Planning commission approves Fifth Third Bank sign design, contingent on landlord consent

The Macedonia Planning Commission on Aug. 18, 2025 approved new exterior signage for the Fifth Third Bank branch at Alexandria Square, submitted by Brilliant Electric Signs, contingent on a written letter from the Alexandria Square property owner or association permitting “trimless” (drop-in) lettering and logo; if the association does not provide that letter the commission’s approval requires metal trim caps.

The matter was presented by Mr. Benedict of Brilliant Electric Signs, who described the work as “just replacing existing signs with new signs that reflect the, branding, initiative for Fifth Thirds.” He told the commission the three signs total a little over 37 square feet and that the plaza signage allotment would allow substantially more — about 136 square feet — so size was not the remaining concern.

Why it matters: the case turned on two technical elements of local sign criteria for the Alexandria Square retail plaza — (1) whether the new logo and letters must have metal side returns and a trim cap or may be produced as a recessed “drop-in”/trimless assembly, and (2) whether the location and color scheme meet the plaza’s design rules. Staff and several commissioners said colors and overall placement were acceptable; the remaining question was the trim/return detail and whether the association that manages Alexandria Square must sign off.

Planning staff (Kevin) briefed commissioners that the commission can approve the colors and general design but that the trim/return standard historically required a metal trim cap. He said the practical option was to approve the submitted trimless design only if the property owner/association provides a written request on letterhead; otherwise the approval would require the addition of metal trim caps. As Kevin put it during the discussion, the commission “do[es] need to formally vote on” the color and design details and the administrative approval could be conditioned on the landlord’s written consent.

Commission discussion identified that the proposed signs are in the same locations as existing signs, and that the proposed lettering and new Fifth Third logo remove the bank’s previous “wings” and the word “bank.” Staff and the applicant explained the trimless construction is recessed and attached with screws, which the applicant said is more durable and reduces weather scarring compared with the older trim-cap approach. Several commissioners expressed a desire not to force other tenants to retrofit existing signage and suggested the property owner’s consent would likely be obtainable.

The commission first tabled the application briefly to add a related agenda item asking the property owner/association to consider amending Alexandria Square’s signage standards to allow trimless letters and logos. The commission then approved the signage as submitted, contingent on the association providing a written amendment/authorization on letterhead; the alternative condition if no letter arrives is that the signs be produced with metal trim caps to conform to the current standard. The planning department noted a permit cannot be issued for fabricated signage until the required letter (if the trimless option is claimed) is provided and certified.

The decision does not change the underlying plaza design criteria; the commission added a separate agenda item to consider amending Alexandria Square’s sign standards so future applications can be handled administratively if the owner supports the change.