Zoning board approves Starbucks wall-sign variance after residents raise concerns about nighttime glare

The Joliet Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variation to allow a 25-square-foot wall sign on the north elevation of the new Starbucks at 480 Hobart Road, a sign that does not face a public way. Staff said the proposed sign would be located above the drive-through, face a detention pond, and would not cause the site’s total signage to exceed the permitted 120 square feet.

Several nearby residents raised concerns during the public comment portion and the petition hearing about potential nighttime glare into homes and about not receiving mailed notice of the request. Anthony J. Raminiak Jr., who gave his address as 600 Springwood Drive, said: "that sign is gonna glare in people's bedroom window" when trees lose foliage in winter. Toni Raminiak and Rebecca Studer also asked why some neighbors did not receive mailed notice and how to view the applicant’s images; staff explained the city's standard noticing process and where the staff packet is posted.

Staff explained the city's notice procedures: property owners within 600 feet of the subject property receive letters; the applicant must post a sign on a public way; and the city posts a legal notice in the newspaper of general circulation. Staff also said the zoning board makes the final decision on this particular signage variation.

Austin Davis of Integrity Sign Company, the contractor, told the board the sign is intended to identify the site for traffic approaching from the north and acknowledged the sign is illuminated. He said the lighting schedule can be adjusted: "We can adjust the time if needed... Or to dim them down, we could do a dimmer switch." Planning staff responded that the building division enforces electrical permit standards and would flag unusual illumination levels; staff said the zoning board could add a lighting-time or dimming condition to an approval if members desired.

After public comment and discussion, the board voted 4-0 to approve the signage variation without specific lighting conditions. Staff noted that if the sign later creates a public nuisance it could be revisited. The recorded roll call was Chairman Hennessy, yes; Commissioner Nachtrib, yes; Commissioner Radakovich, yes; Commissioner Stiff, yes.