A new gas station and convenience store on U.S. 35 north of the Interstate 70 interchange will have two pole signs so I-70 motorists will more easily see where the business is located.
Permitting two signs was one of five variances of development standards Richmond’s Board of Zoning Appeals approved June 11 for the planned 7-Eleven and Speedway at 2477 U.S. 35.
Richmond Common Council on April 7 approved rezoning the parcel to highway commercial, clearing the way for the business. A 4,816-square-foot building is planned, with 12 automobile fueling positions and four commercial lanes for diesel fuel.
Eric Carter of Weihe Engineers in Indianapolis represented developer GBT Realty of Brentwood, Tennessee, to present the variance requests. City planning staff recommended approval of the variances, saying they were based on a 7-Eleven and Speedway prototype that considered safety as cars and trucks exit the interstate, locate the business and find the proper fuel pumps.
The first variance permits the business to work with city staff on alternate locations for three required shrubs that normally must face the street. The normal location does not work at the site, Carter said, because of a gas main, sewer and water extensions, and right-of-way for roadway improvements.
The second variance permits the two pole signs, which are similar to signage for Love’s Travel Stop, which is across U.S. 35. One will be a “goalpost” sign and the other a “hi-rise” sign more visible to I-70 traffic; both will feature Speedway logos and fuel prices. Regulations limit single-tenant buildings to one pole sign.
The third variance enables the “hi-rise” sign to exceed the maximum 225 square feet. It’s planned for 375 square feet with the sign’s top 75 feet above ground.
The fourth variance permits the business to exceed the maximum 36-inch height, 3 square feet and four directional signs on the property. The proposal is for six signs that are 6 square feet and 5 feet above ground. Carter said the extra height is necessary to enable truck drivers to easily see them. The signs will direct cars and trucks to the proper fuel pumps, entrances and exits.
The final variance permits the driveway to be 60 feet wide, exceeding the 45-foot standard. Carter said that’s necessary for the safety of cars and trucks entering and exiting the business.
A version of this article appeared in the June 18 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.