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Columbia HARB approves relocated aluminum sign and three-month vinyl banner at 233 Locust Street
Summary
On May 14 the Columbia Borough Historical Architectural Review Board approved moving an aluminum storefront sign to the upper façade at 233 Locust Street and allowed a vinyl banner for a limited three-month period while a permanent sign is finalized.
Columbia Borough Historical Architectural Review Board members on May 14 approved relocating an aluminum business sign at 233 Locust Street to the upper façade and granted temporary use of a 7-by-4-foot vinyl banner for three months while the applicant obtains a permanent sign permit.
The board’s approval requires the aluminum sign be attached to the building’s upper strip above the door with multiple fasteners and asks the applicant to return with a replacement permanent sign after the temporary period. Board members raised safety and historic-preservation concerns, citing ADA clearance requirements and the building’s contribution to the neighborhood streetscape.
Applicants told the board the proposed aluminum sign is roughly 7 feet long by 1 foot high and that the banner is vinyl and already in place. Board members asked how the banner would be fastened; the applicant responded that it would be screwed into the wall. Members recommended moving the rigid aluminum sign to the horizontal strip above the door, and said the banner should remain only short term while the permanent sign is produced.
The board discussed mounting details and liability if a sign were to fall, with one member recommending at least four to six fasteners on the aluminum sign. Members also expressed concern about the banner’s material and vulnerability to vandalism and urged a permanent wooden or similarly durable sign that better matches nearby historic storefronts.
A motion to approve the relocation of the aluminum sign above the shed roof, permit the existing vinyl banner for a three-month period, and request presentation of a replacement permanent sign at the end of that period was made, seconded and carried unanimously.
The board did not cite a specific ordinance during the discussion; members referred generally to zoning and borough sign regulations and to ADA clearance standards when raising safety questions. The board noted that applicants should consult municipal permitting requirements and that the temporary banner classification carries limits on long-term use.
The board moved on to other agenda items after the vote; applicants were asked to return with a permanent sign design for final review before the temporary banner period expires.
