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Zoning board permits north and south building signs for new Middletown Self Storage building, declines east wall request
Summary
The Zoning Board granted a special‑use permit allowing building‑mounted signage on the north and south elevations of the new Middletown Self Storage building at 101 Valley Road; the board did not approve an east wall sign after discussion about scale and context.
The Town of Middletown Zoning Board approved a sign special‑use permit for Middletown Self Storage LLC that allows building‑mounted signs on the north and south elevations of a new storage facility at 101 Valley Road (Lot 403 on Tax Assessor’s Plat 107 Southeast). The board voted 5‑0 in favor of the north and south signs and did not approve the east‑facing wall sign proposed in the application.
Applicant Robert Reed and attorney David Martland told the board the building’s architectural design resembles a low‑profile commercial structure and that, without large glass storefronts, drivers will not recognize the use unless signage is provided. The application proposed three identical building‑mounted signs (each about 33 square feet) on the north, south and east elevations plus a post‑style sign at the front of the site. During discussion board members and the applicant agreed the site topography made a low monument sign impractical and that building‑mounted and a post sign would be more visible from Valley Road.
Board members asked about lighting, police access and the sign size relative to the roadway. The applicant said the proposed signs are internally illuminated channel letters (backlit) and would operate on a photocell; he offered to set exterior lighting on a timer so signs are not illuminated late into the night. Nathan Godfrey, a land‑use appraiser who reviewed the plan, testified the sign proposal was consistent with the site design and comparable local approvals.
After discussion, the board approved the north and south building‑mounted signs by motion (5‑0) and declined the east wall sign as unnecessary; members said a pole or post sign and the two wall signs provided sufficient identification without over‑signing the building. One board member suggested the applicant coordinate with police regarding any lighting or security concerns and that new lighting comply with the town lighting ordinance. The board recorded the vote as 5‑0.
Action summary: Special‑use permit approved for north and south building‑mounted signs at 101 Valley Road (Middletown Self Storage LLC) — approved 5‑0. The east‑facing wall sign was not approved; the post/monument sign and any lighting must comply with town rules and may be subject to subsequent permit conditions.
The applicant and board agreed to coordinate on lighting timing and compliance before final installation.
