Plan Commission approves sign variance for Gordon’s #1 at 3595 N. 124th St.

The Brookfield Plan Commission on April 13 approved a variance permitting changeable copy to occupy the top half of a freestanding sign for Gordon’s #1 Complete Auto & Truck Service at 3595 N. 124th Street.

Zoning Administrator Justin Drew summarized the request and staff recommendation to grant a variance from section 15.16.080(I)(2) of the Brookfield Municipal Code, which ordinarily requires electronic or changeable copy displays to occupy the lower half of a freestanding sign. Applicant Paul Butler of Bauer Sign & Lighting told the commission that an existing Brookfield 124th Commerce District sign partially blocks the lower portion of the proposed sign from southbound traffic, and that placing the changeable copy higher would improve readability.

"Per the municipal sign code, the message is only allowed to change every five minutes and cannot include any animation," Drew told the commission.

Alderman Rick Owen said he supported granting the variance given the nonconforming status of the existing pole sign on the lot and the proposed upgrade to a monument-style sign. Alderman Gary Mahkorn echoed that support and complimented the proposed design improvements.

Staff described the proposed monument sign as a 60-square-foot structure set on a 24-inch masonry base, with routed aluminum panels on the non-changeable portion and an electronic message center on the changeable portion. The applicant argued the Commerce District sign’s location is an unusual site factor that justifies a variance under the code’s criteria for area, design, and site difficulties.

A motion by Alderman Gary Mahkorn, seconded by Alderman Rick Owen, to approve staff’s recommendation carried (vote recorded as 6-0). The commission’s approval is recorded as a recommendation to permit the sign variance; signage and electrical/installation details remain subject to separate zoning and building review and permitting.