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Planning commission denies variance for additional gas-station price sign at 11 Mile Road
Summary
Petitioners sought a freestanding product-price sign at the property line of a 1621 East 11 Mile Road filling station; staff said the sign plus an existing masonry wall would obstruct driver sight lines. Commission denied the variance after discussion of raising or relocating the sign.
Royal Oak Planning Commission members denied a petition to allow a second freestanding product-price sign at a fuel station on East 11 Mile Road, concluding the proposed location would obstruct sight lines for vehicles exiting the site.
Staff said the proposed sign — a post-mounted display at the northeast corner of the site near a 30‑inch masonry screening wall and effectively at the property line — would combine with existing features to obstruct southbound drivers’ views when vehicles exit the fuel-station driveway. The sign ordinance prohibits signs that, by size or placement, create a traffic hazard or impair driver visibility.
The petitioners told the commission they could raise the sign or replace landscaping and that they had identified an existing footing where a sign might be mounted. Commissioners explored alternatives including mounting the sign higher and replacing missing landscaping; staff said raising the sign to provide a visibility gap might remove the obstruction but would still require additional variances.
After discussion about competitive advantage from an existing corner sign and whether a conforming alternate was feasible, a motion to deny the variance carried on a roll-call vote. Commissioners stressed petitioners may revise their design and return with a relocated or altered sign that does not obstruct visibility.
Next steps: Petitioners may return with a revised plan that addresses sight-line concerns (raise sign, relocate to a conforming location, or replace landscaping and reduce obstruction). Staff will advise on specific design or setback constraints under the sign ordinance.
