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Commission recommends ordinance to define internally lit signs, set historic‑district color rules
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended adoption of Ordinance 25‑01 by approving Resolution 25‑08R, clarifying rules for internally lit signs, enforcement procedures, and color requirements in the historic district; the recommendation passed after discussion on effects for National Historic Landmark status.
On April 10, 2025, the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Skagway Municipality voted to adopt Planning and Zoning Resolution 25‑08R, recommending that the Assembly adopt Ordinance 25‑01 to amend Title 19 (Planning and Zoning). The amendment would define internally lit signs, clarify enforcement procedures for signage violations, and establish color requirements for signage within the municipality's historic district.
Commission discussion focused on preservation concerns and whether internally lit signs could threaten the National Historic Landmark (NHL) designation for downtown structures. One commissioner reported contacting preservation staff and a historian at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, who advised that internally lit signs attached with suction cups or hung in windows are unlikely to cause loss of NHL designation because they do not alter significant architectural features. That commissioner said the NHL designation covers approximately 67 contributing buildings among roughly 220 studied properties and stressed that the proposed ordinance text addresses signage rather than permanent changes to building fabric.
Mister Alcott, a downtown business owner who spoke during the meeting, expressed concern that National Park Service preferences should not override what private business owners do inside their buildings and urged separation between municipal authority and the park's input. Commissioner Michelle Silva said the amendment primarily cleans up existing code language so enforcement is practicable; she described the change as clarifying, not creating, prohibitions (for example, neon signs and flashing signs were already listed as prohibited). Another commissioner (Kathy) clarified that the Planning and Zoning Commission's vote is a recommendation to the Assembly and that the Assembly will hold a separate public hearing and required newspaper notice before any code change is adopted.
The commission approved Resolution 25‑08R by roll call; recorded votes were Commissioner Mabey (yes), Commissioner Michelle Silva (yes), Commissioner Out call (no) and Commissioner Kern (yes), yielding three recorded yes votes and the motion passing. The recommendation advances the ordinance to the Assembly for further public process and a second reading.
