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Planning commission conditionally approves storefront sign, requires corner placement and pedestrian clearance
Summary
The planning commission granted conditional approval for a projecting storefront sign, requiring placement on the building’s north-facing corner (not the Highway 101-facing front) and a minimum 80-inch clearance over the sidewalk; the applicant must resubmit details if those conditions cannot be met.
The planning commission voted to conditionally approve a projecting sign permit for a downtown storefront, requiring that the sign be placed on the building’s north-facing corner rather than the 101-facing front and that it meet minimum pedestrian clearance standards.
Commission members discussed site measurements and mock-ups before the motion. One commissioner said the top of the proposed sign would be level with the roof and that the measured height at the northern corner is 129 inches, which leaves 89 inches of clearance above the sidewalk. Members raised concerns that if the sign hangs from the lower part of the overhang it would reduce clearance and could impede pedestrian traffic. “If it actually hangs from the overhang, then it's going to impede walkway unless it's close to the window,” an attendee said during the discussion.
The motion specified conditional approval if the sign is placed on the north face (rather than facing Highway 101), meets the ordinance’s clearance requirements, and otherwise complies with the permit. Commissioners directed that if the applicant cannot meet those placement and clearance conditions she must return with additional details showing why placement on the north face is infeasible and evidence that pedestrian circulation will not be impeded.
Staff and commissioners also clarified that window or interior displays are generally exempt under the sign ordinance, so the permit action concerns the projecting/hanging element. The commission noted the property contains two units, which affects where on the façade the sign can be attached and visible.
The motion passed unanimously by voice vote. The commission recorded members saying “aye” during the vote; named attendees who spoke during roll call and later discussion included Doug Proctor and Anna Saint John. The applicant was not present in the room and staff said the full staff report and permit materials are available in the agenda packet on the city website.
The commission’s conditional approval requires the applicant to provide revised placement drawings or a resubmitted application if the sign would be on the front façade or would reduce sidewalk clearance below the required standard. The record includes staff measurements and the planning staff’s description of the proposed mounting at the building’s northern corner.
