Homewood commission continues sign review for Healthy Hounds at 18646 Dixie Highway after procedural confusion

The Homewood Appearance Commission continued its review of an application to install a monument sign for Healthy Hounds at 18646 Dixie Highway, directing staff to obtain material samples and to work with the applicant and the sign vendor to expedite permitting.

Staff described the proposed monument sign as a treated-lumber structure with a faux-stone base using panels from Texture Plus and a narrow illuminated aluminum cabinet for the business logo. The sign was described as “a little under 8 feet” tall and the illuminated cabinet as having a roughly 5-inch depth. Terry, a village staff member, told the commission that monument signs require peer review under the village’s revised sign code.

Applicant Cameron Peyadi, introduced by staff as the proprietor of Healthy Hounds, said the design intentionally uses a printed wood pattern and faux brick to reduce long-term maintenance and to match the shop’s earthy interior aesthetic. “We’re really big into the nutrition space,” Peyadi said, explaining the green and wood look. He told the commission his lease in Flossmoor ends Aug. 31 and that the project faces a tight timeline: the vendor estimated roughly two weeks for permitting and three to four weeks to fabricate the sign.

Commissioners questioned construction details and placement. Several members asked for a clearer section drawing showing how the illuminated cabinet attaches to the monument structure and whether the wood and brick elements are real or a applied façade. Commissioner Quirk suggested shifting the sign slightly north on the property to improve visibility and reduce obstruction of a neighboring dentist’s sign.

Before a final vote, Commissioner Banks declared an ethics-related abstention because the applicant’s wife is a vendor at the farmers market. The commission then took a roll-call vote on a motion to approve the sign as submitted. After votes were tallied, commissioners and staff debated whether the motion had passed because the village code requires four affirmative votes to approve an action. Staff confirmed the code requirement and, given the uncertainty, the commission withdrew the initial outcome and opened alternate options.

The commission ultimately moved to continue case 26-49 to the Aug. 4 meeting so staff can obtain the requested material samples, verify construction details with the sign company (identified in the packet as Signorama of Lansing), and — if needed — process temporary signage to cover the applicant’s opening. Terry said staff will work directly with the applicant and the vendor to gather materials and to expedite temporary-sign permitting if that helps the business meet its timeline.

The commission also continued case 26-50 to the Aug. 4 meeting because the applicant for that case was not present. The Appearance Commission adjourned after other routine updates on ongoing village projects and redevelopment items.

What’s next: case 26-49 will return on Aug. 4 with material samples and clarified construction details; staff will report back on coordination with the sign vendor and any temporary-sign approvals granted.