Title
Conduct a Public hearing to Consider/Discuss/Act on the request by Applicant Andrew Jones, representing the City of McKinney as the sign owner, to Consider/Discuss/Act on the Appeal of the Building Official’s decision regarding a violation of UDC Section 504 F (4)(e) limiting the area of projecting signs in the McKinney Town Center Zoning District to 15 square feet. The applicant is requesting a Meritorious Exception to construct two approximately 47 square foot illuminated projecting blade signs reading “Theater” attached to two corners of the McKinney Courthouse Theater (also known as MPAC or the historic Collin County Courthouse). This request is located at 111 North Tennessee Street, Lot 1 of Block A of the Collin County Historic Courthouse Addition to the City of McKinney, Texas.
Summary
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT CASE NUMBER: BOA 2026-0005
MEETING DATE: July 15, 2026
DEPARTMENT: Development Services - Building Inspections
CONTACT: Suzanne Arnold, Chief Building Official
RECOMMENDED BOARD ACTION: Consider this variance request based on the applicant statement on the Board of Adjustment (BOA) application.
ZONING: MTC - Mckinney Town Center
EXISTING CONDITIONS: The historic courthouse in the center of McKinney’s historic district (currently known as the McKinney Performing Arts Center, or MPAC) is being renovated and re-branded as the McKinney Courthouse Theater. The City is proposing some exterior changes to be consistent with the new identity, including the proposed “Theater” signage.
ITEM SUMMARY: The applicant, the City of McKinney, is seeking to construct two projecting blade signs on two corners of the historic courthouse building reading “Theater.” These signs are a part of the architectural design for the soon-to-be re-branded Courthouse Theater in that building. These signs were a part of the exhibits submitted to the Texas Historical Commission and for the McKinney Certificate of Appropriateness.
VARIANCE REQUESTED:
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ZONING ORDINANCE REQUIREMENTS |
REQUESTED |
VARIANCE |
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Maximum area 15 square feet |
47 square feet each |
314% |
APPLICANT’S BASIS FOR VARIANCE: See description on the BOA application.
PUBLIC SUPPORT/OPPOSITION OF REQUEST: 51 letters were sent. To date, no letters of support and no letters of opposition have been submitted.
BOARD AUTHORITY:
Meritorious Exceptions.
1. Generally
Primary objectives of this section include ensuring the prohibition of signage that has low visual quality, while guarding against the over-regulation of signage.
2. Approval Criteria
It is not the intent of these regulations to discourage innovation. It is possible that signage proposals could be made that, while clearly nonconforming to the requirements of this Article, and thus not allowable under these regulations, have obvious merit in not only being appropriate to the particular site or location, but also in making a positive contribution to the visual environment. In such cases, the Chief Building Official may approve a meritorious exception, if the proposal meets any of the following:
a. The signage is creative, innovative, or otherwise visually appealing so as to result in a positive contribution to the built environment;
b. The signage contains an architectural element that positively supplements the visual environment;
c. The regulations of this section do not adequately describe or regulate the proposed signage;
d. The signage will promote a strong public interest, including but not limited to wayfinding and the positive identification of essential services; or
e. The relocation of allowed signage is necessary based on difficulties resulting from building design, orientation, or location.
3. Sign Board Consideration
a. The Chief Building Official, at their sole discretion, may refer the meritorious exception application to the Sign Board, for consideration and action.
b. The Chief Building Official may deny a meritorious exception if the proposed sign does not meet the criteria included in subsection 2 above. The applicant whose request was denied may appeal the decision of the Chief Building Official to the Sign Board, in accordance with the procedures outlined in §203F.1, Administrative Appeals
BUILDING OFFICIAL STATEMENT:
The request has been field validated, and I agree that the Board has the implied authority to consider this Variance by the Applicant/Owner.
SUPPORTING MATERIALS:
BOA2026-0005 - 111 N. Tennessee St. - Packet to include:
• Application
• Application Letter
• Certificate of Appropriateness
• GIS Exhibit
• Historical Commission Permit
• Notice Letter
• Notice Map
• Plans for Theater Renovation
• Sign Plans
• Zoning Exhibit
ACTION: Approved Denied Tabled