Earlier this month the Plymouth Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance of development standard for Laura Mann, owner of Butterfly Boutique in downtown Plymouth.
Mann told the board her family purchased an internally lit sign for the front of her business as a Christmas present last year. She said the sign will extend out from the building similar to the one at Ella and Avas.
Board member Brandon Richie said lighted signs make the town look lively.
Board member Mark Gidley said lighted signs detract from the historical nature of the downtown. He also preferred an external light sign that would maintain the historic nature of the downtown.
Board member Paul Wendel asked about the city standard on signs in the historic downtown overlay district. He also suggested the Plan Commission review the current standards for signs and wants to keep the historic integrity of the downtown.
The motion to approve the variance for Butterfly Boutique was approved by a 3 to 2 vote with Gidley and Wendel voting no.
The Plymouth BZA also granted a special use for Virginia Munoz to have a second residential unit on the property at 201 North Walnut Street. Virginia said the family wants to create a home in an attached garage so her parents can live on one floor because the home is two stories.
The BZA unanimously approved the special use.
The Plymouth BZA also granted a variance of development standards for David and Stephanie Snider at 13366 5D Road to build an attached garage with a side yard setback of 7.8 feet.
Their final variance request was for a variance of use to allow a design business within the residence at 317 West Monroe Street. Susan Sullivan purchased the property 2 years ago and has been using the first floor for the design business with 3 part-time employees and living on the second story. They have off-street parking for 3 vehicles and with two positive public comments the Plymouth Board of Zoning Appeals approved the request with a 5-0 vote.
