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Holland Board of Appeals denies variance for 100-foot sign at Sauk Trail Road
Summary
The Board of Appeals voted against a request by applicant Michael B. Everett to build a 100-foot, 697.5 sq. ft. commercial sign at N905 Sauk Trail Road, concluding the application failed to secure the four concurring votes required to grant a variance under town code.
The Holland Board of Appeals on Dec. 4, 2024 declined to grant a variance that would have allowed a 100-foot, 697.5-square-foot sign at N905 Sauk Trail Road in Cedar Grove.
Applicant Michael B. Everett told the board that the site's topography and tall, neighboring trees obscure visibility from Interstate 43, making compliance with the town's sign regulations unsafe and ineffective for motorists. Everett said the proposed sign would be engineered by a Wisconsin-licensed engineer and proposed an automatic dimmer for night-time operation. "This is not simply a matter of convenience, but rather a crucial safety issue," Everett said.
Board members questioned whether the trees Everett cited sit on his property or adjoining parcels (Everett confirmed they are on neighboring land), discussed setbacks and state versus local permitting, and reviewed a driving survey and photo overlays offered by the applicant. Town Building Inspector Tom Huenink said he had no experience with a sign of that height but expected a permit and engineering would be required. Attorney Michael Bauer advised the board that a variance, if granted, would be permanent.
During deliberation the board debated whether the alleged hardship was unique to the property and whether safety concerns justified relief. A motion by John DuMez to deny the variance failed for lack of a second. Member Kenneth Tyler then moved to approve the application and, with Chair James Wonser, amended the motion to require an automatic dimmer as a condition. Clerk Janelle Kaiser took a roll-call vote: Jill Huenink No; Neil Teunissen Yes; James Wonser Yes; Kenneth Tyler Yes; John DuMez No. The motion failed because Holland Town Code requires four concurring votes to grant a variance.
Because the application did not receive the necessary four votes, the variance was not granted and the town retains its existing sign standards for the site. The Board recessed the meeting before the next hearing.
