Valley Express Towing sign plan in Mesa to be discussed Wednesday

A special use permit for a comprehensive sign plan is being sought for Valley Express Towing west of South Extension Road on Broadway Road in Mesa.

The Mesa Board of Adjustment meets at 5 p.m. for a work session and 5:30 p.m. for a meeting Wednesday, Feb. 5, to discuss the permit for the business at 661 W. Broadway Road.

The permit, if approved, would increase the total allowed height to 14 feet and modify the single base minimum width requirement from 75% to 30% of the width of the sign copy, according to a city document.

Andrew Chi of Andrew Chi Planning is the applicant. Richard A/Julie A Thompson are the owners.

A new freestanding detached monument sign will replace the existing monument sign at the site, Chi said in written narrative.

“The development site exhibits unique physical conditions that restrict normal sign visibility. A 6‐foot‐tall perimeter fence along Broadway Road obstructs visibility for a sign limited to the 12‐foot maximum height. The proposed 14‐foot sign height ensures the cabinet will clear the fence, making it visible to vehicular traffic on Broadway Road,” it states. “Additionally, the average height of a tow truck is approximately 7 feet. The proposed 7‐foot clearance from grade to the bottom of the  cabinet sign, combined with a 36‐inch‐wide single base, ensures sufficient maneuvering space for tow trucks entering and exiting the site.”

The seven-member Board of Adjustment conducts public meetings to hear and decide requests for variances, special-use permits and interpretations of the city of Mesa zoning ordinance and sign code. Members are appointed for staggered terms of three years, according to the city’s website.