Plan Commission approves corner monument sign at Corners of Delafield with design limits

The Plan Commission approved a freestanding monument sign for the multi‑tenant property at the Corners of Delafield (Genesee/Main) on June 25, imposing design and placement conditions intended to preserve downtown visual character.

Applicant Dennis Sopcak presented a small ground sign with eight tenant panels; the sign as proposed would measure 17.32 square feet and match the structure and materials of previously approved monument signs. Amy Barrows, city planner, noted the sign complies with size and setback rules for CBD1 and that Sopcak owns the property where the sign would be located.

Commission discussion focused on downtown aesthetics and whether additional directional signs would create visual clutter. One commissioner warned that the downtown already has many directional and pole signs; others argued a monument sign can help tenants that lack direct storefront visibility attract foot traffic. Commissioners suggested the panels be visually uniform, recommending the background color, font and lettering match the look of an existing approved monument sign (the Steven Paul sign) and to avoid placing commercial logos on individual panels to limit visual busyness.

The commission’s approval included these conditions: the panel background shall match the referenced existing monument sign, lettering shall be uniform in color and font across tenant panels, no logos are permitted on the panels, the sign must not be illuminated, and staff must verify the final placement is outside the street right‑of‑way (a survey or other verification may be required). Final artwork and exact placement are subject to staff review and approval before construction.

Planning staff will work with the applicant to verify setbacks and provide a final rendering for administrative review.