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Sonoma commission approves Bank of America sign permit with limits on plaza illumination
Summary
The planning commission approved a sign permit for the Bank of America building at 1st Street West and West Napa Street after adopting conditions that require the street-facing sign comply with Option B measurements, move the 1st Street West sign to its existing location, and limit most illuminated signs to one hour after close while granting 24/7 illumination for the ATM-facing wall; motion passed 6–1.
The Sonoma City Planning Commission voted Nov. 20 to approve a sign permit for the Bank of America building at 1st Street West and West Napa Street with conditions intended to balance safety needs and the Plaza’s historic character.
Planning staff presented two design options: Option A, a stacked logo and lettering layout that exceeded the city’s illuminated sign-area limit; and Option B, a linear layout that complied with the maximum illuminated sign size but not the total number of signs on the property, which would require a variance. Staff recommended approval of either option only if the commission could make the required sign and variance findings; staff also recommended a categorical exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA Guidelines §§15301 and 15311).
Applicant Aaron Craddock (Solano Signing Company) told commissioners the city’s box‑measurement method exaggerates apparent sign area and that the actual illuminated material is substantially less than the boxed calculation. He said the proposed illuminated faces were intended to light evening and nighttime activity, not remain illuminated during daytime hours.
During discussion commissioners split on aesthetics and safety. Several members said a sign placed high on the building’s parapet would resemble a billboard and detract from the Plaza character; others emphasized safety around the bank’s 24‑hour ATM. Commissioner Willers moved that the commission allow the eastern wall sign (the ATM/parking-facing sign) to remain illuminated 24/7 for safety, require the 1st Street West sign to be returned to its existing (lower) location, require Napa‑facing plaza illumination to cease one hour after closing per the municipal ordinance, and require all illuminated signs to meet Option B criteria. Commissioner Barnett seconded the motion.
The commission approved the motion on a 6–1 roll call. Vice Chair Weyrick cast the lone no vote. The motion's conditions therefore require compliance with Option B illumination-size standards and preserve a one‑hour post‑closing limit for plaza illumination except for the ATM side.
The permit now moves forward with those conditions; staff noted that noncompliant sign elements would require removal if they violated municipal codes. The staff report recorded the CEQA recommendation for a categorical exemption (CEQA Guidelines §§15301 and 15311) for the work described.
