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Planning panel approves Rivian sign face replacement at 120 East Avenue
Summary
The Elyria Planning Commission granted a design‑review waiver requested by Brilliant Electric Sign Company to replace the internally illuminated sign face at Rivian’s facility, approving the waiver by voice vote.
The Elyria Planning Commission approved a waiver of the design‑review guidelines to allow an internally illuminated replacement face for an existing monument sign at 120 East Avenue, the company representing the sign said.
John Benek of Brilliant Electric Sign Company told the commission the work is a like‑for‑like face replacement for the monument sign, changing the graphics to reflect Rivian without altering the background color. After a short staff summary, Commissioner Onderko moved to approve the waiver; Commissioner Panowski seconded. The commission voted by voice, and the motion carried with all members saying “aye.”
Why it matters: the waiver departs from the planning commission’s design guidance that generally disallows internally illuminated white‑background sign faces; the commission has approved similar exceptions in the past.
Staff report and applicant remarks Chris Schoning summarized the application and explained that an internally illuminated sign face with a white background is not permitted under current design‑review guidelines, though the commission has recommended similar exceptions previously. Benek said the change involves new graphics only and that “it’s basically just changing the graphics on the signage” and that the sign will be “basically like for like.”
Outcome and next steps The commission approved agenda item 2024‑100‑1176 (Brilliant Electric Sign Company for 120 East Avenue) by voice vote. With the commission’s recommendation, any final permitting required for the sign itself will proceed through the city’s standard building‑permit and sign‑permit processes.
Votes at a glance - 2024‑100‑1176 (waiver of design‑review guidelines for monument sign face replacement at 120 East Avenue): Moved by Commissioner Onderko; seconded by Commissioner Panowski; approved by voice vote (ayes recorded by chair; no opposing vocalizations recorded).
