BZA approves larger directional signs for Love's Travel Stop to direct new RV hookups

The Angola City Board of Zoning Appeals on Sept. 22 voted to approve two variances that will allow Love's Travel Stop, at 3443 West Maumee Street, to install two directional device signs larger and taller than current sign standards permit.

City staff told the board the application (2025 BZA 09001) requests variances from Section 18.18.008 of the Unified Development Ordinance for directional sign area and directional sign height. Staff said the proposed new signs would match existing on-site directional signs at 15 square feet per sign face and 7 feet in height, versus the ordinance limits of 3 square feet and 36 inches, and recommended approval.

Frank Ille, director for RV development for Love's Travel Stops, told the board the changes involve replacing some sign panels and adding two internal directional signs: one for the entrance to the RV-hookup area and one for the exit. Ille said the existing signs are already at the height and size requested and that the new signs are intended to control the flow of large vehicles. He said the company has installed similar RV hookups at other locations and that the typical stay at those hookups is about 1.04 nights.

During public comment a nearby resident said length of stay was a concern. Staff and the petitioner said length-of-stay rules vary by location and are handled in Love's internal rules and sometimes in store-by-store reservation settings; Ille said the company does not want the hookups used as long-term residences and that in some locations a 28-day cap applies to separate RV parks, while the model implemented at existing stores shows most customers stay one night.

Board members read the required findings for each variance (area and height), agreeing that the requested changes would not be injurious to public health or safety, that matching existing signs would not adversely affect adjacent property values, and that strict enforcement of the ordinance would create practical difficulties for traffic control and visibility for large vehicles. The board approved the sign-area variance and then the sign-height variance by voice vote; the staff record shows the motions passed with all members voting in favor.

The petitioner asked whether the new RV hookups will require separate development-plan approval; staff said a determination had not been made and that the hookups may be subject to additional review. Staff also said building permits for the sign faces will be issued once the applicant submits the final materials.