Commission approves Skin on Market formula‑retail permit and allows existing sign

The Planning Commission voted unanimously Dec. 19 to approve a conditional use authorization for Skin on Market, a 340‑square‑foot shop on Market Street, despite staff recommendations to reduce and reposition an existing unpermitted formula‑retail sign.

Staff described the project and noted the unpermitted sign did not comply with formula‑retail sign guidelines and Article 6 of the Planning Code. "Signs should be scaled and placed primarily for pedestrian legibility, and secondary to vehicular visibility," staff told the commission and recommended reducing the sign to no larger than the width of the entrance and centering it within the transom.

The shop owner (appearing in person) said the sign — which uses the Dermalogica brand name — was put up following what she understood was inspection guidance and that replacing it could cost many thousands of dollars. She said the sign materially improved visibility in a corridor with low foot traffic and was crucial to business viability; Ritual Coffee and other neighbors voiced support.

Commissioners debated consistency and the need to support small neighborhood businesses. Commissioner Moore said he had "a very hard time going up against the department's recommendation" but worried about double standards; other commissioners argued the small sign was de minimis and beneficial to the corridor. The commission approved the conditional use and allowed the sign as installed rather than requiring staff's reductions, 6–0.