A substantial portion of the meeting was devoted to Executive Snow Control LLC’s application, which included the request for a wall sign to be installed above the building’s first story. The proposed sign, measuring 60.5 square feet, would replace a previously removed freestanding sign and was intended to enhance the visibility and aesthetic of the business, which specializes in commercial snow removal services. The board’s deliberations revealed a complex interplay between the sign’s placement, the architectural uniqueness of the property, and the need for compliance with zoning regulations.

The board reviewed testimony from the company’s president and CEO, who detailed the property’s transformation since its acquisition, including resolving environmental issues and making aesthetic improvements. A key argument for the variance was the architectural constraint posed by an awning, which impeded the placement of a compliant sign on the building’s facade. The applicant’s representative argued that the sign’s location above the second-story windows was necessary for visibility and would not detract from the building’s character, aligning with the municipal land use law’s goals of promoting a desirable visual environment.

A professional planner, Elizabeth McManis, provided further support for the variance, highlighting that the sign’s placement and design met the criteria for both C1 and C2 variances. She emphasized that the proposed sign would offer better visibility and aesthetic enhancement, supported by exhibits comparing it to similar signs in the area.

The board also addressed the request for 24/7 illumination of the sign, which sparked considerable discussion due to the property’s adjacency to a residential zone. The board clarified that the current ordinance restricts operational hours from 5:00 a.m. to midnight for properties adjacent to residential districts. This restriction necessitated further examination of the applicant’s request, with board members noting that a use variance would be required for any operation beyond these hours.

Despite the applicant’s initial lack of awareness regarding the operational hour restrictions, the board expressed willingness to approve the sign’s installation with the condition that its lighting adhere to current ordinance hours. This decision was accompanied by a recommendation that the applicant submit a revised application within 120 days to address the possibility of extending operational hours.

The board also deliberated on other applications, including a variance for John B. and Lisa A. Schneijel regarding stormwater management related to a deck on their property. The applicants had previously agreed to install a drainage basin as part of their efforts to comply with the board’s requirements, and the board unanimously supported their application following a review of the adjustments made.

Additionally, the board discussed procedural matters, including the adoption of the Board of Adjustment’s 2021 annual report, which recommended establishing a temporary supplemental board to manage a backlog of applications. The report was approved without opposition, and resolutions, including one for Douglas Striker concerning variances for an addition on a non-conforming lot, were addressed with necessary corrections.