Council continues sign-variance case, approves two zoning variances for landscaping and warehouse use

The Springfield City Council on Jan. 21 voted to continue a requested variance for signage at 2242 South Sixth Street and approved two separate zoning items: a landscaping/lighting variance for properties on West Jefferson and North Lincoln avenues, and a use variance to allow a warehouse and distribution center in a B-1 Highway Business Service District.

The council continued docket 2024-042, a petition from 2222 South LLC seeking variances related to signs and temporary sign rules for 2242 South Sixth Street, until the Feb. 18 meeting after a motion to continue was made and seconded. The chair called the question and “the ayes have it.” The planning and zoning staff and commission had recommended denial; the petitioner asked for the continuance to give additional time for review.

For docket 2024-054, petitioners Thomas J. Culverus and Christopher P. Culverus asked for multiple landscaping, screening and lighting variances for properties at 1200 West Jefferson Street and 357 and 353 North Lincoln Avenue. The Springfield/Sangamon County regional planning staff recommended approval and the planning and zoning commission concurred. The council voted to accept the commission’s recommendation; the motion was recorded as passing with nine voting yes and none voting no.

The council also approved docket 2024-056, a petition from Stell Development LLC to allow a warehouse and distribution center in a B-1 Highway Business Service District at parcels at the northwest corner of Wabash Avenue and I-72. The regional planning staff recommended denial of the requested reclassification but approved a use variance to allow a warehouse and distribution center in B-1; the planning and zoning commission recommended the same with conditions that no hazardous materials or noxious odors be associated with the uses and that outside storage be screened. The council voted to accept that recommendation; the motion passed with nine voting yes and none voting no.

Council members did not record individual roll-call votes for the continuance of docket 2024-042; votes for the other two items were recorded as 9–0 in favor. No amendments to the commission recommendations were recorded during council debate.

The zoning portion of the meeting concluded before the council moved into executive session on personnel, police investigations and litigation matters.

Votes at a glance

• Docket 2024-042 (2242 South Sixth Street) — petitioners: 2222 South LLC. Requested: multiple sign- and temporary-sign variances (sections cited by staff). Planning & Zoning recommendation: denial. Council action: motion to continue to Feb. 18, 2025 (motion seconded); outcome: continued (vote recorded as “ayes have it”; numerical tally not specified).

• Docket 2024-054 (1200 W. Jefferson St.; 357 & 353 N. Lincoln Ave.) — petitioners: Thomas J. Culverus & Christopher P. Culverus. Requested: landscaping, screening and lighting variances (sections listed in staff report). Planning & Zoning recommendation: approval. Council action: accept Planning & Zoning recommendation; outcome: approved (tally: 9 yes, 0 no).

• Docket 2024-056 (parcels at NW corner of Wabash Ave. & I-72) — petitioner: Stell Development LLC. Requested: reclassification and use/variance to allow warehouse/distribution and custom indoor manufacturing with screened outside storage; conditions: no hazardous materials or noxious odors. Planning & Zoning recommendation: approve use variance with conditions. Council action: accept Planning & Zoning recommendation; outcome: approved (tally: 9 yes, 0 no).

Why this matters: These votes set allowed uses and site requirements for properties that could affect traffic, neighborhood screening and future industrial or distribution activity in parts of Springfield. The continuance of the sign-variance request preserves more time for staff, petitioners and neighbors to review signage and temporary sign issues.