Planning commission recommends 50-foot freestanding sign for Panera on West Buena Vista

The Washington City Planning Commission on Jan. 7 recommended approval of c‑25‑15, a conditional use permit to allow a 50‑foot freestanding sign for a Panera Bread at 867/876 West Buena Vista Boulevard. Staff said the property sits within the special radius for a freeway exit and that city code allows an extension to 50 feet through a conditional use permit.

Eldon, the planning staff presenter, told commissioners: "The applicant is asking for the maximum amount of height, which is 50 feet for the pole sign as detailed in the exhibit." He also said the city would not permit off‑premise signage at the location; the sign must serve the Panera lease for that building only.

Commissioners asked staff whether any other nearby properties had approvals to the same height and whether future tenants could rely on the approval. Staff confirmed a nearby Maverik sign already holds a 50‑foot approval and said the Panera sign would be specific to that business and parcel.

Following a brief public hearing with no public speakers, Commissioner Tupou moved to recommend approval and Commissioner Davis seconded. The commission took a roll call and approved the recommendation to allow the sign to 50 feet under the findings and conditions in the staff report. Staff noted that this recommendation does not require further City Council action.

Because the permit authorizes an exception limited by the conditional‑use findings, any future changes (such as shifting the sign to serve a different tenant) would require separate review and likely additional approvals.