Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes 2009 11-04-09
APPROVED 12/2/09
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UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 7pm
Library Historic Meeting Room
Board Members in Attendance:
Jeff Baker, Chairman
Charlie Walker
Chris Funkhouser
Mike Skinner
Corey Johnson
Absent: Dean Bromann, Ryan Woods
Other City Officials In Attendance
Travis Miller, Community Development Director
Meeting Called to Order
At 7:00pm the meeting was called to order by Chairman Jeff Baker.
Roll Call
Roll call was taken and a quorum was established.
Previous Meeting Minutes:
September 2, 2009
The minutes were approved as read on a motion and second by Johnson and Walker
respectively. Unanimous voice vote.
Public Hearing
1.ZBA 2009-03 Mr. & Mrs Mike Graves, petitioners, filed an application with
the City requesting a variance to City Code, Title 8, Chapter 11, Section
9.A.1 to allow for a free standing sign to be 10 feet high. The property
consists of approximately 5 acres at 1801 S. Bridge St.
This Public Hearing was tabled due to improper notification of nearby property owners
and will be rescheduled for December 2, 2009.
Skinner noted that a temporary sign had been erected on this site, but Travis Miller said
that a stop work order had been issued due to no permit. The petitioner then applied for a
permit for the sign and it exceed the height requirements that prompted the variance
request. Mr. Miller expects that the application might be withdrawn as the sign will be
revised to be compliant.
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New Business
1.Sign Ordinance Amendment regarding Off-Premise Signs
Travis said the Park Board and Economic Development Committee have reviewed the
proposed amendment and EDC asked that it move to ZBA for review prior to any further
th
action. After this meeting, this item will move to City Council on November 24 if the
Zoning Board makes a recommendation.
Travis gave a summary of the steps taken to this point. A staff report was completed and
he noted that this amendment is seen as a revenue-generating opportunity by selling
advertising space on ballfield backboards. He determined that this signage would be
considered billboard and therefore prohibited, creating the need for an amendment. The
draft amendment provides a new definition for billboards for sponsorship signs and
creates a definition for off-premise sponsorship signs. Further, it would allow for off-
premise signs on public properties if they no larger than 4 foot by 8 foot.
Following are the highlights and suggestions from the general discussion:
1. Such signs were also discussed if they are on other city or school property. School
district property regulations supersede the City.
2.It was questioned if the maximum size of a billboard is 32 square feet. Travis said the
old definition does not include any size requirements.
3. Baker said he was concerned about the word “permanent” in the amendment, since the
signs are actually seasonal and apply to sports seasons. It was noted that “billboards” are
permanent, but the new definition considers these sponsorship signs as temporary. The
amendment also states there is no limit to the number of signs.
4. Walker summarized the amendment: advertiser pays a fee, anyone can sponsor, no
limit to number of signs, any public park, not just ballfields, can have a sign. Travis
addressed this statement and said signs shall be temporary and display ads of sponsors of
an event or facility of that park.
5. Baker said he thought the original intent was to display signs at ballfields only.
6. Chris suggested “duration” should mean the duration of the event or season of the
activity only. It was felt 12 months was too long for temporary signs
7. Signs should face infield, not face out to residential areas. No signs between players
and audience, none in end zones. No signs right next to fence, should only be affixed to
fences, buildings, on temporary stakes.
8. No signs on dugouts
9. Charlie suggested vinyl signs to make more manageable, providing it lasts for the
season. Need quality control clause in amendment.
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10. Amendment as it stands is too broad.
11. Chris said there are two aspects to consider: signs on the ballfields and signs on
other locations on buildings.
12. Question was raised if rec center can start selling ad space on its building.
13. Jeff noted that a sign is displayed in the corner of the town park all year round.
Travis said that sign is exempt since it advertises activities.
14. Portable police sign comes under “legal notice”
15. General consensus that Board members approve of ballfield signs, but not “off-
premise signs” in public areas, other parks.
16. Research from other towns?
17. What value other than revenue do the signs bring? If signs not controlled, may
become unsightly.
18. Suggestion made to just write exemption for ballfields only.
The committee then looked at the specific parts of the proposed amendment to address
their concerns. Following are the highlights of this discussion:
1. Corey suggested limiting signs to athletic fields or specify ballfields only. All agreed.
2. Jeff asked about Hometown Days stating it is an “event”, ordinance does not address
that type of event.
3. All agreed 12-month time frame too long
4. Include language to remove if tattered, unsightly.
5. Have signs all printed through City? Parks & Rec to install and store signs after
season. Roll this service into the fee.
6. Not allow outside illumination—should be spelled out in amendment
7. Possibly have electronic sign-eliminates maintenance, however, electronic signs are
not allowed in ordinance. Not all fields have electricity.
8. Material and mounting of signs should be consistent
9. Baker wants 1 definition tied to athletic fields
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10. Signs should be no bigger than 3x6 since fence is only 4 foot tall, all signs should be
same material, same size, plywood holds up best. Travis will obtain specifics from Parks
& Rec concerning sign material.
In summary, the preliminary findings are that only baseball and soccer fields be allowed
to have signs, facing inside, signs must comply with all safety regulations (Travis to
research) and specify time frame to be displayed.
Mr. Walker said that a Parks representative should be present at the next meeting with
info on the sign material as well as other input.
There was no further business at this time and the meeting was adjourned on a motion by
Charlie Walker and second by Corey Johnson.
Meeting adjourned at 8:20pm.
Respectfully submitted by
Marlys Young, Minute Taker