Libertyville to set rules for electronic signs

Electronic message boards will be allowed along two main routes in Libertyville, but a Las Vegas-style eruption of lights is not expected.

Staff is preparing an ordinance to govern such uses along routes 137 and 45 that limit the size, hours of operation and other aspects of the signs, such as brightness and "sense of movement."

This would be the first blanket regulation of such signs, which have been regarded with caution by village leaders through the years as having a possible negative impact on the streetscape in town.

"We needed to come up with some sort of plan that will maintain the character of the community," village Trustee Donna Johnson said Tuesday during a village board discussion of the proposed rules.

Village zoning codes currently don't address electronic message board signs, though they can be requested as a variance.

Such signs are few in Libertyville. The fifth one was erected earlier this year at the Tranel Financial Group Ltd., 1509 N. Milwaukee Ave., as part of the settlement of a lawsuit brought by owner Roch Tranel. Tranel sued the village two years ago after his request for a sign was denied.

Meanwhile, village staff crafted changes to the code, which were reviewed by the village's plan commission on May 24 and June 28.

"It's important to have some clear criteria," said Trustee Rich Moras. But there was debate on the details, with a board split on the allowable size of signs.

As originally proposed, properties of 2 or more acres with 200 or more feet of frontage on Route 137 or Route 45 could apply for a special use permit to erect a sign at a maximum size of 24 square feet.

After discussion of the proposed ordinance, the village board informally agreed to adjust the criteria so that the 200-foot requirement could include frontage facing a side street.

And, the 2-acre minimum could be a qualifier on its own, rather than having to be coupled with the frontage.

Trustees voted 4-3 to direct staff to prepare an ordinance with the suggested changes. The dissension arose from one change that increases the maximum sign size to 32 square feet.

About 60 properties on Routes 137 and 45 would meet the criteria. The tweaks also will allow Austin's Saloon & Eatery, 481 Peterson Road (Route 137), to qualify.

The well-known venue frequently features musical entertainment. Owner Mark Khayat, who worked with the village to bring a concert to the Libertyville Sports Complex, had applied for an electronic sign but was denied by a previous village board.

"I think his business justifies one of the electronic message board signs as much as anybody," said Trustee Todd Gaines, who worked with Khayat on the concert.

Village Attorney David Pardys said the suggested changes can be considered objective criteria.

"If we get too particular, I would get concerned someone would suggest there is special legislation going on," he said.

An official vote is expected July 27.