Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Signage topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Des Moines Zoning Board approves large EMC sign at 700 Walnut, citing downtown vibrancy
Summary
The Zoning Board granted exceptions to allow a roughly 511-square-foot sign on EMC’s 700 Walnut building over staff’s recommendation to deny, voting 7-0. Supporters called the sign a downtown amenity; staff cited code limits and skyline character concerns.
The City of Des Moines Zoning Board of Adjustment on Wednesday voted 7-0 to grant zoning exceptions that allow a roughly 511-square-foot sign on the upper portion of EMC Insurance’s building at 700 Walnut Street.
Planning staff had recommended denial, saying the proposed sign would be “out of character with the existing skyline” and noting the downtown DX district limits signs to 200 square feet on the first through third floors. Bert Ross, planning staff, told the board the code was written to protect the downtown skyline and that few buildings currently have signage above the third floor.
Ryan Speyer, representing 700 Walnut and EMC Insurance, said the company recently removed a larger historic sign from another building and is requesting the new sign to reflect its rebrand and corporate presence. "All we're asking is to move that current sign or roughly the previous sign to a building that EMC did provide to the city," Speyer said, arguing the sign supports branding and downtown economic activity.
A downtown resident who spoke in favor, Carol Maumer, told the board that building logos and nighttime lighting contribute to civic pride and the vibrancy of downtown. "Signs add to the feel and fabric of a vibrant downtown," Maumer said.
During deliberations, board members emphasized the sign’s compatibility with the building and downtown character. Chair Mel Pins moved to approve the exceptions "subject to the general drawing size, scope area as the applicants present;" the motion was seconded by Dave Gare and carried unanimously. The board instructed the applicant to obtain a sign permit before installation; staff said the written decision will be provided in about a week to support any permit applications.
By the numbers: applicant materials and staff discussion put the requested sign at about 511 square feet; the DX district caps signs at 200 square feet for the first three floors, and staff estimated the building would otherwise "earn" about 276 square feet based on frontage calculations. The board’s approval grants exceptions to those limits for the single-sided sign as presented.
Next steps: EMC must apply for and receive a city-issued sign permit before installation. The board’s written decision will be available to the applicant and city staff within roughly one week.
