Planning commission approves Bigby Coffee exterior sign and glazing as submitted

The Huntington Woods Planning Commission voted to approve the exterior elevation and illuminated sign for Bigby Coffee at 26020/18 Coolidge, limiting tonight’s review to the façade and sign after prior approval of interior use.

Staff told the commission the interior use had already been approved and the application before the commission covered only the exterior elevation and the proposed sign. Judith Story, representing Bigby Coffee, said the proposed exterior largely matches the existing façade except for the Bigby sign and an additional glass door. “Just here to present… the way it is now,” Story said.

Commissioners asked whether the sign would be illuminated and when lights would be turned off; staff and the applicant said the sign is illuminated and would be turned off at or before closing (around 10–11 p.m.). The commission also clarified that while planters appear on the rendering, those planters may not be used to delineate a seating patio without subsequent special‑land‑use approval.

Staff explained that if Bigby or a future tenant were to establish an exterior patio that uses parking spaces, the business might trigger additional parking requirements; staff illustrated the parking effect in the meeting, noting an example calculation if outside seating were to reduce available spaces. The commission recorded no public objections during the open comment period.

After brief discussion a commissioner moved to approve the elevation “as drawn,” a second was recorded and the commission voted in favor.

The commission’s approval covers only the sign and exterior changes presented; any patio, outdoor seating or other use that would require special land‑use review or additional parking will require a separate application and commission review.