Danvers ZBA approves Chick‑fil‑A signage at Liberty Tree with reduced pylon size
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Summary
The board approved variances/waivers for a multi-sign package for the new Chick‑fil‑A at Liberty Tree (50 Independence Way) and imposed conditions: a pylon no taller than 15 feet and no larger than 45 sq ft, static reader board only, and agreed allowance for three additional wall signs.
The Danvers Zoning Board of Appeals granted signage relief for a Chick‑fil‑A proposed at 50 Independence Way, allowing an aggregate signage package larger than by-right limits and approving a pylon sign on the condition the pylon be reduced to a maximum height of 15 feet and a maximum area of 45 square feet.
Megan Jackson of Anchor Sign Inc., representing the applicant, outlined the plan for two primary wall signs, a community-oriented welcome message and a pylon sign to improve visibility from interior drives and Independence Street. "We are requesting for 2 wall signs, a welcome message, and a pylon for the new Chick fil A development," Jackson said. Chick‑fil‑A representative Zach Middlebrooks confirmed authorization from the property owner and said the teams had worked with town staff through site plan review.
Board members asked for details about illumination, the reader board and how the package compared to recent approvals (Kelly's pylon). The applicant initially requested a 20-foot, 52.64-square-foot pylon. After discussion the applicant agreed to lower the pylon to 15 feet and to reduce the cabinet area; Megan Jackson said the firm could "meet 45" square feet. The board also confirmed the reader board will be a static, manually changeable display (not an electronic moving or flashing sign).
Planning staff noted that while some wall signage shown is allowed by right, the combined aggregate exceeded the bylaw threshold and therefore required relief; engineering indicated the sign location would not obstruct underground infrastructure and that building-permit details would be submitted at construction.
Two motions were made and approved: a variance/waiver under the zoning bylaw to allow aggregate signage larger than allowed by right, and a separate variance/waiver to permit a pylon up to 15 feet and 45 sq ft and three additional wall signs. Board members asked the applicant to submit final engineered details for the pylon footing and post with the building permit.
