PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Conduct the public hearing to consider variances related to the proposed ground signs at 720-944 S Illinois Route 59 (Fox River Commons) - PZC 23-1-060
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation, Engineering and Development
SUBMITTED BY: Adam Beaver, AICP Candidate, Community Planner
ENTITLEMENTS REQUESTED:
1. A variance to Section 6-16-5:2.2 (Ground Signs) to allow for the installation of three 24-foot-8 inch-tall ground signs each with an area of approximately 194.19 square feet.
2. A variance to Section 6-16-5:2.2.3 to increase the allowable area of a changeable sign from 22.5 square feet to 36.44 square feet for one ground sign.
3. A variance to Section 6-16-5:2.2.1 to decrease the allowable distance between ground signs from 200 feet to 177 feet.
4. A variance to Section 6-16-5:2.2.1 to increase the maximum number of signs on a frontage from two to three.
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
Official notice for the public hearing for PZC 23-1-018 was published in the Naperville Sun on July 16, 2023.
BACKGROUND:
The subject property is located at 720-944 S Illinois Route 59 and consists of an approximately 27.26-acre shopping center with frontage along Route 59, La Fox Avenue, and W Ogden Avenue. The property is zoned B2 PUD Community Shopping Center District Planned Unit Development.
DISCUSSION:
The petitioner requests approval of variances for three ground signs advertising the Fox River Commons shopping center with Signs A and C along Route 59 and Sign B along Ogden Avenue. Additional details regarding the signs proposed are outlined below.
Signs A, B, & C are proposed to be 24’8” tall with an overall area of 194.19 square feet including a 36.44 square foot changeable electronic message board on signs A & B.
Sign Height:
Section 6-16-5:2.2 of the Naperville Municipal Code allows for a maximum sign height of 10 feet. The Petitioner is requesting approval to increase the maximum allowable sign height by 14 feet 8 inches from 10 feet to 24 feet 8 inches for all three signs.
Sign Area:
Code Section 6-16-5:2.2 allows for a maximum sign area of 45 square feet for signs A & C. The Petitioner is requesting approval to increase the maximum allowable sign area from 45 square feet to 194.19 square feet.
Code Section 6-16-5:2.2 allows for a maximum sign area of 90 square feet for sign B. The Petitioner is requesting approval to increase the maximum allowable sign area from 90 square feet to 194.19 square feet.
Changeable Signage:
Code Section 6-16-5:2.2.3 states that changeable signage cannot exceed fifty percent of the permitted maximum sign area of a ground sign. The maximum area for a changeable sign for Sign A is 22.5 square feet. The Petitioner is requesting approval to increase the maximum area of a changeable sign from 22.5 square feet to 36.44 square feet.
As the permitted maximum sign area for Sign B is 90 square feet, a variance is not required for the changeable sign featured as part of Sign B.
Sign Placement:
Code Section 6-16-5:2.2.1 states that the minimum distance between ground signs on a single frontage is 200 feet. The Petitioner is proposing to locate Sign A 177 feet from an existing ground sign along Route 59.
Code Section 6-16-5:2.2.1 also states that the maximum number of ground signs permitted on one frontage is two. The Petitioner is requesting approval to increase the maximum number of ground signs from two to three.
Summary of Variances requested per Sign:
Sign A:
• Increase the permitted height of a ground sign from 10 feet to 24 feet 8 inches.
• Increase the permitted area of a ground sign from 45 square feet to 194.19 square feet.
• Increase the permitted area for a changeable sign from 22.5 square feet to 36.44 square feet.
• Decrease the minimum distance between ground signs from 200 feet to 177 feet.
Sign B:
• Increase the permitted height of a ground sign from 10 feet to 24 feet 8 inches.
• Increase the permitted area of a ground sign from 90 square feet to 194.19 square feet.
Sign C:
• Increase the permitted height of a ground sign from 10 feet to 24 feet 8 inches.
• Increase the permitted area of a ground sign from 45 square feet to 194.19 square feet.
The petitioner proposes the new signs as part of their efforts to update the shopping center with the proposed signs featuring a wider base that complies with the code’s requirements for a monument style sign as outlined in Section 6-16-2 (Definitions). The proposed signs will have the address number included at the bottom of each sign as indicated in the petition. In addition, the Petitioner has indicated that the landscaping required by Code will be provided. Staff does note that any additional ground signs proposed on the property (including all outlot businesses) along either Route 59 or Ogden Avenue will require additional variance approval.
Findings of Fact
The petitioner’s responses to the Standards for Granting a Zoning Variance can be found in the attachments. Upon review, staff is in general agreement with the variance findings and recommends adoption by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Key Takeaways
§ The petitioner requests approval of variances from Section 6-16-5:2.2 (Ground Signs) of the Naperville Municipal Code to permit three ground signs on the subject property to exceed permissible signage allowances in height, area, changeable signage area, number of signs, and distance between signs. Staff supports the requested variances.