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Plan Commission approves five sign variances for Finn McCool's in Wheeling Town Center
Summary
The Wheeling Plan Commission on Nov. 19 approved five sign-variance requests for Finn McCool's and Moretti's at 373 W. Dundee Road, including a larger blade sign, wall signs on non-fronting facades, an awning sign, a cabinet logo sign and a limited allowance for a wall sign to extend above the roof line; several conditions were attached and the items proceed to the Village Board on Dec. 1.
The Wheeling Plan Commission voted Nov. 19 to recommend approval of five sign-variance requests (PV250009–PV250013) for Finn McCool's and Moretti's at 373 West Dundee Road in the Wheeling Town Center.
Staff explained that variances are requested because the Town Center layout differs from standard retail frontage and that the petition seeks an increase in blade sign area, permission for wall and canopy signs on facades without street frontage, a cabinet-style logo sign and a limited projection above the roof line.
Mark Hoffman, owner of Finn McCool's, told the commission the building's visibility is limited by trees and neighboring facades and that larger or higher signage is necessary for wayfinding. He said he consolidated multiple previous signs to achieve a cohesive look and that his designs match the Moretti's sign family. "I went to great lengths to get rid of the hodgepodge of 7 other signs for the previous businesses that failed in that location," he said.
Commissioners questioned sightlines, residential impacts and elevation measurements; petitioner acknowledged the elevation drawing showing the sign projecting approximately 6 feet above the roof line and agreed the backside would be painted a neutral solid color to minimize residential impact.
Votes on the five variances were recorded individually; staff added conditions including non-transferability for some variances, requirement of a Wheeling sign permit prior to installation, and a requirement that the backside of the roofline sign be a solid color as determined by the petitioner. All five variances were approved by the commission and will go to the Village Board on Dec. 1 for final action.
The approvals are framed by the Plan Commission as means to improve wayfinding and business viability while imposing conditions intended to limit visual impact on nearby residents.
