Hinsdale’s Planning Commission on Nov. 13 approved two storefront sign applications with conditions and continued a third to allow revised designs.

Kingsdale Flower Shop (10 Grand Square, case A-44-2025) was approved with two specific conditions: lower the east-facing side sign by 1 foot and control the north-facing sign with a timer to turn it off at 10:00 p.m. and on at 7:00 a.m. Staff reminded commissioners that the local sign code generally allows 25 square feet per tenant and an administrative 5% size variance; commissioners said the timer and a modest lowering would reduce impacts to nearby residences. The motion to approve included those conditions and passed on roll call.

The commission continued Breakpoint’s application for 100 Chestnut Street (case A-49-2025) to the Dec. 10 meeting after commissioners raised multiple aesthetic and proportionality concerns. Breakpoint manager Hailey Beyer and sign fabricator Mike Berger described the proposed sign but commissioners said the proposed panel background and overall block-style design are out of scale with the building’s other tenants. "I kind of don't follow what you're saying a little bit because I'm looking at the cleaners...I'm looking at Edward Jones," a commissioner said in review of façade context, and Commissioner Jerry said he could not vote for the current design in its present form. Staff explained the building is allocated a total of 175 square feet of signage which the owner can divide among tenants; exceeding the 5% administrative tolerance would require ZBA review. The continuance gives the applicant a chance to return with multiple concepts that better match the plaza and accommodate other tenants.

Denucci's (8 East 1st Street, case A-52-2025) presented a small awning sign and permanent window signs. Brianna Carden, representing Valley Hospitality and Denucci's, said the lower window graphics are part of the brand's consistent appearance in other locations and acknowledged visibility limits from parked cars. Commissioners praised the awning color and general design; after discussion the commission approved the application by roll call, with Commissioner Fiosconi recorded as a no vote and the rest voting yes.

Votes and next steps: the commission recorded roll-call votes on the approvals and continuance; Breakpoint was directed to work with staff and the landlord and to return with revised sign options for the Dec. 10 meeting.