Des Plaines OKs bigger, bright signs

The Des Plaines City Council this week approved zoning changes that will allow larger electronic message boards on commercial, manufacturing and industrial properties within the city, as well as on school property in residential districts.

The issue first was raised in 2010 when the owner of a carwash inquired about a larger sign. The city’s community development committee revisited the matter in June and recommended revising the rules, which limited electronic message boards to not more than 20 square feet.

Under a measure approved unanimously this week, the city council increased the maximum size to 32 square feet but also required automatic dimming of the signage. The larger signs also would have to be a minimum 250 feet away from residences in R-1, R-2, and R-3 zoning districts, which include single-family homes, townhouses, and residential businesses.

Currently, there are 30 electronic message boards within the city ranging in size from 6 square feet to 923 square feet at the new Rivers Casino off Des Plaines River Road and Devon Avenue.

The next highest number of electronic signs is in neighboring Mount Prospect, which has 13 within its jurisdiction, Des Plaines Senior City Planner Scott Mangum said.

The zoning changes approved Monday allow applicants to request a greater variance of up to a 50 percent increase in the size of a sign of any dimension.

Previously, businesses could request only a 10 percent variance, which was limiting, Des Plaines 5th Ward Alderman James Brookman said.

“I’m glad to see this change,” Brookman said. “This is a big improvement. The 50 percent variation, that gives a lot more flexibility.”

Brookman said the 250 feet minimum distance requirement from residential areas may cause problems, but aldermen agreed to address issues as they arise.

Mangum said the city council could consider allowing a larger sign less than 250 feet away from residences under unique circumstances, such as if there were adequate screening provided around the sign or if it backed up to homes.

The zoning changes also regulate the duration of messages on electronic boards, which was increased from 7.5 seconds to a minimum of 10 seconds per message to capture the attention of cars whizzing by.

Signage variance applications would still need to go through the city zoning board of appeals and the city council for final approvals. Requests would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, Mangum said.