Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Commercial Signage topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
ZBA approves Raising Cane’s sign package with conditions: mural must be painted, mascot debranded
Summary
After extended discussion about whether decorative elements are 'signs' or architectural features, the ZBA approved Raising Cane’s multi-sign package with conditions that the large mural remain painted, a numbered accent be treated as architecture, and the mascot’s bandana contain no company branding.
The Henrietta Zoning Board of Appeals approved a multi-variance signage package for a proposed Raising Cane’s restaurant on Jefferson Road but attached conditions intended to limit advertising redundancy.
Raising Cane’s project representatives presented a package that included standard identification lettering, a painted mural on the Jefferson Road façade, an accent panel and a mascot figure. The applicant argued the multiple elements were necessary for safety and wayfinding because of medians and turning constraints on Jefferson Road. "Each of these signs... are literally designed as traffic and safety issues," project lead Jerry Goldman (speaker 18) said during the presentation.
Several board members expressed concern that a large mural and separate logo signage on the same face could create redundant advertising and set a precedent for other businesses. After debate, the board approved the package with three principal conditions: the mural must be painted directly onto the building (not a mounted or backlit sign); the numbered accent piece may be treated as an architectural element rather than a sign; and the mascot’s bandana must not display the Raising Cane’s name or logo. The final resolution reduced the count of regulated signs for the property and specified the mural’s maximum painted area in the permit notes.
Board members said the conditions balance the applicant’s traffic/safety arguments with preserving the town’s signage limits. One member summarized: approving a painted mural while prohibiting mounted advertising keeps design character without blocking wayfinding.
What’s next: With zoning approval, Raising Cane’s will pursue site-plan and building permits; the applicant estimated early 2027 as a realistic opening timeline.
