Sitting as the Board of Zoning Adjustment, Planning commissioners heard a request April 23 for a variance from Vincen Barnes, a paranormal entertainer who said he leases space from the New Orleans Hotel for performances.
Barnes had a sign in the hotel window last year, but said the hotel has taken steps to increase its visibility. Toward that end, the hotel will remove signs from the windows. Barnes will have to move his sign to an alley wall, perpendicular to the street. He asked for permission to place one sign on each wall of the alley, to reach people walking in either direction on Spring Street.
Barnes also asked the commission to approve signs larger than the 12 sq. ft. allowed by the sign ordinance. Commissioner James Mitchell noted that Barnes had asked for two signs instead of the one allowed by code, and he also wanted more total space. Mitchell expressed concern over establishing a precedent others would want to follow.
The Historic District Commission had already approved the signs, although they based their decision on appearance, not on size or number of signs. Sallee said the signs do not face the street, and commissioner Fergie Stewart said the signs were attractive and would contribute to the town’s flavor.
Commissioners voted approval for one sign, with a variance to allow a larger sign.