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Committee adopts interim sign controls for Transit Center District, sets 10 p.m. cutoff
Summary
Supervisor Jane Kim’s interim zoning controls for signage in the Transit Center District — limiting illuminated signs above 35 feet and capping sign size within 200 feet of parks — were amended to a 10 p.m. nighttime cutoff and moved forward as a committee report for continuing stakeholder work toward permanent rules.
Supervisor Jane Kim introduced interim zoning controls for the Transit Center District Plan area (bounded by Folsom, Harrison, 1st/Access/Second Street) to set temporary limits on the size, height and illumination of new signs visible from large public parks or open spaces. The controls as presented would limit new signs within 200 feet and visible from a quarter-acre (or larger) park to 50 square feet and a maximum height of 35 feet and would require signs above 35 feet citywide in the district to turn off during specified nighttime hours.
Planning staff said the Planning Commission does not formally weigh in on interim controls but would study the area and come back with recommendations for permanent controls if interim controls are enacted. Staff described how other city districts tie illumination control to business hours and emphasized the complexity of existing signage rules.
Supervisor Kim noted a prior temporary agreement between Salesforce and Millennium Tower allowed one sign to turn off at 11 p.m.; she proposed a compromise of a 10 p.m. cutoff (staff had proposed 9 p.m.) to balance residents’ sleep/quality-of-life concerns and business visibility. John Purvis of the Planning Department explained that downtown C2/C3 zones currently have no illumination limit, which informed the debate.
During public comment Pablo Quintanilla (Salesforce) urged a consistent policy and advocated for a 11 p.m. cutoff consistent with an earlier agreement. Stephanie Kaye, general manager of Millennium Tower, thanked Supervisor Kim and supported interim controls that consider residents’ concerns. The committee adopted clerical and boundary clarifications and approved the 10 p.m. illumination compromise; the item was forwarded as a committee report for further stakeholder engagement on permanent sign controls.
Next steps: Planning and city staff will continue outreach; the interim controls will be followed by a study and a subsequent recommendation for permanent controls if enacted.
