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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-30-2026 MINUTES OF THE PADUCAH BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MARCH 30, 2026 5:30 P.M. Paducah City Hall Commission Chambers Attendees: Lisa Humphrey, Mark McGregor, Vice Chair Patrick Perry, Chairwoman Carol Young Absent: Brandi Harless Staff: Joshua P. Fowler-Sommer, Planner III Guests: Matthew Gandara Chairwoman Young called the called meeting of the Paducah Board of Adjustment to order at 5:30 pm. The Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. flag was recited. The roll was taken. Vice-Chair Perry offered: I move that the reading of the minutes for February 23, 2026 be waived and that the minutes of said meeting, as prepared by staff, be approved as written. Mr. McGregor seconded. Chairwoman Young called for the vote. 4 Ayes (Humphrey, McGregor, Perry, Young), 0 Nays Continued Petitions New Petitions Case# VAR2026-0003 5400 Cairo Road Planner III Josh Fowler-Sommer presented the staff report. The Petitioner requests a variance of 45.54 square feet for a 295.54 square foot sign at 5400 Cairo Road. The prescribed square footage for interstate signs is 250 square feet. He discussed that the site is set back from Interstate 24, as opposed to being next door. A dissertation was also made about the redevelopment around exit 3 and how the new development, RaceTrac, would contribute to it. The goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan were discussed. Mr. Fowler-Sommer stated the Comprehensive Plan supports the variance due to said goals and objectives. Mr. McGregor offered: I move that this Board open the Public Hearing for case VAR2026-0003 pertaining to 5400 Cairo Road. Mrs. Humphrey seconded. Chairwoman Young asked all in favor? 4 Ayes (Humphrey, McGregor, Perry, Young), 0 Nays MINUTES OF THE PADUCAH BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT – continued page 2 / 3 Chairwoman Young invited the public to speak. Matthew Gandara (Petitioner’s professional representative), spoke. He stated RaceTrac wishes to have better visibility. He further stated the variance would provide motorists with safer decision-making time due to greater distance. Hearing no further public comment, Chairwoman Young asked the public hearing to be closed. Mr. McGregor offered: I move that this Board close the Public Hearing for case VAR2026-0003 pertaining to 5400 Cairo Road. Vice-Chair Perry seconded. Chairwoman Young asked all in favor? 4 Ayes (Humphrey, McGregor, Perry, Young), 0 Nays Mrs. Humphrey offered: I move that this Board approve the petition of the Texas Republic Signs for a variance of 45.54 square feet for a 295.54 square foot freestanding sign to be installed at 5400 Cairo Road. I further move that the variance be approved based on the following findings of fact: 1. The City of Paducah/ McCracken County Comprehensive Plan sets forth Goals which speak to the redevelopment of the site and the economic benefits thereof, incorporated by reference herein. 2. The site is large, consisting of 17.95 acres. 3. The interstate sign is intended to attract motorists off Interstate 24 as the site will sit approximately 1,300 feet from the east-bound overpass. 4. The proposed freestanding sign would provide a clear, concise location. 5. Pilot, a direct competitor of RaceTrac, is located across Cairo Road. 6. The Pilot sign is approximately 520 square feet and is a legal nonconformity. 7. Both RaceTrac and Pilot can be expected to capture more eastbound traffic on Interstate 24, as opposed to westbound traffic, thereby rendering them as direct competitors on exit 3. 8. In support of KRS 100.243 (b), it is reasonable to have a sign of sufficient size to provide wayfinding and gasoline pricing. 9. The development of this site may provide a catalyst for under-utilized parcels nearby. 10. New developments such as new hotels, the Bass Pro Shop and the Sports Park will be mutually beneficial for the site, thereby enhancing Paducah’s overall economy. 11. The character around exit 3 has been changing in recent years with new industrial, commercial and residential construction. 12. RaceTrac has agreed, via letter signed by the Vice President of Construction, Engineering, Architecture & Design, that any variance granted for sign size shall not last in perpetuity but shall be replaced with a 250 square foot sign in the event of a natural disaster unless another variance is approved by this Board. Vice-Chair Perry seconded. No questions were asked. Chairwoman Young called for the vote. MINUTES OF THE PADUCAH BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT – continued page 3 / 3 4 Ayes (Humphrey, McGregor, Perry, Young), 0 Nays Other Business Vice-Chair Perry discussed a lawsuit in Kenton County regarding a church grotto that he found to be interesting to share with the Board. Mr. Fowler-Sommer reminded the Board the next meeting was a called meeting for Tuesday, April 21st. Adjournment The BOA adjourned at 5:42 pm. Approved: ______________________________________ Chairwoman Carol Young Drafted by: _______________________________________ Joshua P. Fowler-Sommer, AICP, Planner III