Ross Zoning Board to Hear Request to Keep Painted Sign on Perry Highway

A painted mural on the side of a two-story building at 7730 Perry Highway advertising Kaule's Screen Works is the subject of a variance request at tonight's Ross Township Zoning Hearing Board meeting.

The sign, at 462 square feet, is too big, according to the township zoning laws, which permits commercial signs so long as they do not exceed 1 square foot for each foot in length of the front building wall or the length of the portion of the wall devoted to the business. 

Garrett Kaule, co-owner of Kaule's Screen Works, which has been in business for about five years, said the sign was intended to recreate the look of advertising from the early 20th century.

"It's a piece of art," Kaule said, adding that he didn't know he needed a permit to create it. 

He said he's hopeful the zoning board will allow the sign to remain as is because it's been an effective way to advertise the business, which creates clothing designs for businesses and events. 

The sign is in a C-1 commercial district, the least restrictive commercial zoning in the township, and in the 9th Ward. 

Also on tonight's agenda is:

* a variance request by Gretchen J. Marker for a property at 131 Brunner Court to reduce the size of two off-street parking spaces. The property is in an R-1 zoning district in the 7th Ward. 

* a variance request by George T. & Mary C. Sabina for an additional 24-square-foot area for an accessory structure on property located at 198 Link Avenue. The property is in an R-1 zoning district in the 5th Ward. 

The zoning hearing board meets at 7 p.m. at the .