Monroeville board approves Coxcomb Restaurant electronic sign variance with night-time limits

The Monroeville Zoning Hearing Board on Oct. 1 approved a dimensional variance allowing Coxcomb Restaurant to install an electronic message center that increases a sign side from the ordinance limit of 24 square feet to 32 square feet at 5060 William Penn Highway.

The variance, listed on the agenda as 25-15-A, was requested by applicant William Patterson, who told the board the restaurant lacks visibility from the highway and is seeking a larger, programmable sign to attract passing motorists. The board approved the request with conditions limiting overnight hours and requiring reduced nighttime brightness.

William Patterson, owner/applicant, told the board the restaurant struggles to attract drivers who pass the site. “We have what I would consider to be a very, significant lack of visibility,” Patterson said, adding that “around 1,000,000 cars per month pass our restaurant.” He said the restaurant controls the sign content and that installation is paid through a multi-year subscription that began in July.

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