Harman Restaurants granted variance for five signs

Tim Harman from Harman Restaurants Inc. was granted a variance for five signs at his new restaurant at 101 South Michigan Street in downtown Plymouth on Tuesday evening.

The city’s standard for signage is four signs.   

Ralph Booker, the city’s planning consultant, presented the variance of development standards request, which said Harman wanted eight signs totaling 300 square feet.

Booker said the signs include an interior-lit sign above the awning on the west side of the building, which is in two sections. YELLOW RIVER is in individual letters, and Tap and Eatery is a second sign with interior lighting.

A decorative medallion over the front door would be the third sign on the front of the building.

The fourth sign is on the east side, or back of the building, and Harman told the BZA he expects many customers to use the River Park Square parking lot and enter the restaurant through a back door.

The fifth sign is a blade sign that is 10 feet tall and will hang off at the southwest corner of the building.

Harman also presented to the Plymouth Board of Zoning Appeals. While his photos only showed the five signs that were approved, he sought flexibility for future signage on the north and south sides of the building. Harman also noted that he will receive a 20% match from the city through the Commercial Revitalization Rebate Grant Program on the sign expenditure.

During the meeting, Building Inspector Dennis Manuwal said even murals and artwork are considered signs in the city’s ordinance. 

During the public hearing, Rocky Talcott from The Floor Store in downtown Plymouth spoke in favor of the variance request. He said, “It’s going to be a unique business in this town. Tim has put a lot of effort, time, and money into this to make it something, which we know it hasn’t been a whole lot for a long time.”

Following additional discussion, the motion was made to approve the five signs presented, and the BZA unanimously approved the variance. Harman was told he could seek an additional variance of development standards if he decides to add any additional signage to the building, including artwork.