CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Pass the ordinance approving variances for the property located at 430 S. Washington Street - PZC 22-1-047
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation, Engineering and Development
SUBMITTED BY: Gabrielle Mattingly, Community Planner
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
On July 6, 2022 the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) considered PZC 22-1-047 and provided a positive recommendation on the request (approved 8,0). Staff concurs.
BACKGROUND:
The subject property is located on the east side of Washington Street and just across the West Branch of the DuPage River from the North Central College campus. The property is zoned B5 (Secondary Downtown District) and is currently vacant. The Owners and Petitioners, North Central College, intend to improve the property with a gateway feature with a sign to identify the property as an entrance to North Central College campus. The Petitioner is seeking approval of variances in order to construct this amenity.
The subject property is adjacent to the Washington Street Bridge and will be impacted by the City's Downtown Washington Street Bridge Replacement Project (Washington Project). The Washington Project will include replacing the Washington Street Bridge and improving portions of Washington Street.
DISCUSSION:
Sign Variance
The Petitioner proposes to improve the subject property with a gateway feature that has a sign to identify the entrance into the campus. The sign will be internally illuminated and will be installed on stone columns which match existing columns found throughout the campus.
The B5 zoning district is subject to the City's Downtown Central Business District sign code regulations. These regulations identify where signage can be placed on single-tenant buildings and multi-tenant buildings. The proposed gateway feature is an accessory structure and the sign code regulations do not permit signage to be installed on accessory structures.
The Petitioner is seeking approval of...
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