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Committee backs HARP flexibility for historic-district signs; two HARP applications recommended for approval
Summary
Committee discussed amending sign regulations to let the Historic Architectural Review Panel recommend historically appropriate material substitutions for ground-mounted signs in the Downtown Historic District.
The Smart Growth Committee reviewed proposals to ease sign-material restrictions in the Downtown Historic District and accepted Historic Architectural Review Panel (HARP) recommendations for two applications. Committee members discussed a proposed change to Chapter 112-702 that would allow HARP to recommend historically appropriate substitutions (for example, granite posts) for ground-mounted signs in the Downtown Historic District where the current text limits ground-mount supports to metal pipe or tubing except in NC-1 and NC-2 districts.
A zoning officer explained the amendment is intended to give HARP discretion to permit materials that better match building facades and historic character without imposing mandatory costly requirements on applicants. The committee agreed to recommend the amendment for further consideration.
On HARP applications, the panel recommended approval of a sign at 34 South High Street while tabling a cafe seating barrier; HARP also recommended approval with minor conditions for exterior renovations at 123 North Church Street. The committee indicated support for HARP—indings and had no objections to the panel's recommendations.
Next steps: the committee will advance the sign-regulation amendment recommendation and HARP referrals per standard zoning processes.
