Board allows artist lettering on Arcadian garage screens, limited to submitted artwork

The Board of Adjustment approved a variance permitting lettering as part of two large art panels intended to screen the parking garage at the Arcadian mixed‑use development along Avenue of the Arts.

Applicant counsel Stephanie Miorga said the canvases are artwork by the artist known as Mr. Brainwash and are primarily aesthetic and functional — reducing the visibility of the parking structure while commemorating Fort Lauderdale’s local landmarks. Staff explained the city’s supergraphic sign definition (code section 47‑22.2.A.27) disallows lettering or business identification in that category; staff advised the applicant that the current sign code interpretation compelled either a site‑plan level review or a variance.

Board members discussed legal limits on regulating sign content following U.S. Supreme Court precedent (speech‑content concerns), the aesthetic and screening function of the panels and the need to avoid opening a broad exception for signage. To balance those concerns, members approved a narrowly drafted variance limited to the exact artwork and wording presented at the hearing (the two panels reading phrases such as "Life is beautiful" and the artist signature). The board recorded a roll‑call approval and attached a condition that any future text or enlargement beyond the submitted design would not be covered by the variance.

The applicant accepted the condition; staff will prepare the written order documenting the limited variance.