Whitestown BZA approves slightly larger entry sign for Windswept Farms after petitioner reduces size to 32 sq. ft.

The Whitestown Board of Zoning Appeals on Nov. 6 approved a development standards variance (BZA-25-011-DSV) to allow a 32-square-foot freestanding entry sign for the Windswept Farms subdivision.

Staff told the board the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) limits residential subdivision entry signs to 25 square feet but allows larger sizes in other categories; in response to board feedback at a prior hearing the petitioner reduced the sign from an original design of roughly 38 square feet to 32 square feet. Adam Mears, attorney with Grama Land Development, said the firm ‘‘went back to our sign manufacturing company’’ and ‘‘we're able to reduce it’’ to 32 square feet and asked the board to approve that reduced size.

The nut graph: The board framed the decision as weighing UDO size limits against site-specific visibility and design considerations. Several members said 32 square feet aligned with the multifamily residential allowance and represented a reasonable compromise; one member described difficulty finding a ‘‘practical difficulty’’ justification where the issue was primarily aesthetic and petitioner-created.

Board members discussed the revised plans and manufacturing changes to the sign profile. Philip Snowberger and other members indicated comfort with the reduced size; Snowberger moved to approve the variance ‘‘based on the findings of fact and staff recommendations’’ and substantial compliance with submitted plans. Shelby Haas seconded. On roll call Snowberger and McGee voted in favor, Kingshill voted no, Haas and Akins voted yes. The motion passed 4–1.

The approval notes the board relied on the petitioner’s submitted drawings and the staff report charting the UDO’s sign-size allowances; the board’s motion referenced submitted findings of fact and ‘‘substantial compliance’’ with the plans. No public comment was recorded on this item at the Nov. 6 meeting.

The board moved on to other business after the vote.