Commission permits second Brunello Cucinelli sign at Carmel Plaza and asks staff to fix silent sign code language

The Planning Commission approved a request from Brunello Cucinelli for a second, modest wall-mounted sign in Carmel Plaza to identify the store's interior walkway entrance in addition to its Ocean Avenue entrance.

Staff explained that a 2018 sign-code update removed a prior planning-commission approval path for "unusual circumstances," leaving ambiguity for parcels and stores with multiple entrances. Staff presented options: (1) allow staff to approve second signs in unusual circumstances, (2) refer all second-sign requests to the Planning Commission, or (3) deny second signs and keep a strict single-sign rule per business.

Applicant representative Matt Leitner said the proposed sign is discreet (estimated under the 6-square-foot limit for wall signs; drawings show ~3 5/8" letters and roughly 6'9" width) and serves a practical function for customers using the courtyard entrance. Commissioners agreed the applicant's storefront has two distinct entries and that a second sign in this case is reasonable. They asked staff to draft clear, objective code language that allows a second sign for businesses with multiple public entrances and suggested staff interpret the current code in the short term to permit signs when "entrances" are plural.

The commission adopted the staff resolution to approve the Brunello Cucinelli second sign on a unanimous roll call and directed staff to return with a code amendment to formalize standards for second signs in similar situations.