Wayne DRB approves multiple sign and exterior-change applications; many approvals contingent on revised wall-sign ordinance

The Wayne Design Review Board on Jan. 13 granted a series of approvals for storefront signs, a ground sign and one exterior door replacement, with many permits held contingent on adoption of a revised wall-sign rule later this month.

Justin, a township staff member, told applicants that the board could vote to grant conditional approvals tonight but that permit applications must wait until the ordinance — Ordinance 2026-3 — is officially adopted at the township’s Jan. 26, 2026 vote. "If you receive a conditional approval tonight, you'll be applying for your permits only after it has been adopted and approved," Justin said.

The board conditionally approved the following applications pending the ordinance’s adoption: DRB 2025-72 (Real of Pennsylvania, 528 East Lancaster Avenue) for a set of channel letters; DRB 2025-74 (Legendary Smiles, 308 West Lancaster Avenue) for wall, window and a 24-by-36-inch instructional wall sign at the rear entrance; DRB 2025-78 (B Devoted Boutique, 163 West Lancaster Avenue) for a top wall sign to fit an existing cabinet; and DRB 2025-79 (Mainline Revival, 126 East Lancaster Avenue). Each of those motions explicitly noted the approval was contingent on the township adopting the revised wall-sign ordinance on Jan. 26, 2026.

Separately, the board approved DRB 2025-75 for Radnor Plaza (320 — transcript: ‘King of Pressure Road’) for a new ground sign on the condition that the applicant reduce the main sign panel to comply with the 15-square-foot limit for that location. Jim Pierce of M3, the applicant, told the board the sign’s main body measured 15 square feet and that a few inches of the address panel were currently pushing the total over the limit; the board asked him to trim the design slightly.

Christopher’s Restaurant (DRB 2026-01, 108 North Wayne Avenue) was approved to replace its front door with a new aluminum double door following interior work and a Certificate of Occupancy issued in late December. Owner Chris Todd described internal reconfiguration that included new restrooms and a pickup entrance; the board approved the exterior-door replacement by motion.

The board’s approvals were routine and largely unanimous where recorded; in one case a member said they opposed a sign because it “covers up the window,” but votes were taken by vocal assent rather than a recorded roll-call.

Next steps: applicants with conditional approvals must wait until Ordinance 2026-3 is adopted on Jan. 26, 2026 before applying for permits; the Radnor Plaza applicant must submit a revised sign drawing that reduces the primary panel to at or under 15 square feet.

Sources: Board meeting transcript and applicant presentations as recorded at the Wayne Design Review Board meeting on Jan. 13, 2026.