Planning commission asks council whether to limit downtown canopy signs to white lighting

The Lexington planning commission on Oct. 2 reported it is drafting a zoning text amendment to permit internally illuminated canopy signs in the historic C-1 Commercial District and asked council for guidance on whether to restrict such signs to white lighting.

The planning commission report, delivered at council by the commission’s representative, said council previously directed staff to permit internally illuminated canopy signs but specified that lighting should be white only. The commission has since received public comment — including from an Architectural Review Board (ARB) member — urging flexibility so canopy signs can better reflect the character of individual buildings and businesses. The commission noted existing examples at the southern end of downtown where neon or colored elements already appear.

Commissioners asked council whether it favored a strict white-light-only rule or a more flexible standard that could allow a single color or set color temperatures subject to ARB review. Staff reminded council that any sign approved under a zoning-text amendment would still be subject to ARB review for design compatibility in the historic district.

Planning commission members said they will continue their review and will take the matter up at their Oct. 23 meeting; their recommended ordinance language will come back to council for final approval. Council members who spoke suggested allowing options that preserve compatibility with downtown’s historic character (for example by limiting brightness or color temperature) while helping businesses remain visible to customers.

Ending: No ordinance was adopted at the Oct. 2 meeting. The planning commission will refine its draft and present a recommendation to council following its Oct. 23 meeting and ARB input.