St. David’s Emergency Department Sign Variance Put Over After Executive Session; Council to Revisit June 18

St. David’s Health System representatives presented plans for a new 24‑hour emergency department along US‑290 and requested a commercial sign variance to allow a 40‑foot‑tall, 160‑square‑foot wayfinding sign. After a presentation and questions, the council moved the item to the June 18 meeting following legal counsel’s request and a closed‑session review.

April Romero Brown, speaking for St. David’s, said the proposed sign would match designs used at other St. David’s emergency facilities and was intended to improve wayfinding for drivers seeking care in time‑sensitive situations. “The larger design … exists to assist drivers seeking emergency care,” she said, describing studies the team used to calculate viewer reaction distances and recommended sign dimensions.

Sean Lewis, administrative director of emergency services for St. David’s, said the facility will be staffed by board‑certified emergency physicians and nurses and is projected to treat between 8,000 and 10,000 emergency patients in its opening year. St. David’s representatives emphasized visibility concerns along the congested US‑290 corridor and asked the council to allow a taller, larger sign to ensure drivers can safely locate the facility.

City staff noted the existing sign code typically allows a 30‑foot sign with 96 square feet of sign area based on frontage; staff recommended adhering to current code limits given overhead utility lines and other constraints. Councilmembers asked St. David’s if a 35‑foot sign would suffice; the presenter indicated flexibility on height but emphasized that sign area was the top priority.

Veronica Rivera, assistant city attorney, requested the item go into executive session to review legal considerations. After the executive session, the council voted to postpone final action on the variance and directed staff and counsel to continue work; the item will return to the June 18 agenda.