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Commission clears kiosk sign at Beulah Park for Cycle Yamhill wayfinding after clarifying dimensions
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a variance to permit a second freestanding/kiosk sign at Beulah Park to host Cycle Yamhill wayfinding and maps. The commission and applicant corrected mismatched dimension information in the record and approved a condition-limited variance; the applicant said the kiosk and trail signage are funded by a grant.
The Planning Commission approved a variance allowing a second freestanding kiosk sign at Beulah Park to display gravel-route wayfinding and local business information associated with the Cycle Yamhill program. Staff recommended approval, finding the kiosk supports park and recreational uses and does not create a traffic-safety issue because the kiosk location is not visible from Third Street.
Applicant Phil Higgins (Cycle Yamhill) described the kiosk as part of a funded wayfinding package tied to an outside grant. During the hearing staff and commissioners identified inconsistent dimensions between the application form and the drawing supplied to the city. Commissioners and the applicant agreed to correct the record: the kiosk insert (the sign face) will be approximately 5 feet wide by roughly 6 feet tall, with the sign panel elevated above the ground (bottom of sign about 1 foot above grade); staff indicated the final sign-permit documents will lock in exact dimensions in the permit review.
Staff explained the variance was required because the submitted sign dimensions and placement did not strictly comply with Chapter 10.64 sign regulations for freestanding monument signs (the park already has an existing entrance sign). The staff report concluded the proposed kiosk sign is limited in purpose (trail mapping and noncommercial wayfinding), is sited to avoid traffic impacts, and does not provide a special advertising advantage to private businesses. Staff recommended approval subject to standard conditions: the decision limited to the sign variance, the applicant must obtain a sign permit, and the sign must conform to the submitted permit materials.
Public testimony included neutral and clarifying remarks. One commenter asked who approved the county rights-of-way signs cited by Cycle Yamhill and whether the project primarily served city residents; the applicant clarified the county routes are public roads already used by cyclists and that the Beulah Park kiosk is a donation to the city to support local visitation. The applicant stated Cycle Yamhill received a roughly $70,000 grant to support the route system and the physical kiosk donation.
Commissioners voted to approve the variance with modified findings noting the corrected sign dimensions and with standard permit conditions. The applicant will submit final permit drawings and obtain the sign permit before installation.
