Board of Adjustment – January 27, 2025

Board of Adjustment Addresses Sign Variance Request at 841 Haywood Road – January 27, 2025 Recap

The City of Asheville Board of Adjustment convened on January 27, 2025, to address a key variance request and review procedural matters. The meeting, attended by Board members Elliot Smith, John Michael Cletus, Chris Vandanish, and Mike Luciano, along with Chair Suzanne Godsey, primarily focused on a proposal from L. Signs and House of Black Cat Magic located at 841 Haywood Road, with a secondary focus on outlining the Board’s role and upcoming agenda.

The central discussion revolved around a request from L. Signs to install a monopole sign at their Haywood Road location, rather than the two-post design mandated by city ordinances. Planner Sam Starbaum presented a detailed overview of the situation, explaining that while all other aspects of the proposed sign comply with regulations, the variance specifically addresses the requirement for a two-post design within the Haywood Road Form District 3. The applicant, Hannah Sovileski and Star from House of Black Cat Magic, testified regarding the challenges their business faces due to recent hurricane damage and argued that a monopole sign would significantly improve visibility for customers, particularly given the property's limited parking and setback from Haywood Road. They also pointed out that other businesses in the area utilize similar monopole signs, further supporting their request. Board members raised concerns about potential impacts on visibility triangles and parking availability but ultimately acknowledged the unique challenges presented by the property's layout.

Following deliberation, the Board voted unanimously (4-0) to approve the variance request, allowing L. Signs to proceed with the installation of their monopole sign at 841 Haywood Road, subject to compliance with all other applicable city regulations. This decision means L. Signs can now move forward with their plans to improve visibility for their business, which has been impacted by recent storm damage.

Beyond the variance request, the Board formally approved the minutes from their previous meeting on December 16, 2024. Chair Godsey also provided an overview of the Board’s role as a quasi-judicial body, clarifying its authority to hear variance requests, appeals from city officials, and other related matters as defined by state law. Looking ahead, the Board announced that their next meeting will feature a full agenda including administrative appeals and flood variance requests. They indicated an intention to start earlier (10:00 a.m.) and potentially break for lunch, with administrative appeals scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. Residents are encouraged to check the city website for a detailed agenda as it becomes available.

This decision impacts residents and businesses along Haywood Road, particularly those in the Forum District 3. The approval of this variance demonstrates the Board’s willingness to consider unique circumstances and adapt regulations when necessary, while ensuring decisions are based on competent material evidence.