Placerville approves master sign plan for 680 Placerville Drive; open sign must be steady-lit

The Placerville Planning Commission on Jan. 21 conditionally approved a master sign plan for 680 Placerville Drive, home to multiple nonresidential units, and added a condition restricting an illuminated “open” sign to steady illumination during business hours.

Planning staff explained the master sign plan (SPR 24-08) would permit new wall signage for two commercial units and the top cabinets of an existing pole sign that predate current records. Staff noted the open sign category is generally treated as exempt when placed in a window and covering no more than 25% of a pane, but that the proposed open sign would be on a wall and therefore fell to the commission’s discretion.

“Staff’s analysis identified the open sign as exempt,” Kristen Hunter said, while also noting the commission had discretion in how to treat an open sign when it is mounted on a wall instead of a window.

Commissioners debated signage size, materials and visibility to passing drivers. Commissioner Amy Lepper moved approval as recommended by staff and amended the conditions to require that any illuminated “open” sign be steady lit, not flashing, and be turned off during nonbusiness hours. A commissioner proposed that the sign styles for the units be consistent in material and placement to provide a cohesive look.

The motion passed 4–0. The approval is subject to the standard 10-day appeal period.

Staff’s report and the commission’s condition emphasize that permitted wall signs should be nonilluminated except where the code exempts an “open” sign; the commission’s added condition clarifies that an exterior open sign must be steady lit and turned off when the business is closed.