Westmont discusses revised sign regulations to benefit downtown businesses

The Village of Westmont Planning and Zoning Special Meeting held on June 25, 2025, focused on updates to signage regulations aimed at fostering a business-friendly environment while addressing community concerns.

One of the primary discussions revolved around the size and type of signs businesses can use, particularly regarding grand opening signs and window signage. Officials emphasized the importance of providing clear guidelines to new businesses, ensuring they understand what is permissible from the moment they open. This initiative stems from past experiences where new businesses faced confusion over signage regulations, leading to enforcement actions that could hinder their operations.

The meeting also addressed the regulations for signs on buildings with multiple facades. It was clarified that while businesses can have signs on both the front and rear of their buildings, the total allowable signage is calculated based on the front facade only. This approach aims to prevent large, bright signs from facing residential areas while still allowing businesses to advertise effectively. The discussion highlighted the need for a balance between visibility for businesses and maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the community.

Additionally, the commission reviewed the measurement methods for signs, proposing a shift from a rectangular measurement to a polygonal approach. This change is intended to provide a more accurate representation of sign size, reducing penalties for "dead space" around individual letter signs. The new method aims to simplify the process for businesses while still adhering to the overall signage limits established by the village.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further refine the signage regulations, ensuring they are clear and beneficial for both businesses and the community. The next steps will involve internal discussions to finalize these changes and address any remaining concerns from local business owners.