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Mount Airy planning commissioners unanimously approve three commercial sign packages
Summary
The Mount Airy Planning Commission on June 30 approved replacement sign packages for the Haircuttery, Mattress Warehouse and an AT&T storefront, finding each application consistent with the town's sign rules in code §112-11. Commissioners also discussed when minor door or window vinyl should be handled administratively.
The Mount Airy Planning Commission on June 30 unanimously approved three commercial sign applications for businesses in town, concluding that the proposed replacements met the town's sign-size and placement rules.
Commissioners approved sign packages submitted by Beltway Sign Service for the Haircuttery, Mattress Warehouse and an AT&T store following staff reviews showing the proposed panel sizes and locations comply with Town Code §112-11 (sign regulations). John, a town planning/zoning staff member, presented the reports and said the applications met the square-footage limits for their frontages.
The Haircuttery application was for two replacement signs (front and secondary/side frontage). John reported the front sign would be about 29.33 square feet and the side sign about 29.38 square feet, both within the ordinance limits. Gary Bridal, the permit expediter representing the installer, said the business was updating branding and that the overall lettering size would shrink slightly to accommodate a new circular logo. Chair moved approval; Commissioner Butts made the motion and Commissioner Abita seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
The Mattress Warehouse package included three elements: a façade (fascia) sign of 62 square feet, a two-sided monument sign at the shopping-center entrance, and a smaller hanging sign under the covered walkway. John said the building frontage measures 74.5 linear feet, which allows up to 74 square feet of signage; the submitted fascia is within that allowance. The commission approved the application without public comment; the motion passed unanimously with a second from Commissioner Binax.
The AT&T application covered a main façade sign, a two-sided hanging sign under the covered walkway and vinyl lettering on the entry door. John advised the primary signage totaled about 19.1 square feet and that the secondary pedestrian signs and door vinyl do not count against the primary calculation. Commissioners approved all three elements; the motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners discussed whether small door or window vinyl lettering (hours of operation, phone numbers, logos) should continue to come before the Planning Commission or be handled administratively at permitting. Chair said the zoning administrator can handle straightforward door lettering at permitting, but several commissioners asked that particularly prominent window or door decals still be brought to the commission for review. "I kinda would like to see it just to make sure that it's standard," said Commissioner Hatley, who asked to review such cases when they appear to be large or nonstandard.
Votes at a glance - Haircuttery (Beltway Sign Service / installer Beltway Sign Service Inc.): motion to approve replacement front and side signs — approved unanimously (mover: Commissioner Butts; second: Commissioner Abita). Staff: John (planning/zoning). Applicant rep: Gary Bridal, MG Permits. - Mattress Warehouse (Beltway Sign Service): motion to approve monument sign, façade sign (62 sq ft) and pedestrian hanging sign — approved unanimously (mover: Chair; second: Commissioner Binax). Staff: John. - AT&T (Beltway Sign Service): motion to approve façade sign (19.1 sq ft), two-sided pedestrian sign and door vinyl — approved unanimously (mover: Commissioner [moved from bench]; second: Commissioner Hadley). Staff: John.
Why it matters Commercial signage affects the town's streetscape and pedestrian environment; the commission cited §112-11 criteria (safety/sight lines, visibility of neighboring signs, and design/aesthetic fit) when reviewing each application. Staff said the three submissions were adjusted to comply with the code before approval.
What happens next Approved applicants will complete permitting with the town's zoning/permit office. Commissioners indicated they expect routine vinyl door lettering to be handled at permitting but asked staff to bring cases forward if decals are large, obstructive or atypical. The Planning Commission's next meeting is scheduled for July 28.
