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Commission begins study of halo (backlit) lettering for downtown signs; staff to gather specifications
Summary
Commissioners discussed whether halo (backlit) letter illumination should be permitted downtown, asked for technical specifications and benchmark examples, and asked staff to return with recommendations and the North Augusta Public Safety sign specs.
The Planning Commission held an informational discussion about halo (backlit) channel-letter signage in the downtown Mixed Use districts and asked staff to return with technical specifications and example benchmarks for further consideration.
Tommy Paradise explained that the Board of Zoning Appeals had recently approved variance requests for halo lighting in the Downtown Mixed Use 2 district and that the Planning Commission had been asked to consider whether halo lighting should be permitted in Downtown Mixed Use 1 and 2. Paradise introduced Heather Dye of AAA Signs to present examples and technical details.
Heather Dye described halo lighting as backlighting behind channel letters and said it can be produced in different color temperatures and colors; she noted the North Augusta Public Safety building sign was illuminated at an LED temperature of 3,000 K and contrasted it with some brighter examples such as Jiffy Lube. Dye said halo lighting can be supplied in different quality levels and that premium products typically carry manufacturer parts warranties and vendor labor warranties.
Commissioners asked about brightness (lumens), color control, whether flashing or “racing” lights could be prevented, and enforcement difficulty measuring lumens. A staff member noted flashing lights are already prohibited in code and suggested including language specifying “steady” lighting to avoid animated/racing effects. Commissioners generally expressed interest in keeping a “classy” downtown character and discussed whether to limit color range (for example, restrict highly saturated colors) and to control temperature (Kelvin) and brightness. One commissioner asked staff to provide specs from the North Augusta Public Safety sign and to prepare comparative examples and recommended parameters (temperatures, lumen guidance, or permissible color palette) for a follow-up work session.
No formal policy change was adopted; staff will compile specifications, benchmark examples from other municipalities, and the Public Safety sign specs and return for further study.
