Code lets Glen Ellyn shops get makeovers

Pretty little goodies now can help dress up outdoor storefronts throughout Glen Ellyn.

Monday night, village board members approved a code that allows downtown merchants to display plants, sculptures, paintings and other forms of art for beautification purposes outside their stores. Previously, no outdoor displays were allowed unless a special use permit was issued.

The change was in response to a handful of requests from downtown Glen Ellyn merchants, officials said.

"This will allow them to beautify without a permit," Planning and Development director Staci Hulseberg said.

Now, anything plant related--whether artificial or real--is allowed outside without a permit.

Sculptures, statues and other art displays also are allowed outside after business owners obtain a $25 permit, which is to be renewed annually.

Outdoor merchandise still requires a one-time special use permit that costs $550. However, a shortened village board reviewing process will allow businesses to get the permit within two months, instead of three to four months. The permit fee also will be waived for businesses that get the permit before 2008.

Acting Village Manager Curt Barrett said the ordinance serves as a more systematic approach to outdoor displays.

"It really is intended to place some limits on things that can and cannot be put out in front of store fronts, whether it's on sidewalks or private property," he said.

The reason outdoor merchandise isn't included in the $25 permit is because village officials thought everyone would start putting all kinds of flavorful items in front of their stores, and that could change the character of downtown Glen Ellyn, Hulseberg said.

The code for outdoor signs has not been modified. There still is no charge for outdoor signs, but they must be on private property only.

The code is effective immediately.