Cleveland Clinic Akron General seeks three ground signs within setback at South Broadway entrance; planning staff recommends approval with conditions
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Summary
Cleveland Clinic Akron General requested permission to place three freestanding ground signs within required setbacks to improve wayfinding at multiple property frontages; planning staff and planning commission recommended approval subject to conditions; sign contractor testified signage would not hinder visibility.
Cleveland Clinic Akron General asked the planning committee for a conditional use authorization to place three destination ground signs within building setbacks at the hospital campus, citing unusually wide right-of-way and long building setbacks that reduce sign visibility from adjacent streets.
Planner Mike Antonucci described the proposal: a primary identification sign at the South Broadway entrance one foot from the right-of-way measuring 4 feet high by 8 feet wide (32 square feet), constructed of double-sided aluminum with internal illumination, plus two directional signs (18 square feet and 10 square feet) sited near the East Barges/South Main intersection and at the South Main entrance. Antonucci said the proposed locations were a suitable solution to visibility challenges and that planning staff and the planning commission recommended approval subject to conditions.
Tom Yankovich of Ellet Sign Company, speaking for the petitioner, told the committee the large site has three frontages, and that the South Broadway right-of-way is about 40 feet from the curb so the proposed 1-foot setback would not encroach on sight lines. "Placing that one foot setback from the right of way does not hinder visibility at that entrance at all," Yankovich said. He added that the directional signs would be sited to avoid hindering ingress and egress.
No members of the public spoke in opposition. The committee closed the public hearing and invited the applicant to return for the evening session where the committee would make a recommendation to full council.
Why it matters: Large institutional sites with multiple frontages can face wayfinding challenges; staff recommended a targeted deviation from standard setbacks to improve safety and patient access while keeping conditions intended to protect sight lines.
What’s next: Applicant invited to the evening council meeting for committee recommendation to full council.
Quotes: "The petitioner is correct in stating that the substantial building setback and wide right of way creates a challenge to provide adequately visible signage for this busy facility," Mike Antonucci, Planning Department. "Placing that one foot setback from the right of way does not hinder visibility at that entrance at all," Tom Yankovich, Ellet Sign Company.
Ending note: Planning staff recommended approval subject to conditions; no neighborhood objections were recorded during the hearing.
