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Commission adopts interim window-signage standards, expands holiday exception
Summary
The Historic Preservation Commission approved Administrative Policy 25001 to limit electronic displays, restrict decorative lights and cap painted window signage; the policy was amended to expand the December exception to the broader "holiday season," and the commission approved the amended policy 5-0.
The Historic Preservation Commission on March 3 adopted Administrative Policy 25001, imposing additional standards for window signage within the Capitol Town Site Historic District and clarifying how decorative lighting and painted window borders are treated.
Staff explained the interim policy responds to a recent increase in illuminated and painted window displays downtown and is intended to provide consistent enforcement while staff updates the design guidelines. Key provisions adopted by the commission (as amended) include: a prohibition on digital or electronic signs and displays except for a single "open" sign; a restriction that lights or strings of lights used to accentuate window frames must be white and must not flash or blink (no light curtains or window light displays outside of an exception); and a rule that painted decorative borders count as signage, are limited to 30 days at a time, and that the combination of a business sign and painted border cannot exceed one-third of a window’s area.
Commissioners amended the staff proposal to replace a strict "month of December" exception with a broader "holiday season" exception so seasonal displays may remain up for the typical retail holiday period. Commissioners also clarified that if a business wants painted window art to remain beyond temporary periods, it must apply for a certificate of appropriateness. Commissioner Valerie Duncan moved to approve the policy as amended; Commissioner Jason Wells seconded. Jason Wells, Valerie Duncan, Darryl Covington, Phil Nichols and Maneka Gibbs voted yes; the motion passed 5-0.
Staff said the policy is intended to be an interim enforcement tool until the commission updates the formal design guidelines and that staff will work with businesses to bring nonconforming displays into compliance.
