HDC panel approves temporary painted plywood signs for 137A Orange Street for 30 days

The HDC sign advisory committee on June 17, 2025, approved temporary painted plywood signage for 137A Orange Street for a maximum of 30 days, after the applicant agreed to replace an initial vinyl-banner proposal with painted plywood to meet district standards.

Mike, an applicant representative, told the committee that the business is changing its name and asked for temporary signage while the permanent carved and gold-leaf signs are fabricated. He initially proposed a vinyl banner because of fabrication timing but said he could install painted plywood that matches the final sign design if required.

"I was approved a 15 by 120 for the main sign. So it's just going to be a little smaller just to identify the building," Mike said, describing the temporary wall sign and a projecting sign that will match the design.

Committee members debated whether temporary banners should be used during the summer high season and noted the sign guidelines' intent. Ben Norman opposed allowing vinyl banners for weeks during peak season, calling long-term banner use an inappropriate use of the temporary-sign exemption. Kevin Kuester and others noted the applicant had been responsive and organized in prior steps.

After discussion, Member Paul Wolf moved to approve a wooden temporary wall sign that mirrors the final sign design, limited to 30 days. Kevin Kuester seconded. The committee approved the motion by roll call: Mark — aye; Ben Norman — aye; Paul Wolf — aye; Kevin Kuester — aye. The committee then made a separate, identical motion to approve the projecting sign; that motion passed on a unanimous roll-call vote as well.

Nikki Sheriff, HDC staff, confirmed that painted wood signs are permissible as temporary signs. The applicant agreed to the change from vinyl banner to painted plywood and to the 30-day time limit allowed by the town code.