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Board rejects permit for large wall sign at 1650 Mission Street after size concerns
Summary
A resolution authorizing a permit to install a northeast-facing wall sign at 1650 Mission Street failed on a 4–7 vote after supervisors and members raised concerns about sign size, neighborhood blight and broader policy about signage on public property.
The Board considered a resolution authorizing the execution of a permit to enter and use property for installation and maintenance of a northeast-facing wall sign at 1650 Mission Street but did not adopt the measure.
The item was forwarded from the Land Use Committee without recommendation. During discussion, Supervisor Olague (O'Laqui in the transcript) asked whether the contract should include language limiting the sign face to a smaller size; John Updek, Acting Director of Real Estate, said the sign company (Total Outdoor) had agreed to a cap: "...the size of this billboard to retain it to no larger than 20 feet by 60 feet. So that if in the future there was a regulatory change at the state level that permitted a larger size, wall facing sign to occur, we would have regulated through our document the inability to increase the size." (John Updek, Acting Director of Real Estate)
Supervisor Jane Kim spoke in favor of the item, calling the sign "revenue for the city" and noting it was a competitively bid, previously existing billboard. But other supervisors and public speakers raised concerns about new billboards on publicly owned property and whether the city should revisit Proposition G rules that constrain signs on public property.
The board took an initial roll‑call vote that yielded split results, rescinded the vote when members sought further discussion, and on final roll call the resolution failed by a vote of 4 ayes to 7 noes. The clerk recorded "There are 4 ayes and 7 no's. The resolution is not adopted." The record shows supervisors casting both yea and nay votes during the two successive calls; the final outcome is a defeat of the measure.
After the vote Supervisor Olague requested broader consideration of the city's policy on billboards and publicly owned properties; several members expressed interest in a future discussion of Prop G and publicly owned property signage.
Key factual details
- Proposed sign size: company agreed under permit to cap the wall sign at 20 feet by 60 feet (John Updek). - Outcome: Resolution not adopted (4–7).
