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Zoning board raises enforcement questions after review of signage at Shops of Riverwoods and Colonial Court
Summary
The Zoning Board of Appeals and community members discussed widespread noncompliant window and storefront signs at the Shops of Riverwoods and Colonial Court and agreed to meet in July to develop a coherent enforcement or update plan.
Members of the Zoning Board of Appeals reported at the June 17 meeting that sign‑ordinance compliance at the Shops of Riverwoods and Colonial Court is inconsistent and often not enforced.
The board said the Shops of Riverwoods special‑use sign requirements include a lengthy list of conditions, while the Colonial Court sign description is minimal, leaving both landlords and tenants unclear about responsibilities. The board found many storefront logos and multiple window signs that exceed permitted sizes or cover entire windows; some businesses previously received variances but many others are out of compliance. The board discussed whether enforcement of existing ordinance language — which could be extensive work — or crafting a cohesive permitted sign list for future tenants would be the preferable approach.
Board members said they will tour the sites, compile a proposed “coherent policy list,” and reconvene in July to decide next steps, balancing the workload of enforcement against the arrival of new tenants that would be bound by any updated rules. No enforcement action was taken at the village meeting; the Zoning Board plans further review and a follow‑up meeting in July.
