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Board hears request for sign variances from veterinary emergency clinic
Summary
A new veterinary specialty and emergency clinic asked the ZBA for variances to install two large channel‑letter signs and logos on awnings; the board discussed awning rules, illumination and precedent and agreed to carry the matter to a January meeting after staff locates a prior approval for the building.
A Village Zoning Board of Appeals hearing on a sign variance for a proposed veterinary specialty and emergency clinic centered on size, illumination and whether awning logos require separate approval. The applicant, Jamie Jones of Sand Signs and Awnings, said the project would place channel‑letter signs on two street‑facing sides and two 24‑inch logos on existing awnings; the applicant seeks a 3‑inch variance for overall letter height (33 inches proposed versus a 30‑inch code limit) and a separate variance for a large 49.25‑inch logo on the building face.
The board’s building inspector, Scott Branson, told the panel there is limited code language governing awning signage in the village and that similar awnings existed for the prior tenant. “Awnings are not dealt with in great detail in the code,” he said, noting the village has allowed reskinned awnings in previous approvals. Counsel and board members debated whether the application should be considered under an area/dimensional variance standard rather than a use variance because the request alters sign dimensions and number rather than building use.
Neighbors and board members asked whether the awning logos will be illuminated and how long lights would remain on. The applicant said the channel letters and logo would be internally illuminated but that awnings themselves would not be lit; illumination would follow village limits (the applicant said signs would switch off according to the village nighttime limit). The applicant also agreed to reduce the large 49‑inch logo toward the code maximum (stating willingness to seek 30 inches for the awning logo if required).
Board members asked staff to check records for any prior determination or resolution approving similar signage for the earlier tenant, Shapiro and Siegel, and to add that finding to the next agenda packet. Without objection the board carried the matter to the January meeting so members can review the prior file and consider a single amended application incorporating awning logos and dimensions. No final variance was granted at the meeting.
What’s next: The application will return to the ZBA in January with the prior determination included in the record and with any revised dimensions the applicant files.
