BZA Approves Illuminated Sign For Advent Lutheran Church

The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance so could have an illuminated sign in its front yard.

The lit sign would replace a dilapidated wooden sign that the church installed in 1995, Mentor Planning Administrator Ric Spence said.

While the city code does not allow lit signs in residential zones, the BZA has allowed exceptions before for churches, schools and other public organizations, Spence said.

Bruce Langguth, a spokesman for Agile Sign, said the illuminated sign would be 150 feet away from any neighbor's property.

"We believe this is something that won't be an annoyance to neighbors and it will allow the chuch to promote its activities," Langguth said.

BZA members asked if the church would cooperate with neighbors if they complained about the sign.

Dave Cattani, a representative for the church, replied, "We're a church. Of course, we want to be a good neighbor."