Southfield board approves wall and ground‑sign variances for car wash, rejects roof sign

The Southfield Zoning Board of Appeals on June 16 approved variances that will let a car-wash at 28810 Northwestern Highway install additional wall signage and a second, larger ground support sign while denying a proposed roof sign.

The action resolves ZBA case 26-12, in which the appellant — identifying himself at the hearing as Cal Dager of Dager Signs and Graphics representing the car-wash — asked for multiple waivers from the City of Southfield Sign Ordinance (Chapter 99, Articles 3 and 11). The applicant sought four wall signs where one is permitted, an increase in total allowable wall‑sign square footage (200 permitted; 230 proposed), permission for one roof sign (none permitted), and a second ground support sign (80 sq ft permitted; 159.6 sq ft proposed).

City staff recommended denying the roof sign and the second ground support sign but recommended approval of the additional wall signs and the modest wall‑square‑footage increase. At the hearing, staff emphasized the ordinance’s intent to protect corridor character and to avoid signage that would substantially impair nearby properties.

Appellant Cal Dager said the requests stem from the site’s unusual physical geometry. He described the parcel as a wedge-shaped lot at a high‑speed, diagonal intersection of Northwestern Highway and 12 Mile Road and said multiple wall signs and an additional pylon would improve wayfinding and visibility so drivers can decelerate safely. He also characterized a proposed marquee as a “welcome to Southfield” civic improvement, calling it a public‑art investment by the business.

A letter read into the record from GAHC 4 Southfield MI MOB LLC, owner of 26400 W. 12 Mile Road, opposed the waivers. The letter argued the requested relief would be “excessive in nature,” inconsistent with the Sign Ordinance, could create visual clutter, harm leasing and property values for nearby properties, and set an undesirable precedent. The letter requested copies of full application materials and urged denial or, if relief were granted, strict conditions and the minimum variance necessary.

Board members said they found merit in the appellant’s explanation about the lot’s geometry and the need for visibility but were reluctant to allow roof signs in line with prior practice. After brief discussion, the board moved to approve the additional wall signs, the wall‑square‑footage increase and the second ground support sign (including its square‑footage allowance) and to deny the roof sign. The motion was seconded and the board granted the requests; the applicant was told to continue to work with city staff on permit details.

Records read into the hearing list the subject property as a two‑story, 4,302 sq ft commercial building (zone B3 general business) at 28810 Northwestern Highway, Sidwell 76‑24‑18‑226054. The board referenced section citations from Chapter 99 (Articles 3 and 11) of the Southfield sign code during its findings.

The board’s decision will allow the applicant to proceed with design and permitting for the approved signs, subject to building‑department inspections and any permit conditions required by city staff. The denial of the roof sign preserves the board’s historical reluctance to permit rooftop signage on similar properties.

The board moved on to a second sign case before adjourning.