Darien Chain Restaurant Wants Electronic Sign, Seeks Exception To Rules

DARIEN, IL – A Darien restaurant is seeking an exception to the city's regulations to install an electronic sign.

The request from Culver's restaurant, 541 Plainfield Road, has prompted a broader conversation about the city's prohibition on such signs.

Over the years, the city has granted exceptions from the electronic sign rule, according to a city memo.

They have been given to Chuck's South Comforts Cafe, Indian Prairie Public Library and a marquee sign jointly operated by the city and a private property owner at Plainfield and Cass Avenue.

About a decade ago, the city permitted gas stations to have electronic price signage.

The city recently found that Woodridge, Westmont and Bolingbrook allow electronic signs, within certain parameters. Downers Grove prohibits them.

Earlier this month, the city's Plan Commission recommended that the city allow such signs. The City Council's Municipal Services Committee agreed.

On Monday, the full council plans to vote on authorizing staff to draft a rule allowing electronic signs. The meeting is at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.