Title / Name / Summary
Scott Neil State Farm - 9917 W. 143rd Street - Certificate of Appropriateness for replacing old awnings and signs on windows
History, Overview, and Project Context
The subject commercial property at 9917 W. 143rd Street is a landmark Tudor-style structure built in 1937 that historically served as Orland Park's first public library. It is designated as a contributing structure in the Old Orland Historic (OOH) District, situated within the Downtown Planning District's Neighborhood Mixed Use designation. The petitioner, Scott Neil, on behalf of Neil Insurance & Financial Services Inc. (State Farm), is seeking a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) to install a comprehensive exterior signage package. Prepared by Everbrite, LLC, the submittals include a 46.5" high x 22' wide x 2' deep non-illuminated red Sunbrella canvas replacement shed awning, a 48" x 96" (32 sq. ft.) non-illuminated low-profile wall sign to replace an existing non-conforming wall sign, and vinyl graphics applied to multiple exterior windows and doors. Surrounding properties within the district comprise mixed commercial and residential uses, alongside nearby general business and village center designations.
Under the Orland Park Land Development Code (LDC), particularly Section 6-209 and Sign District #5 rules for the OOH District, awning signs are limited to a maximum area percentage of the sloped canvas face and must maintain at least 8' of vertical clearance over public walkways. Crucially, the LDC strictly prohibits any text, logos, or printed signage on the lower valance or skirt of an awning. The submitted rendering depicts printed text-including a phone number (607-772-0068), the agent's name (Scott Neil), and a web address (southsuburbaninsurance.com)-along the 12-inch bottom valance. Consequently, the proposed awning is non-compliant as submitted and cannot be approved until all valance imprints are completely removed and any permitted branding is relocated exclusively onto the primary sloped face.
The proposed 4' x 8' (32 sq. ft.) non-illuminated low-profile wall sign complies with district limits for wall signage, utilizing low-profile mounting that integrates cleanly with the structure’s architectural framing. Regarding window and door graphics, Section 6-307 limits permanent window signage to a maximum of 25% coverage per individual pane and 50% total coverage per elevation to preserve visual transparency into historic storefronts. The submitted drawings indicate solid red vinyl strips with white lettering applied to exterior glass faces, which measure under the 25% single-pane limit. While the wall sign and window graphic layouts align with core district criteria, the overall petition cannot receive final COA approval until the non-compliant awning design is formally revised and all listed conditions are met.
Recommended Action / Motion
The Certificate of Appropriateness (2026-0734) for new commercial signage at 9917 W. 143rd Street, Case Number 2026-0812, is RECOMMENDED FOR DENIAL AS SUBMITTED, but may be RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL, provided the following requirements are fully satisfied prior to final Board action and permit issuance:
1. Mandatory Awning Revision: The petitioner shall submit revised awning artwork removing all text, phone numbers, and web addresses from the 12-inch valance/skirt to comply with LDC Section 6-209.
2. Window Area Verification: Field installation and trimming of window vinyl graphics must strictly adhere to submittals and remain under the LDC 25% individual pane coverage limit.
3. Code & Structural Compliance: Meet all Village Building Code and Land Development Code requirements.
4. Permit Requirements: Obtain all required sign and building permits prior to starting work or installation.