Commission approves multiple sign deviations at 4100 Shawnee Mission Parkway after debate on size and lighting

Fairway City planners and commissioners approved a package of sign deviations for 4100 Shawnee Mission Parkway on Nov. 24 after extensive discussion about size, proportion, and lighting.

Applicant representative Michael Siserco said the building’s large façade and traffic conditions justify larger lettering for wayfinding and safety; he said the façade is roughly 600 square feet and the applicant requested approximately 57.7 square feet per wall sign (two wall sides), with a total wall area request that commissioners described as large relative to the facade. Staff noted the city’s typical wall-sign allowance and recommended the project comply with a lighting-performance standard (staff referenced a local light-performance section). Commissioners questioned projecting/blade signage and the number of signs; applicant said blade signage is limited by site layout and that some tenant locations cannot accommodate it.

Discussion addressed illumination and glare: the applicant described a halo/silhouette (reverse channel) approach with a diffusing film that will reduce perceived brightness and said the sign would typically turn on at dusk and be turned off around 2 a.m.; participants compared color temperatures discussed in design materials (discussion ranged between 6,500K and references to higher values used by similar tenants). Staff recommended conditions that the signage meet the city’s lighting standard and that temporary signs be removed at occupancy.

After debate about proportion, ratio to façade, and potential neighbor impacts, a motion was made and seconded to approve the plan as submitted and grant the exceptions for sign size, the blade sign and the number/temporary signage deviations; the motion carried by voice vote. Commissioners asked staff to ensure conditions addressing light levels and removal of temporary signage upon occupancy are recorded in the approval.