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Planning Commission approves signage variance for Conover Square Mall, forwards recommendation to City Council
Summary
The City of Oregon Planning Commission voted 5–1 on Oct. 15 to approve a variance to the sign ordinance for Conover Square Mall at 201 N. 3rd St., recommending the measure for City Council review on Oct. 22. Commissioner Liz Hiemstra was the sole dissenting vote, citing the proposed sign's size.
Chairman Mark Herman said the Planning Commission opened a public hearing at 5:31 p.m. on a variance request to the city sign ordinance submitted by Lou Vanderwyst for Conover Square Mall, 201 N. 3rd Street (Parcel #16-03-176-009). Fran Voles, speaking on behalf of owner Lou Vanderwyst, told the commission the new signage "will help to better identify Conover Square Mall."
Commissioners expressed support for recent improvements to the mall. Rick Ryland praised the renovation work, while Commissioner Liz Hiemstra said she thought the proposed signage "is rather large" and suggested the board consider consolidating signage into a single area even though the building is larger than surrounding structures. Chairman Mark Herman asked about construction materials; Voles replied that "the material is a type of Styrofoam that can be painted."
After discussion, Jeff Hallock moved to approve the variance request; Rick Ryland seconded. The Planning Commission recorded a roll-call vote: Yea — Mark Herman, Randy Cropp, Jeff Hallock, Rick Ryland and Karly Spell; Nay — Liz Hiemstra; Absent — Roger Cain. The motion passed 5–1. The commission will forward its recommendation to the City Council for consideration at the council's Oct. 22, 2024 meeting at 5:30 p.m.
The vote authorizes the commission's recommendation only; any final approval of a sign permit or formal change to the sign ordinance would be decided by the City Council or through the city's permitting process.
