regulatory circumstances affecting my property, including the inconsistent application <br />of sign rules to similar venues nearby. <br />4.Functional Limitation Creates Practical Difficulty <br />While a digital sign and a static sign may share the same physical footprint, a static sign <br />simply cannot meet the functional needs of a live entertainment venue. Our events change <br />frequently, and our marketing relies on the ability to showcase high-profile acts and <br />recognizable faces—something only digital signage can do effectively. A static sign limits <br />visibility, impedes responsiveness, and reduces the venue’s ability to engage with the <br />public, creating a functional hardship that directly conflicts with the purpose of the Sign <br />Standards. <br />5.Inconsistent with the Objectives of the Sign Code <br />The stated objectives of EC 9.6600 to 9.6680 include enhancing community character, <br />supporting local businesses, and promoting clear, effective communication through <br />signage. Preventing my business from utilizing digital signage directly undermines those <br />goals. It restricts our ability to inform the public, grow our audience, and contribute fully <br />to the vibrancy of the city center—especially as Eugene increasingly becomes recognized <br />as a comedy and live entertainment destination. <br />A strict interpretation of the sign regulation, in this context, works against the code’s intended <br />purpose. Granting this variance would not only align my business with existing precedent but <br />also help maintain a level playing field among similar venues. More broadly, it supports the <br />city’s economic development goals and contributes to a thriving, culturally rich downtown core.