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Lower Heidelberg ZHB unanimously approves variance for electronic messaging sign at St. John's UCC
Summary
The Lower Heidelberg Township Zoning Hearing Board approved a variance for St. John's (Hain's) UCC to replace its existing sign with an electronic LED messaging board at 591 N. Church Rd.; testimony addressed ordinance relief, sign dimensions, placement and a lighting case study. A written decision will follow within 45 days.
The Lower Heidelberg Township Zoning Hearing Board unanimously approved a variance on Nov. 21, 2024 allowing St. John's (Hain's) United Church of Christ to replace its existing sign at 591 N. Church Rd., Wernersville, with an electronic LED messaging board.
Joan Fessler, president of the church consistory, testified that the applicant seeks relief under the Southwestern Berks County Zoning Ordinance of 2009, specifically Section 902.4 and relief to permit an electronic sign under Section 516.1.a and from the 10-foot height limitation in Section 516.1.f. Attorney William F. Roberts began the presentation and outlined the legal basis for the variance request.
Pastor Mark Johnson provided additional testimony about the church's intended use of the sign. Mark Feener of Horst Signs described the proposed unit's specifications; the sign was described in the record as 11 ft. 8 in. wide by 14 ft. 3 in. high and sited on the west side of the property along N. Church Rd. Tiffany Hannah of Watchfire presented lighting data and a case study intended to address concerns about the sign's effects on surrounding properties and roadways.
Solicitor Thomas Rothermel read the list of exhibits into the record and the hearing record was transcribed by CRS, Inc. The board recessed at 20:06 to deliberate. When it reconvened at 20:10, Secretary Christopher Yoch moved to approve the variance; Chairman David Kurtz seconded the motion. The ZHB members present voted unanimously to approve the variance with conditions outlined in the ordinance.
Rothermel told the parties the written decision would be circulated within 45 days and reminded them of the right to file an appeal within 30 days of that written decision. The board adjourned at 20:11.
Next steps: the board will issue a written decision within 45 days; any party wishing to challenge the decision must file an appeal within 30 days of the written decision.
