Yarmouth ZBA approves larger Stop & Shop building signs for Station Avenue store

The Yarmouth Zoning Board of Appeals on June 11 granted a special permit allowing Stop & Shop at 484 Station Avenue to install larger building signage to match the grocer’s current branding.

Christina Mororrow of Agnoli Sign Company told the board the project would replace multiple department panels with a single set of LED channel letters (proposed about 117 square feet) and a non-illuminated acrylic tagline (about 34 square feet) to improve identification of the store, which is set back roughly 350 feet from Station Avenue. "It will improve the appearance of their property and it's going to be an asset to the neighborhood," Mororrow said.

The board discussed prior variance relief granted to the location and the town's current standard for special-permit relief under section 303.13, which requires findings that the change meets the spirit and intent of the bylaw and will be "visually and aesthetically beneficial to the neighborhood." Several members noted the long setback from the roadway made larger signage reasonable for visibility.

Board member Dick Martin raised concerns about landscaping loss in the parking islands and asked whether the applicant or property owner could restore plantings. The petitioner said Agnoli Sign Company could not unilaterally plant on the plaza without the property owner's agreement; the board suggested referring the planting question to the building department and the property owner, Brass Water.

After discussion, John moved to grant the special permit as requested; Dick seconded. The board voted unanimously (5–0) to approve the special permit. Chairman Sean Iiggo told the petitioner there is a 20‑day technical appeal period after the decision is filed with the town clerk and that the petitioner must record the permit at the Registry of Deeds.

The petitioner also withdrew, without prejudice, an alternative request for variance relief that was unnecessary if the special permit stood. The board approved that withdrawal unanimously.

The decision incorporates the board’s finding that the proposed signage meets the bylaw’s visual and aesthetic criteria and that the increased size is warranted by the building’s distance from the road. The petitioner was instructed about post-decision recording and appeal procedures.