HDC holds freestanding sign request for 10 Strait Wharf and asks applicant to document historic sign; applicant to present to full HDC if desired

The HDC Sign Advisory Committee on May 6 held the application to reinstall a freestanding sign at 10 Strait Wharf and asked the applicant to provide documentation showing the size and placement of the previously approved sign. The applicant, Linda, presented a series of historical photographs dating back to the 1940s that showed a freestanding post at the location but staff and commissioners said the committee must rely on the Sign Guidelines to determine whether the post is still grandfathered.

Why it matters: The application raises a policy question about when a previously erected sign remains eligible for replacement under the Sign Guidelines' preexisting nonconforming sign rules. Staff referenced the guidelines' requirement that a replacement sign match the previously approved or erected sign in size and placement and that documentation of the prior sign be submitted.

Commissioners noted a three‑year standard in the guidelines for determining whether an absent sign remains grandfathered and asked the applicant to submit photographic or permit documentation of the prior sign. The committee moved to hold the application for revisions so staff could review historical documentation and confirm whether the proposed replacement matches the previously erected sign. The move to hold passed by roll call. The applicant said she planned to bring the matter to the full HDC that evening as well; staff and the committee agreed the full board could consider it but asked that documentation be provided.

Staff member Nicky Sheriff said she would distribute the Zoom link for the full board meeting and coordinate the submission of any additional documentation. The committee will reconvene the item after staff reviews the evidence or after full‑board action, depending on how the applicant chooses to proceed.