Zoning board approves special-use permit for digital sign at Galena High School

The Galena Zoning Board of Appeals voted Wednesday to approve a special-use permit allowing a digital message-board sign in front of Galena High School.

The board found the school district’s request met site-plan and planned-unit-development standards and would be compatible with adjoining properties, concluding the sign’s design would protect privacy and impose minimal negative impacts.

At the start of the item the presiding board member noted a conflict of interest and recused themself; another member presided for the discussion and vote. The board’s written findings state the subject property sits in a planned-unit development with an underlying low-density residential zoning district on Franklin Street and that the request satisfies the PUD’s specific standards. The findings list that the site-plan review met criteria, the request is compatible with district standards, privacy protections are included, the plan minimizes negative impacts to neighboring properties, and the sign will “coexist in a harmonious manner with nearby existing properties.”

A motion to approve the findings and grant the special-use permit carried on the roll call. Board members present recorded affirmative votes during the roll call; no formal opposition was recorded during the public-comment portion on the item. The record shows the board approved the request and directed staff to finalize the finding of fact and related paperwork.

The approval allows the Galena Unit School District to install and operate a digital message board at the high school site under the conditions spelled out in the board’s written findings and the city’s zoning regulations. The board’s resolution will be filed with the city and the zoning office for implementation and permit issuance.