Planning commission OKs planned sign program for IMI Critical Engineering headquarters with one small sign deviation

The Lake Forest Planning Commission voted unanimously on June 5 to approve a planned sign program (PSP) for IMI Critical Engineering’s new North American headquarters, a project on a 3.71-acre parcel that the commission previously approved for development.

Staff said the PSP governs the type, number, size, placement and lighting of exterior signs; proposed wall signs are substantially smaller than code maximums, and the applicant also proposed a monument sign within code limits. The single requested deviation would allow an additional 8-square-foot entry wall sign on a low retaining wall at the ramped walkway to the primary entrance. Staff said the sign would be largely out of view from the public right of way and would serve a wayfinding function.

Chris Thomas, the applicant’s project manager, said construction is underway: “We got our approval in January. We got our building permit in April, and we are making good progress towards Q1 completion of the building and occupancy.” Commissioners discussed precedent for minor deviations and agreed the requested sign would improve wayfinding without substantially changing overall sign character.

Outcome and next steps: The commission adopted the PSP with the condition allowing the 8-square-foot wayfinding sign as a site-specific deviation; the applicant may proceed with signage per the approved PSP and must follow any standard building-permit procedures for sign installation.