Council Approves Sign Variance for Advanced Auto Parts' New Location

is moving from 8829 N. 56th St. to the former Hollywood Video building at the corner of North 56th Street and Temple Heights Road, and the City Council has approved a variance for its signage.

The city allows businesses to have wall signs and ground signs, however, the city’s recommended the council allow Advanced Auto to have two wall signs in lieu of a ground sign.

The site is not easily conducive for a ground sign, said Brad Parrish, senior planner with the city’s Community Development Department. He said putting in a ground sign would force the business to remove landscaping, including a mature oak tree. It might also require the removal of parking spaces. There are no feasible alternative locations for a ground sign.

Advanced Auto Parts’ signs will replace the current Hollywood Video signs on the building. One will face 56th Street and the other will face the business’ parking lot.

Also during the Dec. 6 meeting:

• The council heard from a resident of Bannockburn Avenue who is experiencing an increase in traffic noise now that trees have been removed for the .
• The council approved three zoning reclassifications. Scout Park at 911 Bellemeade Avenue and Riverfront Preserve at 6324 Temple Terrace Highway will be rezoned from City Single-Family Residential to City Preservation. West River Preserve at 1103 West River Drive will be rezoned from City Single-Family Residential to Preservation.
• The council approved an ordinance to voluntary annex approximately 1.65 acres of the East Telecom Parkway Extension right-of-way.
• The council heard the first reading of an ordinance to rezone property at 12200 N. 56th St. from City Commercial Office to City Commercial General.
• The Council considered four resolutions, approving two appointments, the purchase of $169,640.55 in medical equipment, a contract to resurface the parking lot, and a contract to renovate the Riverhills playground to make it an all-inclusive playground.
• Mayor Joe Affronti proclaimed April 27, 2012 as “National Arbor Day” and the third Saturday of January in Temple Terrace as “Temple Terrace Arbor Day.”