Hinsdale planning panel approves sign and design changes, with conditions on placement and materials

The Hinsdale Planning Commission voted unanimously Dec. 10 to approve multiple sign and design applications, imposing conditions aimed at protecting sightlines and neighborhood character.

The commission approved Case A-49-2025, a signage package for 100 Chester Street, and Case A-9-2025, a design review and sign permit for a new double-sided, internally illuminated monument sign at 710 N. York Road. In both decisions commissioners required follow-up steps: building-owner sign-off for tenant color choices at Chester Street and revised photographs and a textured (matte) finish demonstration for the York Road sign to show exact placement and visibility from nearby intersections.

Why it mattered: Neighbors and several commissioners raised traffic-safety and character concerns. At the 710 N. York Road hearing residents said an improperly placed sign could block sightlines for drivers turning from Fuller Road; commissioners asked the applicant to stake the sign location and provide photographs taken from the intersection to confirm sightlines. The applicant, represented by Parker Roberts of Parvin Cloud Sign Company and co-owner Hassan Meshkot of Meshkot Properties, told the commission the proposed monument sign is substantially narrower than the previous sign and includes a timer/disconnect so illumination would be off overnight.

Details of the York Road proposal: The applicant described a new double-sided aluminum cabinet, internally LED illuminated with routed tenant graphics and a built-in timer that staff said would be set to turn the sign off between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Landscaping of roughly 2 feet around the base and engineered foundations were included in the submission. Commissioners asked for a matte or textured paint to better match the building’s stucco finish and for the applicant to consider a dimmer or other measures to control night glare. The commission approved the design review on the condition that the sign use a textured paint finish and that updated, accurate site photographs and a view from the Fuller Road intersection be provided.

Details of the Chester Street case: For 100 Chester Street, applicants presented two 17-square-foot face-lit channel-letter options — one with green interior illumination and one without. Several commissioners preferred the non-green option as it contrasted better with building shingles; staff said the landlord had expressed a preference for the non-green option but hadn’t issued a formal approval. The commission approved the design recommendation while explicitly making final installation subject to building-owner approval.

Code and enforcement notes: Commissioners also discussed sandwich-board (A-frame) signs on sidewalks. Staff confirmed such boards are currently prohibited by village code; a staff-led text amendment is in progress to revisit enforcement and whether limited allowances are appropriate in the downtown.

What’s next: For both sign cases the commission forwarded approvals with conditions; the York Road sign will return to staff with revised photographs and material samples, and the Chester Street installation will require building-owner sign-off before installation. The Village Board will review any related zoning-code amendments and second readings as required.