CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
title
Pass the ordinance granting a sign variance for the subject property located at 135 Water Street (Water Street Shops)- PZC 19-1-136
body
DEPARTMENT: Transportation, Engineering and Development
SUBMITTED BY: Scott Williams, AICP
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
The Planning and Zoning Commission considered this matter on February 19, 2020 and voted to recommend approval of the request (approved, 5-0, with 1 recusal). Staff concurs.
BACKGROUND:
The subject property consists of approximately 0.65 acres and located within the boundaries of the North Phase of the Water Street District. It is zoned B4 (Central Business District) PUD. The subject property is located south of the West Branch of the DuPage River, west of Main Street and east of Webster Street. The size of both the North and South Phases of the Water Street District is approximately 1.2 acres excluding the Water Street Parking Garage. The development identification sign would apply to the restaurants and retailers located along both sides of Water Street.
DISCUSSION:
The petitioner, Carmela Menna (Omega Sign & Lighting), proposes to install a "Water Street Shops" sign on the north elevation at the top of the fourth story of the Theater Building. Per Municipal Code Section 6-16-6:3.5.1, one development identification wall sign is permitted with a maximum area of 32 square feet. The proposed sign including the backer panel is 92 square feet.
As part of the special areas of control for the downtown, the West Branch of the DuPage River is considered eligible frontage and tenants in the North Phase of the Water Street District have constructed wall or awning sign facing this direction. The majority of these tenants are located on the first-floor which limits placing the signs higher up on the facade. The retail tenants located in the South Phase lack any visibility and business identification from north of the river. The intent of the proposed sign...
Click here for full text