April 26, 2024
Shaw Local
NewsSubscribePrep SportsObituariesFriday Night DriveeNewspaperLocal EventsShaw Local RadioStarved Rock Country

Utica close to finishing sign ordinance overhaul

Up to 3 single-pole banners recommended on private property in commercial districts

By Tom Collins
This is called a single-pole banner sign (also known as a feather flag) and it's likely to be permitted in Utica. The Utica Planning Commission recommended Thursday a chance to the sign ordinance permitting them, though the final decision falls to the Utica Village Board.

Utica is close to completing an overhaul of its much-dissected sign ordinance. The Planning Commission is recommending up to three single-pole banners, not to exceed 12 feet in height, are permitted on private property in all commercial districts. (Variances can be sought) (Tom Collins)

Utica is close to completing an overhaul of its much-dissected sign ordinance.

Thursday, the Utica Planning Commission approved a series of recommendations for the Village Board to consider at its November meeting. These include:

  • Wall signs or murals are permitted on any side of a building that faces a public street or alley
  • Illuminated signs and digital signs require a special use
  • Up to three single-pole banners, not to exceed 12 feet in height, are permitted on private property in all commercial districts. (Variances can be sought)
  • Off-site signs, such as billboards, remain limited to unimproved lots
  • Temporary signs (that is, sandwich boards or A-frame signs) remain limited to one per business, but do not have be taken down nightly if they are on private property

Separately, Fox Valley Off Road, which operates a dirt bike track in rural Ottawa, is reportedly seeking to buy or acquire land in rural Utica.

That statement was made by Phillip Gassman, a rural Utica resident, who used Thursday’s public comment period to inquire if village officials were aware of any such expansion plans. Answer: no, but Fox Valley would have to petition the village for a special use before establishing any such operations.

Finally, the Planning Commission observed a moment of silence for Roger Chamlin, longtime village engineer, who died last week.