Warren Zoning Board denies two LED-heavy monument signs for Dequindre/14 Mile site

The Warren City Zoning Board of Appeals on Jan. 14 denied a request to install two large monument signs with electronic message centers at a commercial property on Dequindre and 14 Mile Road.

The petitioner’s representative, Lecy Baker, said the owner sought two monument signs and had proposed smaller reader boards after earlier feedback. Planning staff told the board it had not found a permit for the existing 14 Mile sign and that enforcement would follow once research was complete.

Board members focused on the electronic-message center (EMC) portion and overall sign scale. “I’m not in favor of any LEDs in this town until we could get some kind of wrangle on the ones that we currently have,” said Mr. Jersey, voicing a position echoed by several colleagues. Members cited the ordinance limit for EMC area and said the proposed EMCs exceeded that allowance even after the petitioner reduced sizes.

Mr. Jersey moved to deny the petition on grounds that the signs would be a detriment to the area, were not required by any unique property condition and were effectively self-imposed. The motion carried on a recorded voice vote. Board members present recorded votes to deny.

The petitioner responded after the vote that the client would revert to an ordinance-sized reader board (3-by-6 feet) and coordinate with city staff on next steps.

The board’s decision leaves the property with only the sign area allowed under existing approvals unless the petitioner pursues a narrower EMC or other variance with additional justification.