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Whitestown BZA approves Wally’s 90‑foot pylon sign with 36‑inch digital digits, 3–2
Summary
The Whitestown Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance allowing Wally’s to install a 90‑foot pylon sign with a condition that digital digits be no larger than 36 inches; the board also accepted the petitioner’s withdrawal of a separate request to add a third canopy badge.
A majority of the Whitestown Board of Zoning Appeals voted March 5 to allow Wally’s to install a 90‑foot pylon sign with a digital pricing display limited to 36‑inch digits, overturning staff’s recommendation against pylon/pole signs.
Why it matters: The board’s decision allows the Wally’s site to use a tall roadside identifier along the I‑65 corridor, which the petitioner said is essential to compete with an established travel center across the highway.
Staff introduced BZA25‑013‑DSV and a related BZA26‑006‑DSV canopy‑badge request and recommended denying the pole/pylon sign under the UDO’s prohibition on pylon signs, noting that other on‑site signs and canopy badges could provide sufficient visibility. A planning representative said, “poll signs are strictly prohibited based on the UDO,” and recommended denial because the variance criteria were not met.
Nathan Hale, director of construction and facilities for Wally’s Bridal Centers, told the board he and the owner believe the pylon sign is necessary to draw highway traffic: “That pylon sign’s incredibly important to our business,” he said, adding the company would be willing to negotiate other on‑site branding and to study light impacts. Hale also proposed additional ‘Whitestown’ signage on site and said Wally’s could dim digital elements if needed.
During discussion board members raised concerns about light pollution, driver distraction and whether the company’s marketing advantages (billboards, Google presence) undercut the need for a pylon sign. One member asked whether the digital portion could be reduced; another said if pylon signs are prohibited by the UDO generally, that should guide decisions here.
A motion to approve the variance “as presented with 36‑inch digital signs” and with the staff findings (and a revised third finding that strict application would result in a practical difficulty) passed 3–2. The roll call recorded the votes as: Louis Akins—Aye; Philip Snowberger—Aye; Andrew McGee—Nay; [Mister] Kingsley—Yes; Miss Hobbs—No.
After the pylon motion passed, the petitioner withdrew BZA26‑006‑DSV, the request to increase canopy badging from two to three; staff confirmed the withdrawal and said Wally’s would work with staff on the two alternate Whitestown‑branding signs and submit renderings for administrative review.
What’s next: The approval stands with the 36‑inch digit limitation and with the package and findings identified in the staff packet. Wally’s and town planning staff will finalize the exact finishes, colors and any additional sign details under staff review.
