Planning commission approves Wunderdosen hanging sign with carved border and 'splat' motif

The Nevada City Planning Commission approved a sign application for a new art‑supply and craft store, Wunderdosen, at 230 Broad Street, endorsing a hanging, hand‑carved wooden sign with a border and the applicant’s preferred 'splat' (verse number 6) motif.

Co‑owner Heather Hector told the commission the store is a local, owner‑operated business intended to host workshops and sell local and regional handmade goods. "We're all locals ... our goal is really to create a space that we always wish existed here," Hector said during the presentation. Designer John Piochi described how the typography and the interchangeable 'burst' motifs were developed to feel hand‑made and flexible for different uses.

Commission discussion focused on the municipal signage guidelines for the Mother Lode historic district and whether the abstract burst would communicate the business’s purpose. One commissioner said the 'blast' motif could be read as too abstract and preferred a more literal 'splat' that signals paint and art supplies. Another commissioner said the hand‑carved border helped the mock‑up feel cohesive with existing signage.

After discussion the commission moved and seconded a motion to approve the hanging sign with the border and the 'verse number 6' variant in a hand‑carved finish. The motion passed on roll call.

The approval allows the applicant to proceed with fabrication and installation under the conditions and specifications recorded in the staff report and the commission’s findings.