Landmarks panel approves 202 Columbus Ave blade sign with condition to remove or alter uplighting
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Summary
The Sandusky Landmark Commission approved an internally illuminated blade sign for 202 Columbus Ave (City Taphouse) but required removal or redesign of proposed uplighting to meet the city's dark‑sky ordinance and sign permit conditions.
The Sandusky Landmark Commission on April 16 voted to approve a double‑sided, internally illuminated blade sign for 202 Columbus Ave (City Taphouse / City Taphouse parcel), with the condition that any proposed uplighting be removed or replaced with a dark‑sky compliant alternative before a sign permit is issued.
Staff described the proposed sign as a 14‑foot by 4.5‑foot routed aluminum blade sign mounted on custom brackets and illuminated with 3,000 Kelvin LEDs behind white acrylic copy. Staff estimated the bottom of the sign would sit roughly 15 to 19 feet above grade and said the design and scale harmonize with the historic stone building; staff’s primary concern was the sign’s proposed uplighting, which may conflict with the city’s dark‑sky ordinance.
Ryan Brady, the applicant’s representative, explained the project team’s fabrication approach and said the rendering’s uplighting appears more aggressive than the actual effect will be once the sign is installed. Brady described the lighting as primarily internal to the cabinet with limited leakage at the top and noted the team can add diffusers or dimming if necessary to address spill or brightness.
Commissioners and staff discussed whether the uplighting question is within the commission’s purview or the planning division’s sign‑permit review; staff said the planning division administers dark‑sky compliance as part of the commercial sign permit but asked the commission to include the condition in its recommendations so the issue is resolved before permit issuance. The staff recommendation approved by the commission required that applicants obtain all applicable permits and that any uplighting be removed or replaced with a down‑lighting alternative to comply with city ordinance 20‑4‑161.
The commission approved the staff recommendations by roll‑call vote; all participating commissioners voted yes.
Staff and the applicant noted the proposed sign echoes historic projecting signs in downtown photos and that projecting signage is a recognized element of the area’s period of significance when designed and installed according to guidelines.
Votes at a glance: motion to accept staff recommendations on the 202 Columbus Ave blade sign passed unanimously on roll call.
