Planning commission recommends amending sign rules to aid retail recruitment in industrial districts

The Lorain Planning Commission voted to recommend to city council a zoning text amendment to allow pole signs in I‑1 and I‑2 industrial districts and to permit off‑premise and roof signs under specified conditions.

The proposed ordinance would amend the Lorain zoning code, including section 11.51.06 (Permitted signs by districts and related tables) and section 11.51.04 subsections (c) and (e) (prohibited signs), to allow the specified sign types in light and heavy industrial zones. Planning staff explained such text changes must come to the planning commission first as part of the zoning code amendment process.

Commissioners said the change responds to guidance they brought back from recent retail strategy training and to developer feedback that signage can be a material requirement in retail deals. “We learned ... how critical signage is,” Commissioner Kerian said, urging balance between aesthetics and the need to attract retailers. The commission noted a recent retail prospect (a grocery outlet group) toured the city and subsequently decided to locate here; commissioners said flexible sign rules can improve the city’s ability to recruit national retailers.

Staff and the law department were credited for advising on legal compliance and for preparing the ordinance language. Planning staff said existing pole signs in the area are not being newly created by the amendment but that the amendment allows upgrades and administrative permitting for such signs; variances would still go to the zoning board of appeals.

The commission moved, seconded and approved a motion to forward the zoning text amendment to council with a recommendation. The council will consider the amendment; if adopted, administrative sign permits or zoning board of appeals processes will control individual installations.