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Commission approves monument and wall signs for Broadway Lofts, grants small setback and sign‑location exceptions
Summary
The planning commission approved a monument sign and an illuminated wall sign for Broadway Lofts (1216 East Broadway), granting minor exceptions for setback and for a wall sign on a facade that does not abut a public street. Conditions include landscaping and a corrected address on plans.
The Monona Planning Commission approved a sign permit for two signs at 1216 East Broadway for the Broadway Lofts development, granting two small code exceptions: a minor setback variance for a ground monument sign and an exception to permit a wall sign on a façade without direct public‑street frontage.
Staff described the proposal: a non‑illuminated monument sign approximately 4 ft. 10 in. tall set against a retaining wall at the site’s northwest corner, and an 87.4‑square‑foot LED‑illuminated channel‑letter wall sign on the apartment building’s southwest façade. Staff recommended conditions including corrected address information on the plans and landscape planting around the monument sign.
Why it matters: The wall sign would be visible from the BeltLine and East Broadway and required an exception because that façade does not directly abut a public street; the monument sign required a 2–3 foot setback exception because the retaining wall constrains placement.
Commissioners discussed precedents and aesthetics. One commissioner offered stylistic feedback on color and typeface but said those were not code issues. Another commissioner compared the proposal to similar signs previously approved for other developments visible from the BeltLine and reported no code conflict. The commission added a finding noting that the roadway curves away from the sign location, lessening the need for additional setback.
The commission moved and seconded approval with staff‑recommended conditions and the added finding; the motion carried by voice vote.
Ending note: Signage permits are approved with conditions that will be enforced at sign permitting and installation. Minor stylistic adjustments discussed by commissioners were offered as advisory feedback to the applicant; final sign details that remain within the approved dimensions may be handled administratively by staff.
