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Planning commission approves 80-foot Kwik Trip interstate sign variance; asks for lower monument alternatives
Summary
The commission approved a variance allowing an 80-foot tall, 225-square-foot freestanding pylon sign for the Kwik Trip site adjacent to I‑94, citing visibility constraints at the interchange, but asked the applicant to present two monument-sign alternatives (12 and 16 feet) for planning-council review.
The Dayton Planning Commission approved a sign variance for the Kwik Trip development near I‑94 after hearing public comment that large interstate-oriented signs could alter the corridor’s character.
Kwik Trip representatives presented a sign-visibility study showing that, because of grade changes, existing billboards and the Dayton Parkway overpass, a standard code-compliant pylon sign (25 feet tall, 64 square feet) would not provide adequate advance notice to interstate drivers exiting at Dayton. The applicant (represented by Matthew Lehi) said the 80-foot, 225-square-foot sign is the minimum size that would be visible and safe from both directions of the interstate.
Several residents opposed the variance on aesthetic and precedent grounds. One resident said the corridor already includes numerous billboards and that approving a large sign would invite similar requests. Staff recommended denial in the packet based on the code’s intent, but the commission weighed the site-specific visibility evidence and the public‑safety argument that interstate drivers need enough advance notice. Commissioners approved the variance in a 4-0 vote but attached a request that the applicant present two monument-sign alternatives (12‑ and 16‑foot options) to the city council so the council can select a final design that meets both visibility and aesthetic expectations.
The applicant said the sign-survey consultant used video and aerial scaling to demonstrate where the sign would appear along the route; the consultant noted that, although 80 feet sounds tall, topography and proximity to road grades make the sign appear less imposing from most vantage points. The commission also discussed a second on‑site Dayton‑Parkway-facing sign (code compliant) and asked that the applicant refine that sign’s design (monument versus pedestal) for council consideration.
The commission’s approval authorizes the variance for sign height and sign area but asked for design alternatives and clearer examples to be presented to the council before final installation.
