BZA approves Hammond Redevelopment Commission’s digital downtown sign with brightness and timing limits

The Hammond Board of Zoning Appeals granted a developmental variance allowing a programmable electronic message center (EMC) as part of a downtown sign proposed by the Hammond Redevelopment Commission for the southwest corner of Sibley and Homan. City planning director Brian Poland described the request as necessary because the electronic portion of the proposed sign exceeds the ordinance’s 33% digital‑area limit when calculated by sign face or by structure; staff recommended approval of the digital face (about 11 by 5 feet) subject to brightness controls, a 10‑second minimum timing for images and compliance with relevant code sections on digital signs.

Poland and staff explained that depending on how the EMC area is calculated (sign face alone vs. entire sign structure), the digital portion could be greater than the allowed 33 percent; the board concluded that a measured, permitted EMC with operational controls was appropriate downtown. The board accepted the staff findings and granted the variance on a roll call of 3–0. The staff conditions include standard brightness controls, timing limits for displayed images and compliance with the city’s digital‑sign regulations.

The redevelopment commission plans to replace an existing static Downtown Hammond sign with the digital display; staff said relocation would be considered if a future development conflicts with the sign placement.