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Commission recommends denial of 35-foot digital sign at 888 Main over precedent and scale concerns
Summary
The Horace Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend denial of a variance to install a 35-foot, 600‑sq‑ft digital sign at 888 Main, citing lack of unique circumstances and concern it would set a precedent for widespread larger signage.
The Horace Planning and Zoning Commission on April 14 recommended denying a variance that would allow a 35‑foot, 600‑square‑foot digital sign at 888 Main.
Nathaniel, city staff, told commissioners the application seeks a digital sign with 300 square feet facing north and 300 square feet facing south and a top height of 35 feet, well above the code’s by‑right limits. "The maximums permitted by by‑right are 8 feet and 64 square feet," he said, and added that "I am not recommending this for recommendation."
Applicant Chris Gilliland, a Horace resident and business owner, said the sign would help offset special assessments on his property, generate lease revenue, and could provide "year‑long, free advertising for the city" to promote events. Gilliland told the commission he would finance and install the structure himself and said the display reduces brightness at night to limit light impacts.
Commissioners focused on two central concerns: scale and precedent. One commissioner said, "My concern would be the size and height. My other concern is that by doing a variance, we are probably gonna set a precedence," and several members agreed that approving one oversized sign could encourage similar requests from other property owners along major corridors.
After discussion, a motion to recommend denial of the variance was moved and seconded and carried by voice vote. The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Horace City Council for final action; staff said the council will consider the item in May and will notify the applicant of the hearing date.
The commission also heard a public comment from Jack Dwyer, who represented nearby property owners and questioned locating a large digital sign at the arterial intersection near County Road 17 and Luther Avenue, suggesting a placement farther north on the property might reduce traffic or sight‑line concerns.
Next steps: the city will formally notice the council hearing and the council will take up the variance request at a future meeting. No final city council decision was made at the commission meeting.
