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Planning commission approves Church of St. Michael request to add electronic message boards to monument signs
Summary
The Farmington City Planning Commission approved a variance allowing the Church of St. Michael to increase each of two monument signs by 16.5 square feet to add electronic message boards, contingent on a sign permit and electrical permit.
The Farmington City Planning Commission voted June 9 to approve a variance allowing the Church of St. Michael to enlarge two existing monument signs to accommodate electronic message boards.
Tony, planning staff, told the commission the church’s two existing monument signs at the Ash Street and Denmark Avenue entrances are currently 38.5 square feet and 4½ feet high, and that the request would increase each sign by about 28 square feet of electronic messaging, bringing the total sign area to about 66.5 square feet (16.5 square feet over the 50-square-foot limit). He said the proposed height of 8½ feet would remain under the 10-foot maximum. Staff recommended approval, contingent on submittal and approval of a sign permit and an electrical permit.
Mark Murkwood, representing the church, said the electronic displays would let the congregation post service times and events and that the monuments are set back from the roadway; he told commissioners he did not expect the boards to be ‘‘a nuisance’’ to the neighborhood. Commissioners asked about illumination and hours of operation; staff said the city has not generally imposed time limits on electronic church signage but could work with the applicant if light or messaging became a problem.
Members also questioned sight lines and how the displays would be attached. Murkwood described plans to remove masonry caps and anchor reinforcement bars into existing monument footings so the electronic panels could be mounted rather than installing new posts. He and staff confirmed additional electrical work will be required and must be permitted.
After discussion, the commission closed the public hearing and approved the variance. The approval was conditioned on the applicant obtaining an approved sign permit and electrical permit before installation. The commission recorded a unanimous vote in favor of the variance.
The church’s representative said the congregation will proceed with the permit process and with contractor bids; no installation timeline was specified other than the applicant’s expectation that work would likely occur within the coming year.
