landscape. In short, this sign supports economic growth, cultural vitality, and the shared <br />vision of Eugene as a forward-looking, artistically rich community. It is a small step for <br />us but it is a meaningful and consequential decision about the character and future of the <br />city. The variance <br />request does not introduce safety hazards or conflicts with the city’s land use code. <br />Instead, it supports the area’s function as an entertainment district while maintaining <br />consistency with existing signage allowances. <br />(5) In addition to the criteria set forth in subsections (2), (3) and ((4) of this section, the <br />following criterion applies to variances from the provisions of EC 9.6600 to 9.6680 Sign <br />Standards: <br />(a) Strict or literal interpretation and enforcement of the specified regulation would result in <br />practical difficulty or undue physical hardship inconsistent with the objectives of <br />EC 9.6600 to 9.6680 Sign Standards. A practical difficulty or undue hardship may result from the <br />location of existing structures on the site or in the immediate vicinity. The planning director may <br />not grant variances based on the convenience of the applicant, including any hardship of <br />regional or national businesses which wish to use a standard sign when those standard signs do <br />not conform to the provisions of the sign code. <br />RESPONSE: <br />A strict or literal interpretation of the sign regulation creates a practical difficulty and undue <br />hardship that is inconsistent with the objectives of EC 9.6600 to 9.6680 Sign Standards, for the <br />following reasons: <br />1.Existing Electronic Signage in the Immediate Vicinity <br />The City-owned theater directly across the street, along with two other entertainment <br />venues within a half-mile radius, are already permitted to have electronic signs. This <br />creates an inconsistency in the application of the sign code, as my business is subject to <br />stricter regulations despite being in the same zoning district and serving a similar <br />function. <br />2.Location of Existing Structures in the Immediate Vicinity <br />The comedy club’s position near a major intersection and in an entertainment district <br />makes visibility essential. The presence of other electronic signs in the area means that <br />my venue is at a disadvantage in effectively communicating event information. Because <br />patrons often make decisions based on visible signage, restricting my ability to use an <br />electronic sign—while allowing nearby venues to have them—creates an undue hardship. <br />3.Not Based on Convenience or Standardized Corporate Branding <br />This request is not for convenience or to conform to a corporate sign standard, as <br />restricted under this provision. Rather, it is based on the unique geographic and