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Design review board conditionally approves Appliances for Less banner, approves projecting sign for Eric's Clothing
Summary
The design review board conditionally approved a storefront banner for Appliances for Less at 668 Broadway pending a submitted sketch and finalized dimensions, and approved a projecting sign for Eric's Clothing at 205 West 5th Street while noting the applicant may need a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
The design review board reviewed two downtown storefront sign proposals and approved both with conditions and guidance for final permitting.
Appliances for Less, listed in the record as owned by Joshua Biner at 668 Broadway, requested window vinyl lettering. The applicant, Josh, confirmed the proposal was "vinyl letters" rather than a solid panel, and board members recommended simplifying language and using the existing upper sign band for the business name rather than multiple detailed line items in the windows. Staff instructed the applicant to submit exact window dimensions and a drawing showing the outer perimeter (a rectangle) around the vinyl lettering; window signs may occupy up to 25% of the combined window area under current rules.
Board member Andrea Neal made a motion for conditional approval to place the business name on the banner and use the side banner for a short "buy/sell used appliances" message. John Junior seconded the motion. The board agreed the conditional approval will be finalized by email circulation of the final sketch; staff (Elise, referenced in the record) will send the returned drawing to board members for a quick response.
The board also considered a projecting sign for Eric's Clothing for Men at 205 West 5th Street. The applicant described a projecting sign with an aluminum-wrapped edge, 6mm substrate face, and a blue neon outline. Staff advised that the city's zoning code limits projecting signs to a 4-foot projection from the building and a maximum of 6 square feet per sign face; the proposed sign exceeds those limits and therefore would require a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals. Staff noted the variance process requires a narrative/cover letter, a fee, neighbor notification and — per the timeline in the record — that tomorrow was the last day to apply for the Feb. 4 appeals hearing.
Despite the need for a variance, the board moved to approve the projecting sign as presented. The motion (recorded as "Motion by Anna," seconded by Janet) carried on an "Aye" vote. Board members and staff noted they could provide a certificate of appropriateness or a supporting letter to the Zoning Board of Appeals if the applicant chooses to pursue a variance.
The board's guidance stressed clarity and readability from the street, and staff reiterated application requirements (drawings, exact dimensions for window lettering, and the ability to provide supporting materials to the Zoning Board of Appeals). The conditional approval for Appliances for Less will be confirmed by staff circulation of the final sketch to board members via email; the projecting sign approval does not remove the need for any required variance before installation if code limits are exceeded.
