9548 Killion, Yelm, WA, Circle K - Variance justification
5563 N. Elston Avenue Chicago, IL 60630 P: 773.763.9600 F: 773.763.9606
7/1/25
To the City of Yelm Planning Department,
On behalf of Circle K, we respectfully submit this request for a variance to allow two monument
signs (Monument Identification Displays or MIDs) on the subject property located at 9548 Killion
Yelm WA, which currently supports a Circle K convenience store and fueling operation.
Background and Code Interpretation
Per the City of Yelm Municipal Code, freestanding signage is limited to one MID per lot, with
allowances for two MIDs only when a site contains multiple occupancies. While this standard is
appropriate for traditional commercial sites, it does not adequately account for the unique
operational structure and public interface of modern fueling stations.
At this site, Circle K operates as two distinct business functions in one integrated facility:
• A convenience store, offering food, retail, and daily essentials; and
• A fueling provider, with canopy-based gas operations that serve local and regional
traffic.
Each of these functions engages with the public in materially different ways, supports
independent customer journeys, and relies on visible street-facing signage for safe and efficient
access.
Site-Specific Justification
This particular site has two street frontages:
• Yelm Avenue SE (Minor Arterial) – the primary commercial frontage for the retail store,
and
• Killion Road SE (Major Collector) – a heavily traveled route with direct approach to the
fueling canopy.
Due to the lot configuration and circulation pattern, customers arrive from both streets.
Limiting the site to one freestanding sign creates a hardship by severely restricting visibility
from one of these approaches. A single MID cannot serve both functions or adequately reach
both directions of travel without creating driver confusion or impeding wayfinding.
Intent of the Code
We believe the MID limitation was crafted to prevent visual clutter on single-use lots or to
manage sign proliferation among unrelated tenants. However, this site:
• Is functionally multi-tenant, despite being under one operator,
• Serves two separate use categories (retail and fuel), and
• Is not requesting excessive signage, but simply one MID per street frontage, to mirror
the dual access and dual function of the site.
5563 N. Elston Avenue Chicago, IL 60630 P: 773.763.9600 F: 773.763.9606 2
This interpretation remains in the spirit of the code while reflecting the real-world configuration
of a modern fuel-based convenience site.
Public Benefit and Precedent
Allowing one MID sign on each street frontage:
• Improves safety by enabling clear, timely identification for approaching drivers,
• Supports economic development by ensuring that businesses are discoverable from
both directions, and
• Avoids excessive signage—each proposed MID is scaled to the frontage it faces and
would fully comply with size, height, and setback requirements.
This is not a request for more sign area than is appropriate, but rather a redistribution of
signage in a way that is logical, balanced, and context-sensitive.
Conclusion
We respectfully ask the City to recognize the dual-use nature of this Circle K site and approve
this variance to allow one MID along Yelm Avenue SE and one MID along Killion Road SE. This
modest request aligns with the goals of the sign code, maintains visual order, and supports a
safe and accessible commercial environment for the traveling public.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We are happy to provide any additional materials
needed or appear before staff or the Planning Commission to present this request.
Sincerely,
Tonya Pierce
Tonya Pierce
Corporate Identification Solutions