The Menomonee Falls Planning Commission on Jan. 7 considered a multi-part sign-exemption request from Shepherd Arms for its building on Main Street, ultimately approving awnings, approving window and door decals by a 5–1 vote, and rejecting a wall sign on a dock door by a 1–5 vote.

Planner Amy Bennett reminded commissioners the item had been introduced at prior meetings and that the public hearing in December drew several speakers who generally supported the request. Bennett said staff recommended approval for the awnings, window/door decals and the wall sign as presented.

Commissioners spent more than an hour discussing the proposal. Several members expressed concern that the applicant installed signage before seeking approval and warned of a “slippery slope” if exceptions were routinely granted after the fact. One commissioner said the awnings fit the building’s character and were acceptable, but that the garage/dock door signage should be reduced to meet the 25‑square‑foot limit in code.

After discussion, commissioners agreed to amend the original single motion into three separate votes. The commission unanimously approved the awning exemption. The motion to allow window and door decals exceeding the permitted percentage passed 5–1. The motion to allow the dock‑door wall sign larger than the 25‑square‑foot code limit failed 1–5. The commission secretary recorded the votes in the minutes and staff summarized the outcomes for the record.

The approvals are subject to the village’s sign permit process (including payment of the listed double fees referenced in the staff report). Commissioners asked staff to ensure the final permits reflect any size limitations and to document the commission’s conditions in the permit files.