Commission approves sign program for IMI Critical Engineering headquarters with small sign exception

The Planning Commission on June 5 unanimously approved a planned sign program (PSP) for a new industrial building that will serve as the North American headquarters for IMI Critical Engineering and granted a sign‑code exception for a single small wayfinding sign.

Ron Santos presented the PSP and said the program regulates the type, number, size, placement and lighting of exterior signs; all proposed wall signs are substantially smaller than code allows, he said. The applicant requested a deviation to permit an 8‑square‑foot wall sign on a low retaining wall along the ramped walkway to the building entrance; staff recommended approval, noting the sign is mainly for on‑site wayfinding and is not visible from the public right of way.

Chris Thomas, the project manager for IMI Critical Engineering, said the project received planning commission approval in January and the team obtained a building permit in April; construction is proceeding toward occupancy. "We are making good progress towards completion of the building and occupancy," Thomas said.

Commissioners discussed precedent for exceptions and staff noted that plan sign programs provide a process to consider deviations on a site‑specific basis; the deviation requested is minor and intended to improve orientation to the primary entrance. The commission approved the PSP and the sign deviation unanimously.

The approved PSP sets sign sizes and a monument sign standard consistent with code except for the single approved exception; staff said the proposed monument sign and wall signs are smaller than the maximum allowed by the municipal code. The project will proceed under the approved PSP and applicable building‑permit requirements.