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Planning commission denies Morgan Stanley tenant-name sign; applicant to appeal to city commission
Summary
The commission denied an application to add a tenant-name panel for Morgan Stanley above an existing ground sign at 4070 Woodward Avenue because the sign-content rules permit only a building name, not a tenant name. The applicant will appeal the denial to the city commission.
The Bloomfield Hills Planning Commission voted on June 9 to deny a request to add a tenant-name panel (Morgan Stanley) to an existing ground sign at 4070 Woodward Avenue.
Staff and commissioners reviewed the sign ordinance and concluded that while the proposed additional panel would comply with height, width and illumination standards, the ordinance distinguishes building signs from tenant signs and prohibits adding a tenant name to a ground sign unless the building itself is being renamed. The applicant’s representative, Maryanne Deers of Metro Signs and Lighting, said Morgan Stanley will occupy a substantial portion of the building and the owner supports the sign; she said the owner is prepared to appeal the decision to the city commission.
A planning commission motion to deny was made and seconded; the commission voted to deny the tenant-name addition. Staff noted the applicant’s right to appeal the planning commission decision to the city commission, and the applicant indicated they will pursue that appeal at the next city‑commission meeting.
What happens next: the applicant plans to file an appeal to the city commission. The transcript records no conditions or alternative measures (for example, renaming the building) having been agreed on in lieu of denial.
