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ZBA approves town hall sign exception at 25 Mile and Broughton
Summary
The Zoning Board of Appeals granted a sign-exception allowing the township to place a two-part ground sign 2.5 feet from the mapped road right-of-way (effectively about 22.5 feet from a typical right-of-way line) at the intersection of 25 Mile Road and Broughton Road. The vote was unanimous, 5–0.
The Macomb Township Zoning Board of Appeals on Tuesday approved a sign-exception request that allows a new township ground sign to be placed 2.5 feet from the road right-of-way at the southwest corner of 25 Mile Road and Broughton Road.
Planning staff told the board the sign-exception relates to section 20-7(b)(2) and is for permanent parcel 0809200020. Although the requested setback is 2.5 feet from the recorded right-of-way, staff explained the corner includes a 20-foot notched area so the proposed location is effectively about 22.5 feet from where a normal right-of-way line would run. The township is proposing a two-component municipal sign with an electronic informational panel and a separate logo/wayfinding element.
Staff said the proposed sign meets the ordinance’s size standards and that placement outside the clear-vision triangle was verified. The county previously drew the irregular right-of-way when the complex was built; staff said the county would be willing to vacate the notched area but that doing so would require a formal survey, documentation and likely an easement for utilities. Notices were mailed to property owners within 300 feet and the item was published in the newspaper as required by state statute.
Resident Jessica Nathan of 51825 Card Road spoke during the public-comment period, asking whether nearby residents had objected, how brightness would be controlled and whether the sign would run 24 hours a day. Staff responded that the sign ordinance includes illumination and message-change standards and that the township had not sought an exception to those standards; any installed sign must meet those illumination limits. Staff also noted commercial development and road extension are planned for the area in the coming years.
Board member DeCoster moved to approve the sign-exception request, citing visibility and the minimal nature of the encroachment; Board member Mazzara supported the motion. The roll call vote was unanimous, 5–0, and the board approved the exception for parcel 0809200020. Staff said the sign will still need to comply with the sign code’s illumination and message-change rules when installed.
