Board of Adjustment Meeting – June 16, 2022

The Wilmington Board of Adjustment met on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 1:02 p.m. to consider several variance requests. The board unanimously approved the previous meeting's minutes, handled five continuances to the July 21, 2022 meeting, and voted to grant a variance for Novant Health’s hospital campus at 2131 S 17th Street to allow additional monument signs and a greater setback.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the May 19, 2022 meeting minutes unanimously (4-0).
• Continued the following items to the July 21, 2022 meeting upon applicant request:
  • 7527 Masonboro Sound Road (BADV-18-122) – variance to allow fill in a coastal high hazard flood zone and conservation resource area.
  • 2201 Sterling Place (BADV-35-622) – variance to swimming pool location.
  • 99 Lullwater Drive (BADV-36-622) – variances to minimum residential adjacent side interior setback, Class C transitional buffer requirements, and street tree requirements.
  • 6422 Shinnwood Road (BADV-38-622) – variance to conservation resource regulations and required accessory separation.
  • 121 North Front Street (BADV-39-622) – variance to minimum separation requirement for a projecting sign.
• Item 1 (3516 S College Road) was withdrawn by the applicant.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Chairman Moore opened the public hearing for item 5. No members of the public spoke in favor or opposition. The hearing was closed.

Discussion Items

• Item 5: 2131 S 17th Street – Novant Health Sign Variance (BADV-37-622)
  • Associate Planner Abie Bonevac presented the staff report. The applicant, Randy Long of Sign Art representing Novant Health, sought variances to Land Development Code Section 18-390 to:
    • Increase the maximum setback for a monument sign from 15 feet to 56 feet (a variance of 41 feet).
    • Increase the number of monument signs per street frontage from one to three (a variance of two).
    • Increase the number of monument signs per development from three to four (a variance of one).
  • Background: The hospital (formerly New Hanover Regional, now Novant) had previously obtained permits under the old code. A sign (E-092) installed at a 7-foot setback was later found to be in a sight triangle approximately 50 feet from the property line, creating safety concerns; the sign was removed. Under the new code (effective December 1, 2021), a new permit was required, necessitating the variance.
  • The applicant argued the hardship was unique due to the large campus size (approximately 2,633,134 square feet) and the right-of-way configuration. The proposed new location is an island near the surgical center entrance to provide directional guidance to patients.
  • Board members found the request reasonable given the campus scale and safety needs. Vice-Chair Saulnier noted staff is working on sign code changes for larger parcels. Zoning Administrator Kathryn Thurston confirmed staff will propose amendments to the planning commission and city council to address such situations.
  • Board Member Monroe made a motion to grant the variance based on the four findings of fact required by North Carolina General Statutes §160D-705 and City Code Section 18-615. The motion was seconded by Vice-Chair Saulnier and passed unanimously (4-0).

Key Outcomes

• Variance granted for 2131 S 17th Street (Novant Health): allowed three monument signs per street frontage (variance of two), four monument signs per development (variance of one), and a setback of 56 feet (variance of 41 feet). Vote: 4-0.
• Five items continued to the July 21, 2022 meeting.
• One item withdrawn by applicant.
• Staff noted upcoming sign code amendments to be proposed to the planning commission and city council.
• The meeting adjourned at approximately 1:22 p.m.