Committee Says Redeemer Lutheran's Request for Electronic Reader Board Sign Should be Rejected

Following a legal opinion that an electronic billboard is not allowed per village code in a residential area, Elmhurst's Development, Planning and Zoning Committee on Monday recommended denying 's  request to install an electronic sign on its property at 345 S. Kenilworth Ave.

The church is requesting a 7-by-3-foot electronic reader-board sign at the northeast corner of St. Charles Road and Kenilworth.

Redeemer's request was unanimously approved by the Zoning and Planning Commission May 24. But after and many questions from church neighbors, the DPZ Committee sought the opinion of Elmhurst City Attorney Don Storino.

On Monday, Scott Day, the attorney for Redeemer, asked that the committee make its decision based on the application as submitted.

“Apply whatever conditions you deem lawful, reasonable and proper,” he said.

After some debate on whether the sign would be permitted if it did not automatically scroll through different electronic messages, the committee decided that they could not recommend approval of the application at all based on Storino's opinion.

Planning and Zoning Administrator Than Warner referenced discussion about zoning rules for signs in other towns. He said Hinsdale has created spot zoning districts of "institutional buildings" for organizations such as churches.

Committee Chairman and 6th Ward Alderman Steve Morley said a review of Elmhurst's sign codes is on the committee's to-do list.

The committee's recommendation to deny the sign request now goes to the full City Council for a vote.