. The variance will not convey a special benefit to a particular applicant not normally entitled to others in similar circumstances.
