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Whitestown BZA approves Wally's on‑site monument sign variance at 4209 Perryworth Road
Summary
The Town of Whitestown Board of Zoning Appeals voted to approve a variance allowing Wally's a larger on‑site monument sign (BZA25‑014DSV). Staff recommended approval after finding the petition met the three variance criteria; the board recorded a roll call and declared the motion passed.
The Town of Whitestown Board of Zoning Appeals voted Jan. 8 to approve a variance allowing Wally's to install an on‑site monument (road‑trip) sign at 4209 Perryworth Road that exceeds the ordinance's standard height and square footage limits.
Planning staff told the board that the petition BZA25‑014DSV met the three criteria that govern development‑standard variances: that the approval would not injure the public health, safety or general welfare; that surrounding property values would not be substantially harmed; and that strict application of the ordinance would create practical difficulties for the property's intended use. Staff directed the board to a chart in the packet showing the requested dimensions (staff said height is nearly double and square footage is about 2.5 times the standard).
Nathan Hale, identified in the record as Wally's director of construction and facilities, described the monument sign as a brand element used at the company's other locations and said it is important to the store's identity. "This particular sign ... it's kind of our home of the great American road trip sign," Hale said, adding that people often photograph the sign and that it contributes to the company's marketing.
Board members asked about visibility and safety around the sign and whether pedestrian or vehicle behavior would create hazards; Hale said other Wally's sites include roundabouts, sidewalks and design elements that allow customers to safely approach and photograph the sign and offered to provide additional site videos and details to staff. Staff also noted the sign primarily faces on‑site users and would not be directly visible from the interstate in the same way as a pylon sign.
A motion to approve BZA25‑014DSV was made and seconded. During roll call the board recorded affirmative votes for Mister Snowberger, Mister McGee, Mister Kingshill and Mister Akins; the chair declared the motion passed. The transcript records the approval and does not list a recorded vote for the remaining member in the roll call as part of the roll call response for this motion.
The approval is limited to the findings and substantial compliance with the submitted site plans and the recorded staff recommendations; the petitioner and staff discussed timing and conditions for lighting and digital elements (including dimming and restrictions), which staff said can be included in conditions. The board closed the public hearing for the item after receiving no in‑room or online public comment.
The board's action allows Wally's to proceed with the approved monument sign project as described in the petition packet, subject to any conditions and final permitting through planning and building processes.
