Council approves 90‑foot monument sign variance for industrial site near I‑84

The City Council approved a variance to allow a 90‑foot‑tall, multi‑tenant monument sign with approximately 1,149 square feet of sign area for a light‑industrial property near I‑84.

Applicant’s case

The applicant’s representative told the council the building sits below freeway grade and is difficult to see from eastbound I‑84; the requested height and sign area would provide visibility for multiple tenants and reduce the need for multiple smaller signs across the property. The applicant said a similar sign had prior approval in 2025 but the prior approval lapsed while tenant improvements were completed.

Staff analysis and prior practice

Terry Friend, associate planner, reviewed the sign‑code history: recent code updates raised permitted heights in some contexts but included nuanced area limits and the industrial zone standards differ from commercial zone allowances. He noted prior nearby variances (90 and 91 feet) and explained the variance criteria that permit relief when site topography creates a practical difficulty.

Council action

No public testimony was offered. Council voted 5–1 to approve the variance with recommended conditions, including that the permitted sign conform closely to the concept design presented, meet building and ITD requirements, and follow the staffing and permit conditions outlined in the staff report. One council member voted no.

What this means

The property owner will proceed with sign permitting and ITD coordination as required; council conditions limit changes to the approved concept without additional review.