The City of Morgantown Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance on Aug. 20, 2025, allowing an internally illuminated wall sign for City Neon at 228 Prospect Street, in the B‑1 Neighborhood Business District. The applicant requested relief from Section 13.69.08 (lighting and design standards) to permit internal illumination.

Planning staff displayed the proposed sign dimensions (18-inch by 132 5/8-inch channel-letter wall sign) and recommended approval with the standard condition that any site-plan modifications comply with the city’s planning and zoning code or return to the board for relief. Staff reported no objection to the variance.

A City Neon representative, identifying himself as “Smith,” described industry-standard materials and UL-certified electrical work. The business owner, Jeffrey Bailey, told the board how the sign would be managed: “The lights will not be on when we're not in... We will turn off just like we do with the canteens. We turn off the moment when we close.” The applicant and contractor said the sign could be controlled by a timer or photocell depending on shading and client preference.

Board members noted there are no existing city luminance restrictions specific to this application and referenced prior approvals for similar signs nearby. Mr. Thompson (planning staff) read the standard condition into the record. The board opened and closed the public hearing with no public comment and then voted to accept the findings and grant the variance. The motion passed by affirmative votes.

The decision will be mailed by planning within 7–10 business days. The board reminded the applicant that the decision may be appealed to the Circuit Court of Monongalia County within 30 days and that any work performed during the appeal window is at the applicant’s financial risk.