Board approves electronic sign and landscaping variances for American Legion on McDowell Road with strict conditions
December 22, 2025 | Grove City, Franklin County, Ohio
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The Grove City Board of Zoning Appeals on Dec. 22 approved variances permitting a prohibited electronic changeable‑copy sign and a limited landscaping encroachment at the American Legion property on McDowell Road. The board accepted a package of nine stipulations proposed by staff and added a condition that installation occur within 12 months.
On the record, the chair read the stipulations, which require a basic black‑and‑white font and background similar to the nearby fire station; static text only (no animation or video); a maximum of three lines per message; a minimum eight‑second transition between messages; specified maximum brightness settings for night and daytime; installation of a dawn‑to‑dusk sensor for automatic dimming; operator contact information on file with the building division; and that no portion of the sign sit in the public right of way. The board also agreed the sign would be used only by the American Legion and removed if the American Legion vacates the premises.
Legal counsel recounted that the city adopted sign legislation in 2005 and described a past case in which a BZA variance for an electronic sign near a high school was appealed to council and overturned, largely over safety concerns tied to frequent message changes and the sign's location. Counsel reminded the board that council retains authority to review BZA decisions.
The board voted to incorporate the December 8 letter's stipulations, require installation to occur within 12 months, and approved both variances (the sign replacement and the landscaping encroachment of approximately 1 foot into a 10‑foot setback with a 3‑foot landscaping bed). The chair noted the usual 21‑day waiting period before any appeal window closes.
Kenneth Flutie was identified on the record as representing the American Legion post for this appeal. The board directed staff to verify brightness settings and compliance during a post‑installation visual inspection.
On the record, the chair read the stipulations, which require a basic black‑and‑white font and background similar to the nearby fire station; static text only (no animation or video); a maximum of three lines per message; a minimum eight‑second transition between messages; specified maximum brightness settings for night and daytime; installation of a dawn‑to‑dusk sensor for automatic dimming; operator contact information on file with the building division; and that no portion of the sign sit in the public right of way. The board also agreed the sign would be used only by the American Legion and removed if the American Legion vacates the premises.
Legal counsel recounted that the city adopted sign legislation in 2005 and described a past case in which a BZA variance for an electronic sign near a high school was appealed to council and overturned, largely over safety concerns tied to frequent message changes and the sign's location. Counsel reminded the board that council retains authority to review BZA decisions.
The board voted to incorporate the December 8 letter's stipulations, require installation to occur within 12 months, and approved both variances (the sign replacement and the landscaping encroachment of approximately 1 foot into a 10‑foot setback with a 3‑foot landscaping bed). The chair noted the usual 21‑day waiting period before any appeal window closes.
Kenneth Flutie was identified on the record as representing the American Legion post for this appeal. The board directed staff to verify brightness settings and compliance during a post‑installation visual inspection.
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