Design Review Committee approves sign package and two exceptions for 485 Alisal Road, 3-2

The Solvang Design Review Committee approved a sign permit for a new storefront at 485 Alisal Road on Feb. 20, granting the applicant two exceptions for sign size and number in a 3-2 vote.

The permit covers one hand‑painted awning sign above the primary entry, two conforming 2‑square‑foot dimensional wall signs above separate entries, and two additional wall signs the applicant said measure 9 square feet each — larger than the 7 square‑foot maximum in the code because the applicant’s logo projects beyond the background box. The applicant also asked for an exception to allow two projecting (“blade”) signs, each about 6.75 square feet; the code permits one projecting sign per business.

Lisa (planning staff) told the committee the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act and explained the measurement method: “the way that we take the measurements for this, is if there is anything like their logo sticking up, we do a box around the sign. So that is what makes it, the 9 square feet in size.”

Applicant Taryn, who identified herself as the business applicant, said the storefront is unusually long and that multiple signs are intended to help customers understand the single business across many doors: “it’s extra long, and it’s a little confusing for the customer. So we tried to come up with a plan that makes it clear that that whole thing is one store.” She added that the larger wall sign only exceeds the standard “because our logo sticks out.”

Committee members split over precedent. Chair Jacobson Bates and Member Melissa Bates opposed the exceptions, citing concern that granting exceptions could set a precedent for future applicants. Member Goetz, Member Johnson and Vice Chair Boyd supported the permit, with Boyd noting the long storefront could plausibly accommodate multiple businesses under current code and that existing brackets on the building would be used for the projecting signs.

On a roll-call vote, the committee recorded three votes in favor and two opposed; the motion to approve the project and grant the two exceptions passed. The committee’s approval authorizes the specific signs shown in the submitted drawings and includes the exceptions as described; no further conditions were recorded in the motion text on the record.

The applicant indicated plans to use existing projecting‑sign brackets and said the design team intends to refine the artwork to committee preferences during permit finalization.

The committee’s decision followed in‑person public comment praising the committee’s work and a short staff presentation. There was no action to refer the matter to another body.