In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the reinstallation of a historic sign at a local property, which is listed on the historic registry and falls within the RM residential district. The applicant is seeking to reinstall a projecting sign of the same size and location but with a new sign face. The proposed design aims to nestle the sign under the eave to minimize its projection over the sidewalk, addressing previous concerns about its placement.

City staff expressed no objections to the reinstallation, noting that the new sign would not exceed the size of the original and would remain in character with the historic nature of the property. However, staff recommended that the sign should not have internal illumination and that all other unpermitted signs on the property be removed as a condition of approval.

The meeting also touched on the complexities surrounding non-conforming uses of the property. One member raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, given their ownership of another non-conforming commercial property nearby. After clarification, it was determined that the member could participate in the discussion as long as they did not stand to gain personally from the decision.

Further inquiries were made regarding the current businesses operating at the site, specifically about the implications of maintaining non-conforming status. It was clarified that if a business ceases operations for a significant period, it risks losing its non-conforming status. The discussion highlighted the importance of adhering to local codes while navigating the historical significance of the property.

Overall, the meeting underscored the balance between preserving historical elements and complying with modern zoning regulations, as well as the ongoing challenges faced by non-conforming businesses in the area.