The Southfield Zoning Board of Appeals on Jan. 7 granted a waiver of wall-sign area for a future 5 Below store at 23659 Greenfield Road, permitting 266.06 square feet where the sign ordinance allows 141 square feet.

Representatives from Metro Signs and Lighting and the property owner’s agent presented the request; Richie Atto, representing the property owners and development team, said the larger sign is largely a result of including a blue background band behind the lettering and argued the sign is in scale with the large building and is visually appropriate. Paul Deters of Metro Signs and Lighting described technical details and confirmed the letter area itself exceeded the limit by only about 1–2 square feet.

City staff recommended favorable consideration, saying the property’s circumstances — a large storefront set back several hundred feet from the road and a store frontage of approximately 70 feet, 8 inches — create practical difficulties under the strict application of the sign rules. Staff concluded the sign would not adversely affect traffic safety or surrounding properties.

Molly Malone, executive director of the Southfield Downtown Development Authority, spoke in support and framed the project as part of redevelopment near Northland City Center, noting nearby new investment including a recently opened Costco and proximity to Henry Ford Health System’s Providence Hospital.

Zoning Board member Rogers moved to approve the variance, citing extraordinary or exceptional property conditions and the lack of detriment to the public good; the motion passed by voice vote with the familiar condition that the appellant secure all required permits and inspections and receive final building-department approval.