Staff okays signage and patio furniture for Sandusky Scoops at 158 Columbus Ave

Sandusky Landmark Commission staff granted an administratively approved certificate of appropriateness on May 27, 2025, for signage and patio furniture at 158 Columbus Ave, the new Sandusky Scoops location.

The approval covers three signs — including a double-sided 6.75-square-foot blade sign and window decals — and outdoor tables and chairs placed on the Columbus Avenue frontage. Staff said the blade sign and window graphics are pedestrian in scale, not illuminated, and create a cohesive visual design with the existing historic facade.

Adam, a staff member presenting the item, told the commission that the window decals are already installed and the blade sign did not appear to be up yet. He said staff found the furniture “simple in design and therefore appropriate, well balanced in accordance with the design guidelines.” He added, “We appreciate the bringing of another dessert food amenity to downtown.”

Staff’s review concluded the proposed elements are consistent with the city’s design guidelines for the downtown historic district and are pedestrian-scaled. No formal commission vote was recorded for the item because the approval was issued administratively by staff on the date listed above.

The administrative approval for Sandusky Scoops follows a pattern of staff handling nonpermanent streetscape elements; commissioners discussed that pattern elsewhere in the meeting and noted they would request items be brought to the commission if an application appeared outside typical guidelines.

Minutes for the June 18 meeting were approved by motion earlier in the session; the commission adjourned after roughly 17–18 minutes and indicated there likely will not be a July meeting.