Historic preservation commission continues Bank of America sign permit, asks for code‑compliant renderings

The Sonoma City Historic Preservation Commission continued consideration of a sign permit for Bank of America’s building at 35 West Napa Street on Sept. 10, asking staff and the applicant to return with renderings that meet the city’s code for illuminated signs.

Staff presented the application and recommended approval of the sign permit and two variances, including an aggregate area variance and a variance for individual internally illuminated signs larger than 27 square feet. Permit technician Natalie Bursey told commissioners the parcel is in the downtown planning area across from Plaza Park and that the applicant proposes three channel‑letter signs; two of the signs would be roughly 43.7 square feet and one roughly 27.9 square feet under the proposed measurements. Bursey also said staff recommends approval of a categorical exemption under sections 15301 and 15311 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines.

Applicant Erin Kredick of Solano Sign Company described the materials as “top of the line 3M quality vinyl” with LED lighting and a manufacturer warranty; she cautioned that,…