PETITION 2026-04: A series of Variations on signage, located at 16329 S. Boulevard Place. (COUNCIL DISTRICT #1)

The Zoning Board of Appeals is considering a petition (2026-04) for signage variations at 16329 S. Boulevard Place, a new Longhorn Steakhouse currently under construction within the Boulevard Place Planned Unit Development (PUD). The applicant, David Mikel (SES Branding), requests permission to install two wall signs on both the north and west building facades, exceeding the limitation of one wall sign per building frontage set by the 2019 Boulevard Place Design Guidelines.

Key Provisions:

• Proposed Signage: Each facade would feature one 69-square-foot internally illuminated channel letter sign and one 20-square-foot halo-illuminated steer logo.
• Regulatory Context: The PUD guidelines, established via an intergovernmental agreement between Joliet and Plainfield, act as the primary zoning regulation. Section 3b(v) restricts signage to one wall sign per frontage.
• Staff Recommendation: Planning staff supports the variation, noting that while the applicant did not demonstrate a unique hardship, the signage is architecturally integrated, consistent with the brand's national design, and does not create visual clutter or excessive height/animation. No conditions are recommended for approval.