DOWNERS GROVE – The Village Council is looking at potential zoning changes, including one that would ban painted signs on buildings in Downers Grove.

The council held the first reading on the proposed change, along with several others, at its July 14 meeting.

Village Planning Manager Stan Popovich said this type of zoning rule is "very common" in municipalities throughout the state.

Popovich said the change would help enhance the aesthetics of the village. Painted bricks, he said, are more susceptible to water damage, which would result in crumbling building facades.

He said without the rule, the village may not be able to prosecute graffiti and that its absence could lead to "amateur-ish" painted signs on businesses. The change would also outlaw painted signs on roofs or fences.

The potential zoning change would allow murals and flags, because they are considered decorations.

If approved, the rule would be a blow to Bob Peterson, owner of Leibundguth Moving and Storage, 1301 Warren Ave. Peterson has been fighting the village to keep the painted sign on the back of his building after the council approved a new sign ordinance in 2005, which required Downers Grove businesses to get signs that complied with it. Peterson wanted to keep his painted sign, despite the village's opposition. He estimated the sign has been there more than 70 years.

Peterson said he's been good about keeping the sign looking nice and touching it up. The sign faces the BNSF Railway line, where thousands can see it every day.

"I have not had a problem with my painted wall sign and I think it would add to the beautification of the village along the railway," he said.

Without the sign, Peterson said he will suffer financially. He estimates losing $20,000 to $40,000 annually if it were removed.

Peterson has filed a complaint against the village in federal court stating the sign ordinance violates his First Amendment right to free speech. That case is ongoing.

Another proposed zoning measure would allow for one wall sign of limited size for properties that face the BNSF Railway.

Downers Grove resident John Polivka said the proposed changes create unanswered questions, such as who would decide whether a painting is a mural or an advertisement.

"I think there's some things here that need to be refined a little bit," he said.

Commissioner Bill White said he believes the village should be consistent on painted signs, but that he doesn't think they need to prohibit them.

The council is expected to vote on the changes next week.