Fishers BZA approves Crew Car Wash sign package, permits digital menu-style board with orientation and lighting limits

The Fishers Board of Zoning Appeals approved three related sign variances for Crew Car Wash at 11578 Allisonville Road, allowing (1) a second freestanding ground sign on the parcel despite frontage under 250 feet, (2) an internal electronic message/menu board oriented to queued vehicles, and (3) wall-mounted drive-aisle preview signs increased from 4 to 6 square feet.

Joe Calderon, attorney representing SignCraft on the Crew Car Wash account, told the board the digital and preview signs are designed to serve drivers already in the facility’s queue rather than to advertise to Allisonville Road, describing the digital unit as functioning “the way a drive through restaurant [menu board] would” for motorists already in line. Grace Wiley, planner for the City of Fishers, said the UDO allows digital menu boards for quick-service restaurants with drive-thru operations but that staff recommended denial for this application based on concerns the electronic message board could distract motorists, potential noncompliance with video/display standards, and sign density along Allisonville Road.

Board members discussed procedure and whether to take the three variance requests separately; they ultimately handled them as three separate motions. For the first variance (second ground sign) the board approved with the mandatory condition that the sign face be oriented west (to Fishers Landing Drive) and not face Allisonville Road, and that approval documentation be recorded with the Hamilton County Recorder’s Office. The second variance (electronic message board) was approved with conditions that the device be oriented internally, comply with existing UDO brightness and lighting standards for digital message boards, and that the approval be recorded. The third variance (increase of wall-mounted drive-aisle signs from 4 to 6 sq ft) was approved as requested. Each motion passed on roll call; the recorded votes show the board members present voting in favor for each of the three items.

The approvals include standard follow-up steps: recordation of the approval letter and related documentation with the Hamilton County Recorder's Office and compliance with UDO lighting and display standards for any digital element. The petitioner indicated willingness to accept those conditions.