BZA approves larger directional signs for 1st Missionary Church with placement limits

The Berne Board of Zoning Appeals on Jan. 1 approved a variance allowing five directional signs up to 12 square feet each at 905 U.S. 27 for 1st Missionary Church, with restrictions on placement to keep the signs outside the public right-of-way.

A representative for 1st Missionary Church told the board they "have some bigger maps of our property" and requested "a 12 square foot instead of 10, given the size of our property and the number of the letters and the words that we have" to ensure readability for visitors and emergency responders. Board members asked for specific reasons beyond the vendor's recommendation and discussed alternatives such as removing logos or using building-mounted signage.

During the formal findings review the board determined the variance "will not" be injurious to public health and safety and "will not" adversely affect adjacent property values; the board also found the need for the variance "does" arise from conditions peculiar to the lot. The board approved the variance with a placement condition that signs be at least 10 feet from the curb and approximately 6 feet from the front sidewalk—or otherwise outside the right-of-way, whichever is greater. Members advised confirming exact right-of-way lines via GIS or a survey before installation.

The decision responds to the applicant's description of a nondescript building with multiple entrances (seven access points, a worship center, a youth 'hub' and a Discovery Park kids area) and the desire to improve wayfinding for new visitors.