Village Board Inches Toward Sign Code Updates

Buffalo Grove officials continued to hash out details of a revised sign code last week, coming a little closer to updating rules for business owners to follow as they market their operations.

A draft of proposed changes included stipulations for businesses to place electronic signs in their windows, something that, while occasionally done, is currently not permitted by the village. Trustees agreed to uphold the prohibition of electronic window signs.

“I think a lot of these types of signs detract from the look and feel of the centers,” Trustee Jeff Berman said. “I feel very strongly that [allowing them] is a flaw in this document.”

Businesses will still be allowed to use electronic ground and wall signs by obtaining a variance. A majority of trustees said they’d opt for the messages displayed on those signs to change only every 20 seconds.

The Village Board also discussed whether Zoning Board of Appeals members should have a more prominent role in recommendations for variances. Trustee Andrew Stein, a former ZBA member, suggested that two members of that group join the Plan Commission in voting on sign variances. Most others, however, said only Plan Commissioners should be able to vote. The commission’s recommendations are taken into consideration when petitions are brought to the Village Board.

Meanwhile, Trustee Mike Terson again voiced his preference for business owners to have more control over the appearance of their signs.

“I think businesses should be free to choose the lettering style for their brand,” said Terson, who previously described the village as “.” By requiring a uniform appearance, “I think it makes the property look dated and I think it detracts from businesses wanting to come into our community,” he said.

Deputy Village Manager Ghida Neukirch said staff members will visit each of the village’s 21 shopping centers and consider updates to the regulations in place. 

Stein praised the proposed code, which officials will revisit next month.

“I know the business community is looking forward to a more business friendly sign code, and I think this accomplishes it,” he said.