To: Planning and Zoning Commission
From: Alexis Zimmerman, Planner II
Subject:
Title
Consider a request for a variance to the City of Keller Unified Development Code, Article 8, Zoning Districts, Section 8.17 - Town Center (TC), for one monument sign on 1.7 acres, located on the west side of Rufe Snow Drive, at the north intersection of Bear Creek Parkway and Rufe Snow Drive, legally described as Lot 5, Block A of the Moviehouse Addition, zoned Town Center (TC) and addressed 242 Rufe Snow Drive. Sam Pan, Applicant. Keller MH Retail LTD, Owner. (UDC-2608-0010)
Background:
242 Rufe Snow Drive has an existing monument sign that currently serves as off-premises signage for Moviehouse & Eatery at 250 Rufe Snow Drive.
The design standards for the Town Center zoning district state that each platted parcel may have one monument sign, and that the design of the sign, including shape, area, height, and length, shall be in accordance with Figure 17 (see Staff Attachment, pg. 15).
The Applicant is requesting a variance to allow one monument sign that exceeds the UDC guidelines for maximum height and size. The proposed sign would serve two properties: one half as an off-premises monument sign for Moviehouse & Eatery, and the other half for the multiple businesses at 242 Rufe Snow Drive.
Sign Size and Material:
UDC Section 8.17 (Figure 17) shows that the maximum allowed height for monument signs in Town Center is 6 feet 1 inch and the maximum width is 12 feet, for a total of approximately 72 square-feet.
The Applicant proposes one sign that is 6 feet in height and approximately 120 square-feet in size. The proposed monument sign width is 20 feet, which exceeds the maximum allowed by the UDC.
The sign will be composed of a masonry frame with two 32 square-foot non-lit monument cabinet signs. One cabinet panel for Moviehouse & Eatery and six panels for the businesses at 242 Rufe Snow. The sign will be externally illuminated per the UDC requirements.
Location
The proposed sign would replace the existing monument sign on the property, located on the west side of the Rufe Snow Drive and Bear Creek Parkway intersection. The existing tree in the landscaped island would be removed to accommodate the larger sign.
Summary:
Section 2.07(A)(2) of the UDC lists criteria for approval of a variance, the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council shall consider the following factors:
a. That there are special circumstances or conditions affecting the land involved such that the strict application of the provisions of this Code would deprive the applicant of the reasonable use of his land.
b. That the granting of the variance will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare, or injurious to other properties in the area.
c. That the granting of the variance will not have the effect of preventing the orderly subdivision of other lands in the area in accordance with the provisions of this Code.
d. That the granting of the variance will not constitute a violation of any other valid ordinance of the City of Keller.
e. That strict compliance with the regulations, and/or that the purpose of the regulations will be served to a greater extent by the alternative proposal.
Citizen Input:
A UDC variance does not require a public hearing. The public will have an opportunity to speak on this agenda item at the “Persons to Be Heard.”
Alternatives:
The Planning and Zoning Commission has the following options when considering a UDC special exception request:
• Recommend approval as submitted (with requested special exception).
• Recommend approval with modified or additional conditions.
• Table the agenda item to a specific date with clarification of intent and purpose.
• Recommend denial.
City Council Action:
If the Planning and Zoning Commission takes action and makes a recommendation on this agenda item, then this UDC variance application will be scheduled for City Council action on October 6, 2026.