Buffalo Grove approves new sign code

After a long process of debate, Buffalo Grove trustees have settled on a revised sign code, incorporating three proposed changes in the final draft approved this week.

In response to a concern of Trustee Michael Terson, language that said the number of different lettering styles should be minimized has been revised to read that styles “should relate to the overall architectural concept of the property.” Terson said he appreciated the change, but his intention was to eliminate the entire paragraph.

“That should be left up to the business,” he said.

The second change applies to how zoning board members participate in the review of sign variances by the plan commission. Zoning board members will not vote, but “Members of the Zoning Board of Appeals shall be invited to attend and participate in the review of variances by the Plan Commission ...”

The third change, put forth by Trustee Jeffrey Berman, would eliminate electronic message signs on windows. A business could apply for a variation that would allow such a sign.

Deputy Village Manager Ghida Neukirch said an allowed exception would be an electronic message sign that displays a static message such as “open” or the business’ phone number, provided the sign remained static. Lottery signs do not qualify and will need to be removed, she said.