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Board denies request to keep 'monster truck' as attention-getting device at 1510 N. Main
Summary
Jason Brennan asked to retain a large, parked 'monster truck' at 1510 North Main as an attention-getting device; the board denied the variance, citing city signage rules and concerns about setting a precedent. Members suggested alternatives including licensing the vehicle or a combined monument sign with the landlord.
The Crown Point City Board of Zoning Appeals on Jan. 26 denied Petition 2601, which sought a variance to allow an attention-getting device — a parked ‘‘monster truck’’ — at 1510 North Main Street.
Petitioner Jason Brennan told the board the truck had been at the property since 2009 and that customers commonly use it as a landmark. He asked the board for relief because his business building is set back from the street and standard monument signage would not give the same visibility.
City staff and the board noted that the city’s sign ordinance permits monument signage and specifically prohibits attention-getting devices, banners and wrapped vehicles as permanent signs. Several board members said approving the variance would set an undesirable precedent by encouraging novel displays and could lead to numerous similar requests. Members offered practical alternatives: license the vehicle and move it periodically if used as a mobile display, or negotiate a combined monument sign with the adjoining property owner.
After discussion, the board voted to deny the petition. The roll-call vote recorded a majority in favor of denial. Staff advised Brennan to explore licensing the vehicle or working with his landlord on a permitted monument sign.
