Commission weighs code changes to let designated buildings bypass some downtown design rules and to permit interior vinyl window signs

The Historic Preservation Commission spent significant time reviewing proposed development-code amendments that would affect downtown design standards and signage. Staff recommended policy language that would allow properties that are locally designated, or are within designated districts, and that have an approved Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) to rely on the COA review and not be strictly bound by some downtown design standards for alterations.

Staff member Sarah explained the proposal as a way to avoid applying standards intended primarily for new construction to historic, small-scale downtown buildings. “To essentially say that if you're designated, if you have an approved C O a, you can ignore these design standards. You can pull from them. You can look at them,” Sarah said. She said the change would let staff and applicants focus on what…