Sign variance approved for Dwan Café; commission advises reducing overall signage to one face

The commission approved a sign variance July 10 for Dwan Café, allowing a primary wall sign larger than a single-face allowance by consolidating the total permitted signage into one principal sign. Staff explained the tenant occupies two consolidated spaces but is closing off one entrance; although the building could qualify for a second wall sign on the north face, staff recommended the applicant retain allowable square footage but limit signage to the principal west facade. Staff recommended conditions to reduce the overall square footage to match the total allowed if two wall signs were used, but concentrated on allowing the single sign in the location architecturally appropriate to the new primary entrance. Applicant Brian Sweeney told commissioners the primary entrance will be under the proposed sign and that the owner requested the sign to fit the natural elevation. The commission approved the variance with staff’s three conditions.