WARSAW — Chad McKinley came before the Zoning Appeals Board Monday, Oct. 24, to request a variance from development standards.

McKinley is a graphic designer with Paint the Town Graphics out of Fort Wayne presenting on the behalf of Century Link. Century Link would like to install a permanent 10 foot by 20 foot frame to house vinyl banner signs on the east side of the building. While there is no issue with the permanent frame, vinyl is currently classified as a temporary sign material.

Assistant City Planner Justin Taylor stated concerns of allowing a company to use temporary sign material in a permanent application. While there is confidence that Century Link will keep their sign in good condition, allowing them to use temporary material may allow other business to follow suit who will not keep the sign looking nice. “If we let one person do it then we have to let everyone do it,” added City Planner Jeremy Skinner.

Currently, temporary sign permits may be granted allowing signs of temporary material to be used for no more than 180 days.

McKinley insisted the signs with the frames are very durable. “We have some that have lasted 10 years.”

According to Pat Welch with Century Link, the signage would be used to extend a campaign that runs US 30 and into Ohio. In this case, the signage would be replaced regularly.

The board ultimately did not know how to proceed with this matter. There was question of if the vinyl banner held up as well as permanent signage, then perhaps it should be classified as such. With opposition to granting a variance, the Board decided to decline the motion, instead insisting that Century Link apply for a temporary sign permit and come back to the board in 180 days. In that time the Board plans on discussing the matter with the Planning Commission to come to a consensus on the use of vinyl for permanent signs.

The next meeting will be Nov. 28.