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Elmhurst business owner questions sign‑permit costs at public forum
Summary
Jose Mehta of Mehta Motors told the Elmhurst City Council he wants to replace a pylon sign but faces permit fees and procedural costs — including a $14,000 vendor estimate and multiple city fees — and asked the city to explain the process and justification.
At the public forum portion of the Elmhurst City Council meeting on Dec. 1, Jose Mehta of Mehta Motors asked the council for clarification about the city’s permitting process and costs for replacing a pylon sign at his business on Spring Road.
Mehta said his sign company estimated $14,000 to replace the top cabinet, and that the company was told the project requires a conditional‑use application fee of $750, a conditional‑use procurement charge of $640, certified mailings to surrounding taxpayers, and attendance fees of $575 per meeting — with four meetings listed. "Why is the city charging us extra? What is the justification for that?" Mehta asked.
Mayor Levin told Mehta the council does not respond directly during the public comment period but that a city staff member would contact him to follow up. The public forum record shows one in‑person commenter on the sign question and one written comment posted for the tax levy hearing.
Mehta identified his business address and said his family has operated in Elmhurst for decades. He asked the council to explain why an apparently like‑for‑like cabinet replacement would be subject to the stated fees and procedural steps; he said the sign pole would remain the same and the new cabinet would match the previous size.
Next steps: staff will follow up with Mehta to explain the permit requirements and fees and to review the application process.
