Middleton commission approves minor SIP modification for orthopedic surgery center sign after dropping a lighting restriction

The Middleton Plan Commission on Nov. 25 approved a minor SIP modification and sign design for the Orthopedic and Spine Surgery Center at 8124 Forsythia Street, removing a staff contingency that would have prohibited illumination of exit and entrance navigational signs.

Staff and the planner presented the proposal and flagged several contingencies: removal of lighting from exit and entrance signs, staff approval of the monument sign location outside the vision triangle and public-utility easements, a 10-foot spacing requirement, and staff approval of a landscaping plan for the monument sign base. The site falls within a PUD, which staff said offers flexibility to deviate from the standard sign code.

Charlie McCall, designer for Sign Art Studio and representing the applicant (Pedersen Spine Center), argued that unlit interior site-navigational signs would make it difficult for patients and visitors to find entrances during early-morning or evening hours: "Our client essentially is concerned that if they're not lit, it'll be difficult to function properly." McCall suggested timers or limited illumination tied to operating hours to reduce nuisance to neighbors.

Commissioners discussed whether to approve a waiver, limit illumination to operating hours, or allow a one-hour buffer before and after business hours using timers. A commissioner offered a substitute motion to remove the lighting restriction contingency; the substitute motion was seconded and carried. The commission approved the SIP modification with the remaining contingencies (monument placement outside the vision triangle, landscaping plan and related conditions). No explicit roll-call tallies were recorded in the transcript; the chair called the question and the motion carried by voice vote.

Staff was directed to finalize monument placement and landscaping details consistent with the approved contingencies.