Brimfield trustees review proposed updates to sign regulations; take no action

The Brimfield Township Board of Trustees reviewed proposed amendments to Chapter 7 (Signs) of the township Zoning Resolution at a public hearing on Sept. 3, 2025, at Brimfield Townhall; no action was taken on the proposed revisions.

The draft ordinance, presented to the board for consideration, defines the chapter’s purpose as promoting traffic safety, preserving the township’s appearance and discouraging excessive visual competition in signage. Key provisions in the draft include categories of exempt signs (political signs, governmental notices and certain safety signs), a list of prohibited signs (animated or rotating signs, flashing lights except time/temperature devices, most portable signs and inflatables), and definitions and conditions for legal nonconforming signs.

The proposal sets application and permit rules requiring a Zoning Certificate for most permanent signs and lists submission requirements such as drawings, dimensions and site plans. General rules would limit illumination to constant, non-flashing light, restrict projecting signs and wall projections, prohibit attachment to utility poles or placement in public rights-of-way, and require minimum clearances from sidewalks, roads and overhead wires.

Several numeric limits and procedures are spelled out in the draft: off-premise signs would be allowed only in specified commercial and industrial districts, must be set back at least 20 feet from the right-of-way, 500 feet from certain intersections, residential or institutional parcels and other protected areas, and would be limited to 235 square feet and 40 feet in height; electronic message displays would be required to hold each message at least 20 seconds, change in three seconds or less, and include a default freeze design in the event of malfunction. Temporary and special-event signage rules propose typical size caps (for example, up to 32 sq ft for many freestanding announcement signs, and 16 sq ft in some residential contexts) and defined display periods with prompt post-event removal requirements.

The minutes record only the reading and consideration of the ordinance text; they do not record any formal motion to adopt or amend Chapter 7. The record states "No Action was taken." The hearing concluded shortly thereafter: Trustee Mike Kostensky moved to adjourn at 7:32 AM; Trustee Sue Fields seconded, and the roll-call vote passed unanimously.

The proposed changes would affect businesses, sign companies and residents along major corridors (including properties bordering I-76) by tightening setbacks, size and illumination rules and by clarifying permit requirements. Because the board recorded no action, the draft will remain pending for future consideration or further hearings.