Commission denies sign variances for Hudson Drive development

The Planning Commission denied variances for two signs proposed along the right of way at a Hudson Drive development, voting down the applicant's request to avoid the city's monument‑sign style requirement and to allow a reduced setback.

Planning staff described the proposed signs as each 16.6 square feet in area and not complying with the city's monument sign standard, which requires at least 50 percent of the bottom of the sign to be in contact with the ground or a supporting structure. The applicant sought a variance to install a suspended or projected sign rather than a monument sign and also sought relief from a setback requirement.

The applicant's representative, Ben Weinerman, said the sign design is part of the project's branding package and had been used in other communities. "The variances we're applying for, 2 very simple variances. The main being that these signs are not traditional," Weinerman said, adding that the signs have been used successfully in other jurisdictions.

Action and outcome: A motion to approve PC25‑20 was moved and seconded but failed on roll call; commissioners recorded all "no" votes (Clancy: No; Wagner: No; Trepto: No; Basic: No; Deculiak: No). The denial means the applicant must either redesign signs to meet monument and setback requirements or seek a variance again with revised proposals.

What happens next: The applicant may revise the design to meet the monument‑style standard or pursue a future variance application. Staff noted the sign base and setback rules are intended to promote durable, high‑quality signage and to prevent long‑term installation of temporary or stake‑style signs.