Zoners Approve Signage for LongHorn Steakhouse

A representative from sought a variance Tuesday night at the Lower Nazareth Township for four signs, including a long-horned steer logo.

After some discussion about size and placement, the variance was unanimously approved.

According to Timm Tenges, the township's manager, the restaurant will be built on the empty lot next to in the Lower Nazareth Commons Plaza.

Charley Schalliol, the director of variance for Site Enhancement Services Inc., spoke to the board on behalf of Darden Restaurants Inc. and RARE Hospitality International Inc., a company that owns, operates and franchises restaurants in the United States.

Schalliol asked the board for a variance on the number of signs permitted on the building -- LongHorn would like four signs, but the township ordinance allows for only two -- and on the placement of the signs.

The architecture of the restaurant is designed to have three sides so, obviously, that leaves two signs for the front of the building, Schalliol said. The main LongHorn sign and the long-horned steer logo, he added, would be placed at the front of the building -- on the side that will face Route 248.

The front of the building will have a stone façade and an archway entrance. To the left of the entrance will be a large, stone façade chimney. The chimney is where the logo -- lit with reverse lighting, also known as halo illumination -- would hang, Schalliol said.

“[The steer logo] is more of a symbol synonymous with a steakhouse,” he said. “It’s an architectural feature that breaks up the large stone façade on the chimney feature.”

Schalliol requested two additional signs in order to have signage visible to drivers heading east and west on Route 248, he said.

“We’re not asking for four wall signs,” Schalliol explained. “The only thing we’re asking for is to be allowed to break-up the square footage differently, than in the ordinance.”

Schalliol said that the total square footage of the three signs and logo equals 195 square feet. The ordinance allows for no more than 200 square feet -- to be divided between two signs.

Lori Seese, the township's zoning administrator, asked Schalliol if the company had considered a free-standing sign.

Schalliol said that the company is leasing the property, and is required under the terms of that lease to have signage only on the building.

Manouel Changalis, the chairman of the Zoning Hearing Board, said, “I find the signs to be tastefully done. The artwork is nice.”

“I’d rather see a building sign than a freestanding sign,” added Michael Gable, vice chairman of the board.

The board voted unanimously approved the variance.