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Zoning board approves additional wall sign for VeriLife dispensary; planning board had recommended approval
Summary
The De Witt Zoning Board of Appeals on March 17 approved a variance allowing one additional attached wall sign for the VeriLife dispensary (PharmaCann/VeriLife). The board found the request consistent with nearby commercial signage and within the site's total permitted sign area.
The De Witt Zoning Board of Appeals on March 17 granted a variance allowing an additional attached wall sign on the north elevation of the VeriLife dispensary, a project presented by counsel for PharmaCann and VeriLife.
The dispensary developer is represented at the hearing by attorney Corey Arlak of Barclay Damon. Arlak told the board the original coordinated design allowed a single sign per street frontage and that the applicant seeks a 27.8-square-foot wall sign on the rear (north) elevation. He said the property remains within the site's total allowed signage of 120 square feet, including an existing 81.6-square-foot front sign and a 10.6-square-foot window sign.
Why it matters: The additional sign is intended to improve visibility and wayfinding for drivers approaching from the north on the adjacent frontage. Planning staff and the planning board had already reviewed the proposal; the county planning board issued "no position" on the application, Arlak said.
Board action and rationale
Member Warbeck moved to permit the additional attached sign (for a total of two attached signs on the street-facing elevation with an access drive). The motion, seconded by member Pascal, passed unanimously. Board members said the request was consistent with other nearby commercial signage and noted that allowing the additional sign could improve safety by helping customers locate the business without unsafe maneuvers.
Applicant statements and record
Arlak said the applicant flagged the need for additional signage during prior planning-board reviews and indicated they had not received specific customer complaints but anticipated the rear sign would reduce confusion: "We let the planning board know at that time we may be coming back for additional signage," he said. He also told the board the applicant revised a proposed window film element to stay within the 120-square-foot total allowed sign area.
What happens next
The board's variance approval clears the way for the applicant to finalize signage permits and return to the planning board with the coordinated sign package as needed.
