Trenton planning commission approves Taco Bell site plan with minor sign and lighting deviations

The Trenton Planning Commission unanimously approved a site plan for a new 2,278‑square‑foot Taco Bell restaurant at Trenton Square on July 1, allowing two minor deviations from the city code as part of the planned unit development review.

Staff presented the proposal and recommended approval, saying utilities, stormwater, parking, landscaping, signage and circulation meet applicable PUD standards and that the detailed engineering review will continue. Staff described the requested deviations as minor: a monument sign measuring 52 square feet where the traditional code permits 50 square feet, and site lighting with poles reaching 22.5 feet where 20 feet is typically allowed. "These deviations are minor in nature and consistent with the overall design of the development," the staff presenter said and recommended approval subject to the conditions in the site report.

A commissioner asked why the deviations were necessary. A project representative explained the sign manufacturer produced a sign with framing that increased the overall size slightly above the code face area and that the lighting poles are standard components supplied with the building package. Commissioners discussed how other cities measure sign area (face only versus including the border) and noted that the PUD provides added flexibility for these measurements.

A motion to approve the site plan was made by Miss Harris and seconded by Mister Maloney; a roll‑call vote recorded Mister Bishop, Mister Prophet, Mister Maloney and Miss Harris voting "yes," and the motion passed 4–0. The staff report and the city engineer’s subsequent technical review will govern final engineering and permitting before construction begins.

The vote clears the Taco Bell site plan to move forward to final engineering review under the Trenton Square PUD conditions; no appeals or additional hearings were recorded at the meeting.