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Pensacola ARB adopts policy narrowing definition of 'plastic' sign materials
Summary
The Pensacola Architectural Review Board adopted a guidance policy that narrows which manufactured 'plastic' sign materials are treated as prohibited, listing specific formed-plastic techniques and directing staff to propose code changes during an upcoming land-development code review.
The City of Pensacola Architectural Review Board voted to adopt a policy that narrows how the board will interpret the term “plastic” in the sign and materials section of the land development regulations. Board staff presented language that defines “classic materials” in section 123101 to mean formed plastics produced by processes such as thermoforming, vacuum molding, rotational molding, ejection molding and extrusion, and to limit the prohibition to thin, semi-opaque materials used for internally or back-illuminated signs.
Miss Walker, the board staff member who introduced the item, said the draft grew out of prior ARB discussion and an industry consultant’s input and is intended to reduce ambiguity in administrative decisions. "This policy is appropriate because it narrows the construction of the prohibition," she said.
Eric, a board member and attorney, urged the board to pursue a longer-term fix in the land development code. "I am an attorney, and I would suggest that separately from approving the policy language we ask that this be included in the text of the code," he said, arguing that legislative adoption would reduce future interpretive challenges. Staff responded that the city’s code consultants will begin a two-year LDC assessment in January and the suggestion can be included in that process.
Board members moved to approve the drafted policy as presented. The motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. The board’s action makes the narrower administrative interpretation the board will apply while staff and consultants consider whether the language should be incorporated into the formal code.
What happens next: staff will include the board’s recommendation in materials provided to the consultants conducting the land development code assessment starting in January, and the ARB will have an opportunity to participate in that review.
