The EFS signage at 200 Trade Street was challenged for its risque look and not adhering to City of Greer code today at the Board of Architectural Review at City Hall. The signage stays, earning a special, one-time special exemption.
The Board of Architectural Review approved, in GreerToday, with special exemption, for EFS (Elevated Fitness Solutions) at 200 Trade Street to display its signage, that cost $1,500 to design and install. The board righted a wrong when City of Greer personnel did not provide documentation advising the new business owners to pursue approval in advance of storefront signage installation in the historic district.
Glenn Pace, city zoning coordinator, confirmed to the board and James Bermel, representing EFS Fitness, the city did not perform its due diligence.
The board (commissioners David Langley, Joada Hiatt, Linda Wood and Marney Hannon) voted 4-0 after a 45-minute amicable discussion to agree to Black’s suggestion of letting the signage remain under a single special exemption. Any subsequent signage or repairs will be required to seek the board’s approval. The special exemption was not grandfathered in.
“The purpose of this group (Architectural Review) is to enhance downtown and to be an asset and not an obstacle for new businesses,” said Black, of Langley & Associates.
Bermel told the board had EFS known of the signage requirements, “We probably all wouldn’t be here right now. We would have been glad to appear before the board in advance,” Bermel said. “There was no direction given us for the signage or on the web site.”
“There was a breakdown in that communication. We did not give him that form,” Pace confirmed.
The signage spans across the entire plate glass window of EFS that fronts Trade Street and shows fit men and women in attire that that is routinely found in fitness centers.
Had the board disapproved of the signage EFS would have been in violation of city code and be subjected to a fine of $150 a-day.
There was no public response for or against the signage at today’s meeting.
signage challenge sept. 20