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Board amends sign code to accommodate road-widening takings; trustees note dark‑sky goals
Summary
Trustees approved an amendment to the village sign ordinance to give relief for signs on properties where right‑of‑way takings (Deerfield Road widening) reduce the required 15‑foot setback. Discussion included a reminder the village already uses dark‑sky principles in residential lighting rules.
The Village of Riverwoods Board of Trustees on March 4 approved an ordinance amendment to allow relief from the sign‑setback requirement for properties whose usable frontage was reduced by road‑widening takings, such as the Deerfield Road project.
Director Witt said the county's right‑of‑way acquisition has left some commercial properties, notably the Mobil station at Saunders and Deerfield, without the 15 feet of property previously available for compliant signage. The amendment provides targeted relief for properties affected by public takings so signs can remain functionally compliant despite changed property lines. Witt and the village attorney framed the change as a narrowly tailored remedy for properties impacted by government right‑of‑way actions.
Trustees debated broader lighting issues. Trustee Smith and others asked that the village consider dark‑sky and sustainability principles for commercial signage and lighting; Trustee Jamerson and Attorney Hoover noted the village already enforces a residential outdoor‑lighting ordinance requiring shielded fixtures and that parking and station lighting present unique needs.
The board waived first reading and approved the ordinance on the same night by roll call. Trustees noted Meadowlake signage will likely be impacted in coming work and the change will allow signs that must shift back from new property lines to remain in place.
Ending: The change is narrowly scoped to properties whose ability to meet sign‑setback standards was reduced by public right‑of‑way takings; staff and trustees said they will continue to examine lighting standards and dark‑sky compliance in subsequent policy reviews.
