Staff notes for 7/20/22Town of Queensbury Zoning Board of Appeals
Community Development Department Staff Notes
Sign Variance No.: 4-2022
Project Applicant: Tidal Wave Auto Spa
Project Location: 708 Quaker Road
Parcel History: SP 68-2021; SV 1-2017; SP 51-2015; SV 1425-20232
SEQR Type: Unlisted
Meeting Date: July 20, 2022
Applicant proposes a freestanding sign of 42.3 sq. ft. at Dix Avenue and Quaker Road for the Tidal Carwash Facility. A
wall sign of 68 sq. ft. is to be on the main car wash building facing Quaker Road. The menu sign panels are proposed to
be at the wash entrance and be 22.75 sq. ft. each or 45.5 sq. ft. total as they are adjacent to each other. Relief requested
for setbacks, size of wall sign, and number of signs.
The applicant requests relief for setbacks, size of wall sign, and number of signs. The site is located in a CI
zone on a 3.83 ac parcel.
Chapter 140 Sign
One wall sign to be 68 sq ft on Quaker Road where 30 sq ft is the maximum sign allowed. Additional menu
signs at 22.75 sq ft each where two are proposed are considered free standing- where 4 free standing are
proposed and only are two are allowed. The Dix Avenue free standing sign is proposed to be 7 ft setback from
the property line where a 15 ft setback is required.
In making a determination, the board shall consider:
1. Whether an undesirable change will be produced in the character of the neighborhood or a detriment
to nearby properties will be created by the granting of this sign variance. Minor to no impacts to the
neighborhood may be anticipated as the previous tenant had similar signage.
2. Whether the benefit sought by the applicant can be achieved by some method, feasible for the
applicant to pursue, other than a sign variance. Feasible alternatives may be considered to reduce the
size of the wall sign, number of signs and relocate the one free standing sign to a compliant location.
3. Whether the requested sign variance is substantial. The relief may be considered moderate relevant to
the code. The signs exceed the number allowed due to the menu board being considered free standing and
the wall sign 38 sq ft larger than allowed.
4. Whether the proposed variance will have an adverse effect or impact on the physical or
environmental conditions in the neighborhood or district. Minor to no impacts to the physical or
environmental conditions in the neighborhood may be anticipated.
5. Whether the alleged difficulty was self-created. The difficulty may be considered self-created.
The applicant proposes a new sign configuration that is similar to the previous tenant’s signage for the same use.
The plans show the free standing signs, the wall sign, and the directional signage for the site.
Description of Proposed Project:
Relief Required:
Criteria for considering a Sign Variance according to Chapter 140 of Town Law:
Staff comments: