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BZA permits second wall sign for Dairy Queen on Franklin Street with no‑EMC condition
Summary
The board approved petition B‑107‑26 allowing a second wall sign at the Dairy Queen at 2506 Franklin Street, conditioned on the sign not containing an electronic message center and compliance with local illumination and sign code sections.
The Michigan City Board of Zoning Appeals on May 12 approved petition B‑107‑26 to allow a secondary wall sign on the Dairy Queen building at 2506 Franklin Street.
Petitioner Ted Vineyard, who owns the building, said franchise standards required channel‑letter signage mounted on an existing eyebrow feature rather than the building face. Vineyard told the board the eyebrow projects about 18–24 inches and the proposed sign would not extend beyond the closest roof element.
Planning staff recommended approval under section 19.04 and section 28.11(b) of the joint zoning ordinance, noting the proposed secondary wall sign would be about 24.5 square feet—well under the 100‑square‑foot maximum—and recommending two conditions: the sign must not contain an electronic message center (EMC), and the sign must comply with illumination provisions in city code (sections 19.04(f) and 19.06(d). A public commenter supported the request as modest and compatible with franchise requirements.
The board approved the variance adopting the planning and attorney reports and adding the staff conditions. The roll‑call vote recorded unanimous yes votes by members present.
Next steps: The petitioner must follow the city’s sign and illumination code and must not include EMC in the new sign.
