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Defiance planning commission approves taller, larger projecting sign for Grube property
Summary
The Defiance Planning Commission on May 18 unanimously approved three variances allowing Grube Capital Investments to install larger, higher projecting signage at 400 Clinton St. and 607 W. Third St., citing updated zoning guidance that encourages visible downtown signage.
The Defiance Planning Commission unanimously approved three variances on May 18 to allow larger projecting signage for Grube Capital Investments at 400 Clinton Street and 607 West Third Street.
Kipp McCann, representing Grube Inc., told the commission the signs are intended "to be visible from Third and Clinton Street and be above the traffic signals as well as to be lit up at night." Mayor Mike McCann, who disclosed that McCann is his cousin's son, said he did not believe the relationship created a conflict of interest for his comments or vote.
Zoning Commissioner Niki Warncke told commissioners the 2024 zoning update encourages this type of projecting signage in the Central Business District and that staff included additional information in the packet. The variances approved: an increase in mounting height from the code minimum of 10'–14' to 21'–35'; an increase in maximum sign height from 4' to 14'; and expanded projecting-sign dimensions from 36" long x 30" high to 40" long x 168" high. Each motion passed with all members voting aye.
Vice‑Chairman Steve Hoffman read the application at the meeting; Grube's representative said the signs would be back‑lit. Commissioners said the proposed signs fit the downtown character; Commissioner Drew Shindler commented these were the kind of signs the city was looking for.
The approvals reference the City of Defiance Planning and Zoning Code provisions cited in the application packet. There was no public opposition or additional conditions recorded at the meeting. The commission completed the item and moved on to review zoning guidance for data centers later in the agenda.
The meeting record shows the motions were: approval of mounting height variance (moved by Gary Butler, seconded by Curtis Switzer), approval of maximum height variance (moved by Drew Shindler, seconded by Curtis Switzer), and approval of projecting-sign dimension variance (moved by Curtis Switzer, seconded by Gary Butler); in each case "all members voting aye, the motion was approved."
