Commission approves sign‑shop CUP for American Paintbrush at 606 Second Street; one commissioner recused

The Laramie Planning Commission approved Feb. 10 a conditional use permit to allow American Paintbrush (operated by WWC Engineering as applicant) to locate a sign shop at 606 Second Street within the downtown commercial district. The permit passed with six yes votes and one recusal.

Philip, planning staff, said the site will include retail sales plus an area for sign assembly and vehicle wraps. He stated the use aligns with a recent text amendment that permits sign shops in the DC district as a conditional use. The site plan shows two access points, 14 off-street parking spaces, a six-foot privacy fence on the south property line adjacent to residential uses, and enhanced landscaping along First Street. Philip said most production work will occur indoors and that a trip-generation estimate found no significant traffic impacts. Legal notice produced no public comments.

The applicant clarified that, despite the business name “American Paintbrush,” the operation has not painted signs in two decades and will primarily apply vinyl to substrates and vehicles. Philip confirmed a site plan was approved administratively for the existing use and that CUP review is required given the change to a sign‑shop use.

Commissioner Donald moved to approve the CUP “based on findings of fact and conclusions of law and subject to the following conditions” (not read into the record). Commissioner John seconded. Roll-call votes recorded: Pacino — aye; Evans — aye; Matamore — aye; O’Toole — aye; Schneider — recused; Moody — aye. Tally: six yes, zero no, one recused. The CUP was approved.