07-07-1994 (Zoning Board of Adjustment) Minutes MINUTES
The Board of Adjustments Commission met in a Business Meeting on July 7, 1994, at 7:00 p.m. in the
Council Chambers of the Wylie Municipal Complex, located at 2000 Hwy. 78 North, Wylie, Texas 75098.
A quorum was present and a notice was posted in the time and manner required by law.
COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Acting-Chairman Ray Capley, Jeff Payne, Steve Ahrens and
Emily Hartwig.
ABSENT: Gerald Clark, Michael Cole (both unexcused) and Marilyn Herrera(excused).
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Building Official, Russell Wyman and Secretary, Kirsten Fresh.
PUBLIC HEARING
ITEM NO. 1: Hold a Public Hearing to consider an appeal from Bob McCraw(Exxon)to the decision of
the Building Official denying a permit for a multipurpose sign that exceeds the maximum allowable 20 ft. in
height located at 617 S. Hwy 78 and further described as follows:
Lot 2, Block A of the Martinez Addition, Phase II
John Shinpaugh, employee of McCraw Oil Co. and superintendent of the Exxon project, spoke in favor of
.4— the appeal. He explained that the sign would sit back 32 ft. and even with the widening of Hwy 78 it would
be back far enough. The other reason for them wanting it higher than 20 ft. is the canopy over the gas pumps
is 19 ft. and they want the signage portion of the sign(part with words) to be up higher and be readable over
the canopy. Mr. Shinpaugh also stated that Exxon recommends that the stores be built to their specifications.
Even though McCraw Oil owns the Exxon, Exxon prefers them to be built a certain way and gives them
financial incentives to build them that way. Russell Wyman, Building Official, advised the Board of how the
Ordinance reads. He also explained that just last week the City Council was asked to review the sign
ordinance to see if it was to restrictive. The Council ruled that it was not to restrictive, not for a smaller city
such as Wylie. Mr. Wyman then went on to explain that our sign ordinance is modeled after Plano's and they
only allow 20 ft. maximum on their pole signs as well. The only exception is if the sign fronts the interstate
and it specifically states I35. He said that even with Hwy 78 at it maximum expansion would only be
comparable to roads in Plano like Belt Line and in Plano that would only be allowed a 20 ft. sign. A motion
was made by Steve Ahrens and seconded by Jeff Payne to deny the appeal. Motion passed, all in favor (4
votes)
ITEM NO. 2: Hold Public Hearing to consider an appeal from Robert Heath(Windmill Trading Post)to
the decision of the Building Official denying a permit for a Free Standing General Business Sign that exceeds
the maximum allowable 20 ft. in height located at 1890 N. Hwy 78 and further described as:
Abstract 688-2, Tract 65 of the Francisco De La Pina Survey
Robert Heath, owner of the Windmill Trading Post, spoke in favor of the denial. He first stated that he was
surprised to find out that a windmill would be considered a sign. He then explained that the base itself is 20ft.
and the blades extend up 4 ft. above that so the total height is 24 ft. He said part of his concern for lowering
it is safety since the windmill will be functioning (blades will rotate). He said that he had gone to great
p. 2
lengths to clean up the area and that this windmill would be a positive addition, he has no desire to "clutter
things". Mr. Wyman advised the Board that because the name of the business is the Windmill Trading Post
a windmill on the property would become signage vs. being artwork. Acting-Chairman Ray Capley asked
for a motion, none was made. Appeal denied, due to a lack of motion.
ADJOURN: A motion was made by Emily Hartwig and seconded by Steve Ahrens to adjourn. Motion
passed, all in favor (4 votes). Ray Capley adjourned the meeting.
Respectfully Submitted:
Acting- Chairman Kirsten Fresh, Secretary
Ray Capley