PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
title
Conduct the public hearing to consider a variance related to the proposed ground sign at 1001 N Washington St. - DEV-0117-2025
body
DEPARTMENT: Transportation, Engineering and Development
SUBMITTED BY: Brad Iwicki, Assistant Planner
ENTITLEMENTS REQUESTED:
A variance to Section 6-6B-4:7 of the City’s Municipal Code (the “Code”) to allow a ground sign to exceed the sign area limitation for offices permitted as a conditional use in the R1B Zoning District.
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
Official notice for the public hearing for DEV-0117-2025 was published in the Naperville Sun on September 14, 2025.
BACKGROUND:
The petitioner, Craig Sikora, 1001 N Washington St., Naperville, Illinois 60563, with authorization from the property owner, FALA, LLC, 1001 N Washington St., Naperville, IL 60563, has submitted a Petition for Zoning Variance to allow a ground sign to be constructed on the property. The subject property is located at the northwest corner of the Washington St. and 10th Ave. intersection and zoned R1B (Medium Density Single-Family Residence District). The parcel is 9,899 square feet and improved with a single-story structure, parking lot access from 10th Ave., and a deteriorating ground sign adjacent to Washington St. identifying the business
In 1996, Ordinance 96-119 was passed by the City of Naperville City Council granting conditional use in the R1B District to allow for a home to office conversion to operate a dental office including construction of a 6-car parking lot. The ordinance was amended to accurately reflect City Council’s decision in Ordinance 96-182 (attached) with the following conditions of approval:
1. The dental office be operated as a sole practice;
2. The Subject Property shall be improved according to the approved Site Plan
3. A final plat of subdivision shall be recorded in the office of the DuPage County Recorder of Deeds; and
4. Upon request by the City, if adjoining properties are approved for home-to-office conversions, petitioner or his successor(s) will grant a cross-access easement and install pavement in the easement area in accordance with City Code requirements
DISCUSSION:
The petitioner requests approval of a variance for a ground sign- identifying Ascend Dental, the sole occupant of the building. Ascend Dental has been in continuous operation at this location since the approval of the conditional use for a home-to-office conversion in 1996. The Municipal Code Section 6-6B-4:7 (Required Conditions) limits identification signs for office uses permitted as conditional uses in the R1B Zoning District to 4 square feet.
The petitioner plans to install a 20 square-foot free-standing ground sign set back 10 feet from the east property line adjacent to Washington St. and approximately 34 feet from the south property line adjacent to 10th Ave. The property is uniquely located on the perimeter of a residential subdivision and across from a large commercial plaza. The sign, as proposed, exceeds the sign area limitation of 4 square feet, requiring a variance.
The proposed sign features two faux stone piers and text that displays the business name and dental practitioners. The shape of the sign is consistent with the original sign design and is intended to be compatible with the residential character of the adjacent subdivision. The sign is not proposed to be illuminated. The sign plans show the installation of landscaping at the base of the proposed sign in compliance with the Code.
The petitioner states that the existing ground sign, which is approximately 8.3 square feet in size, is deteriorating and contains outdated practitioner information. Photos of the existing sign provided by the petitioner are evidence of the condition of the sign (see attached). The new signage proposed was designed to blend in with the aesthetic of the surrounding area, be appropriate in scale, and increase business visibility for customers.
Staff received one public comment sharing concerns about sight visibility for drivers.
City of Naperville Engineering staff visited the site to perform an impact analysis on traffic sightlines at the Washington St. and 10th Ave. intersection for the proposed sign. Engineering staff determined that the proposed signage will not impact the available sight distance and that a vehicle can pull up to the intersection and maintain clear visibility to the north along the roadway.
Planning staff supports the request and finds the signage to be appropriate since it is adjacent to Washington St., a commercial corridor which contains signage of larger scale in comparison to the proposed ground sign. Additionally, the proposed ground sign is designed to complement the surrounding residential environment to the west of the subject property and is an appropriate scale for an office use when considering the proximity to Ogden Avenue, a major arterial right-of-way.
Findings of Fact
The petitioner’s responses to the Standards for Granting a Variance can be found in the attachments. Upon review, staff agrees with the petitioner’s Findings and recommends their adoption by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Key Takeaways
The petitioner requests approval of a variance to Section 6-6B-4:7 to allow a ground sign to exceed the sign area limitation for offices permitted as a conditional use in the R1B Zoning District. Staff supports the requested variance.