Wheeling Plan Commission met August 10.
Here is the agenda provided by the Commission:
Project Overview: The petitioner is requesting appearance approval of three freestanding signs at the entries of Heritage Park.
Location Map:
General Property Information
Applicant Name: Lawrence Raffel, Wheeling Park District
Property Owner Name: Wheeling Park District
Common Property Address: 333 W. Dundee Road
Existing Use of Property: Public/Institutional
Existing Property Zoning: MXT Transit-Oriented Mixed Use District / R-1 Single-Family Residential / R-2 Single-Family Residential
Previous Relevant Zoning Action:
PC 11-15 Ord. No. 4621, passed 7.18.2011, granted site plan and appearance approval of park improvements and a flood control facility.
2003-24A Ord. No.3766, passed 8.11.2003, granted special use-site plan approval of concession stands.
1995-20 Ord. No.3067, passed 8.21.1995, granted amendments to Ord.
1991-10 Ord. No.2698, passed 5/1/1991, granted special use-site plan approval of an existing park and development improvements.
748 Ord. No. 2699, passed 5/1/1991, granted a variation for two buildings on a lot.
Description of Proposal:
The petitioner, Wheeling Park District, is requesting appearance approval to install freestanding park identification signs at three different entrances. The subject property is subject to a special use permit. Section 21.07.010 of the Sign Code states that “signs relating to the function of the special use as determined in Title 19 shall be permitted and reviewed by the Plan Commission to determine if the signs are necessary for the conduct of the special use, the signs will not alter the essential character of the locality, and the dimensions and mechanical features will not adversely affect surrounding uses.”
Signage Plan Review:
Signage Locations: The petitioner is proposing to install freestanding signs at three different park entrances. Two signs will be located near Wolf Road. One (Sign A) will be located at the pedestrian entrance, near the bridge at Highland Avenue. The second (Sign A1) will be located at the southeast edge of the park, near park access drive. The third (Sign A2) will be located by the pedestrian access point near the intersection of Jeffery Avenue and Jeanne Terrace.
Each sign will have a front setback of at least 10-feet and a side setback of at least 15 feet, per code. Also, each sign will be at least 300 feet from any other freestanding sign, which also meets the requirements of the Sign Code.
Proposed Signage Size, Style and Type: Three monument-style, double-sided signs are proposed that are similar in design. Each sign will include a single limestone pillar and base with stone caps. A sign panel will be mounted above the base and adjacent to the base by steel beams and tubing (that will match the Heritage Park shelter). A sign panel will be attached to the pillar that notes the different features of Heritage Park. A sign panel will be attached to the base that has the Park District name and logo. The sign attached by steel beams and tubing on Signs A and A2 will be a flat panel with the Heritage Park name, logo, and tag line. The sign panel attached by steel beams and tubing on Sign A1 will be an electronic message board. Spec sheets for the electronic message board are provided. An electronic message board is specifically permitted by the Sign Code for government buildings and recreation centers.
Sign A has an overall height of 8’0” and width of 11’8.” The overall height and width of the sign with the electronic message board (Sign A1) is not provided. However, the electronic message panel is 3’8” x 8’1” in size. The overall sign size appears to be similar to Sign A. Sign A2 has an overall height of 5’3” and width of 7’2.”
Landscaping: One landscape plan is provided for all three signs. The area of the landscaping appears to meet the requirements of the Sign Code. The proposed landscape plan meets the species mix requirements of the Sign Code. It includes dwarf evergreens/winter interest (Green Velvet Boxwood), deciduous shrubs (Dwarf Korean Lilac), fall and winter interest (Emerald “N” Gold Euonymus) and flowering perennials (Stella De Oro Daylily, seasonal asters, coneflowers, black-eyed susan, salvia, catmint, Russian sage, and Cercis). Additionally, at locations for Signs A and A2, there will be a Royal White Redbud.
Staff Review:
Impact on Neighboring Uses: No significant impact on adjacent uses is expected.
Senior Planner’s Recommendation to the Plan Commission: Because the proposed signs are located in residentially zoned districts, they would not be allowed except by explicit permission by the Plan Commission, as noted in Section 21.07.010 of the Sign Code (Special Use Sign General Standards). If the Plan Commission finds that the signs “are necessary for the conduct of the special use, the signs will not alter the essential character of the locality, and the dimensions and mechanical features will not adversely affect surrounding uses,” then staff recommends approval of the proposed signage.
Proposed Motion:
If the Plan Commission approves of the proposed signs, an appropriate motion would be:
Approval of Docket No. SCBA 17-30 to permit the installation of the Heritage Park freestanding signs in accordance with the following plans submitted July 28, 2017 (except as noted) by the Wheeling Park District, located at 333 W. Dundee Road Wheeling, Illinois:
• Sheet SD 1.0 Location Plan,
• Sheet SD 2.0 Signage Concepts (elevations), and
• Sheet SD 3.0 Landscape plan (7.27.2017).
http://wheelingil.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08102017-1675
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