Commission approves new detached sign for Avon Old Farms School with landscaping, no lighting

The Avon Planning & Zoning Commission on Feb. 18 approved a special-exception request (App. #5059) from Avon Old Farms School to install a replacement detached sign at the school's new main entrance off the roundabout. Glenn Wilcox, the school's director of facilities, told the Commission the existing detached sign will be removed when the replacement is installed and that the long-time sign near Fisher Meadows will remain.

Commissioners asked about landscaping and stone pillar materials. Wilcox confirmed low ground-cover plantings are proposed and that the new stone pillars will be constructed of brownstone to resemble original columns at 305 Old Farms Road and Fisher Meadows. The hearing drew no public comment.

Ms. Graesser moved to approve App. #5059; Ms. Levin amended the motion to add four conditions and Mr. White seconded. The conditions included: "The existing detached sign shall be removed prior to the installation of the approved replacement detached sign, as represented by the applicant," that a building permit is required, that "no lighting for the sign is proposed or approved," and that the applicant must "submit a landscape plan to the Avon Planning Department for review and approval prior to the issuance of any building permit and zoning sign off." The amended motion received unanimous approval.

The approval allows the school to proceed with construction of the new sign subject to the listed permit and plan requirements; lighting for the sign was expressly excluded, and the record indicates landscaping will be reviewed by staff at zoning sign-off.