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Commission approves reflective (non‑backlit) digital sign at St. James Episcopal Church as a test case
Summary
Commission approved a new reflective LCD sign for St. James Episcopal Church that will not be internally illuminated; staff framed the approval as a test and cautioned it should not be treated as precedent for other historic‑district signs.
The Commission of Architectural Review approved a proposal from St. James Episcopal Church to install a new monument sign featuring a reflective LCD technology that is not internally illuminated and will require indirect uplighting at night.
Staff told commissioners the sign technology differs from typical LED panels; during the day it appears poster‑like and at night the applicant proposes ground‑mounted uplights to illuminate the sign face. Alex (staff) recommended approval with conditions but cautioned the technology should be considered a limited test in an Old and Historic District and not a citywide precedent.
Architect Daniel Morrow said the reflective LCD product is not backlit and will need exterior lighting for night legibility. Billy Baxter, junior warden at St. James, said the church sought a solution that respected the historic site while giving the congregation a way to publicize community programs.
Commission discussion focused on how the sign will look under different lighting conditions, how often the content would change, and whether special‑use or zoning approvals would also be required. The applicants said content change could be set to once or twice daily and that they would follow zoning and special‑use processes as needed. Commissioners approved the application with staff conditions in a roll call vote: Easterling — Yes; Greer — Yes; Moore — Yes; Rodriguez — Yes; Strickland — Yes. The commission emphasized it expects the sign to appear poster‑like in daytime and limited in night brightness.
