HomeMy Public PortalAbout1993-04-06 ZBA minutesPLAINFIELD ZONIlVG BOARD OF APPEALS
DATE: April 6, 1993 AT: Plainfield Library
COMI~ZISSIONERS PRESENT: Chairman Sobkoviak, H. Bayer, E. Fortini, D. Norris,
W. Schempf,
ALSO PRESENT: P. 7. Waldock, Village Planner
S. Hart, Secretary
Chairman Sobkoviak called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Roll call was taken, M. Krippel
and A. Consola were absent.
Chairman Sobkoviak declared the minutes of the September 15, 1992 meeting approved as
presented.
OLD BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS: CASE NO. 383-030593.V UNITED DISTILLERS
Included in the packet were diagrams of the requested signs. The variance request involves two
types of signs; three directional signs, shown as 16 sq. ft. each in area, and the main identifier
sign for the site, at 11 ft. 10 in. and 232.5 sq. ft.
The first directional sign is located at the corner 'of Van Dyke and 143rd Streets, this sign is
intended to direct truck traffic to the correct entrance. The second directional sign is intended
to direct traffic; visitor, and office traffic to the office area. Mr. Gordon told the use of the
third directional sign during his presentation. The main identifier is located in the front yard
area at a set back of 35 ft. from the right-of--way line, this exceeds the minimum set back for
signs, so the placement of the sign is satisfactory. The variance relates to the size of the sign,
which is 25 ft wide and 11 ft. 10 in. high, overall. Ordinance requirements for a free standing
ground sign would be no higher than 8 ft. and 40 sq. ft. in area. Therefore, the need to
consider a variation. The site is 37 acres, has several driveways, large yards, fences and other
things that complicate the visual impact of the site. The applicants are indicating that this is one
of the hardship and unique feature. Their application indicates that the larger size of the
directional signs is also needed to accommodate the traffic speeds on 143rd Street and to stand
out against the scale and scope of the site.
Staff s finding was that the directional signs at 16 sq. ft.in area, with an overall height of 5 ft.
are appropriate. The ordinance limits directional signs to 5 sq. ft. in area, the Planner's view
in this case was a sign of 5 sq. ft. would be too small to properly direct traffic. In that the
speed limit on 143rd is 40 miles per hour. These signs are to direct large trucks, and are
qualifying for a variance, the large identifier however, it was the Planner's opinion that there
was some justification to justify a larger sign, but the extent of the variation was too great.
Therefore, the Planner's recommendation was an overall height of 10 ft. and 20 ft. wide sign,
which would proportional match the request, but not have an unwarranted advantage.
ZONING IBOAI2D ®F APPEALS MINITTES
April 12, 1993
Page 2
Staff s findings were that the subject site is unique in the terms of it's industrial zoning, and
unusually lazge lot area. Directional signs at 5 sq. ft. would be insufficient to properly direct .
truck traffic to and from the subject facility. The main identifier sign proposed by the applicants
warrants some special consideration due to the subject site's large size and the lazge scale of
building on the site. However, the proposal at 25' by 9' 4" is excessively large. A sign of 20
ft. in width and 8 ft. in height (measured along the sign face,) would be the maximum acceptable
in light of the scale and aesthetics of the facility. A total sign height should not exceed 10 ft.
The request, if granted, would not pose a negative to the property.
Staff's recommendation was approval of variations for the directional signs as. requested by
Federal Sign for United Distillers, Inc. Staff would recommend that the main identifier sign be
limited to 10 ft. in overall height and 160 sq. ft. in overall area of the sign face.
Mazk Gordon of the Federal Sign Co., stated that the main identifier sign was a uniform sign,
for a National Campaign. He showed the difference in the size of the letters, and how far the
sign can be seen, with different size letters. The difference between the readable distance for
maximum impact at 14" letters (the requested size sign', and 11" letters (the recommended sign
size), is 50 feet.
After discussion regarding; the possible need to consider changing the sign ordinance, to allow
for lazger industrial signs (Distillers is the third to seek a variance); comparison to other lazge
industrial signs in the area; and the percentage of return drivers, versus new drivers to the
facility; which was said to be sometimes new drivers, and sometimes familiaz drivers. D.
Norris made a motion to recommend to the Village Boazd approval of variations to the Village
Sign Ordinance for a main identifier sign, and three directional signs for United Distillers, with
the five stipulations of the Planner. Seconded W. Schempf. Roll call vote: E. Fortini, yes; D.
Norris, yes; W. Schempf, yes; H. Bayer, yes; Chairman Sobkoviak, yes. Motion carried, 5-
yes 0-no.
Adjourn 7:35
hazon ~ Hart, Secretary ---