Board directs staff to draft sign‑code amendments to allow electronic menu boards and streamline notices

The Village Board directed staff on July 6 to prepare final ordinance language to amend the sign code in three areas: drive‑thru restaurant menu signage, drive‑thru wall signage, and sign‑variation notification requirements.

Planning staff told trustees the proposed changes respond to repeated variation requests and a prior board request to permit electronic menu boards. Staff recommended allowing electronic drive‑thru menu boards up to 23 square feet (pre‑sell menu boards up to 10 square feet), require static displays (no video or flashing), require auto‑dimming technology and limit illumination to business operating hours. Staff also proposed allowing a second wall sign for drive‑through restaurants in addition to the sign permitted on the street frontage; requests for more than two signs would still require a variation.

Finally, staff recommended changing the notice process for sign variations from certified mail sent seven days in advance to first‑class mail sent 15 days in advance to match notice timelines used for other zoning matters. The Design Commission reviewed the amendments and recommended approval subject to the conditions staff described.

Trustees asked about enforcement and lumens/foot‑candle standards; staff said the technology for electronic signs includes auto‑dimming and that complaints would trigger inspections. The board made a motion to direct staff and the village attorney to prepare final documents for adoption; the motion passed on a voice/roll call without opposition.

The motion instructs staff to prepare ordinance drafts for a future meeting where the board will consider final adoption.