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Gurnee OKs elevated electronic message board for American Legion Post 771 sign
Summary
The Village Board granted a special use permit for a new elevated sign with a 17.5 sq ft electronic message board for American Legion Post 771, requiring the sign be moved off the right of way and elevated because the site is in the floodplain.
GURNEE, Ill. — The Village of Gurnee on Sept. 8 granted a special use permit allowing the American Legion Post 771 to replace multiple pole signs with a single elevated ground sign that includes a 17.5‑square‑foot electronic message board.
Village staff said the existing main pole sign is currently encroaching on the right of way and must be moved back onto Legion property. The proposed sign will be elevated rather than mounted on a typical monument base because the site sits within the floodplain; the overall sign height will be 12 feet, staff said.
Why it matters: The change consolidates several older pole signs into one modern sign with an electronic message board. Staff recommended nine standard restrictions on messaging and display characteristics to limit flashing and brightness; the Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously recommended the special use permit on Aug. 20.
Presentation and board discussion
Pat, a village staff presenter, summarized the proposal and noted staff’s recommendation and the Planning & Zoning Commission’s favorable recommendation. Pat said, "The main sign is currently in the right of way, so that needs to be moved back on the Allegiance property." Trustees asked whether the new sign placement would require moving the nearby tank; staff answered that the pole sign may be overhanging the right of way and the applicant will pull it back slightly to ensure it is on private property.
Board action
Trustee Grama moved to approve the special use permit; Trustee O'Brien seconded. The roll call vote was recorded as unanimous in favor and the motion carried.
The approval allows the American Legion to replace four existing pole signs and one main pole sign with the new elevated sign, subject to the conditions in the staff memo and the municipality’s sign restrictions.
