Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Planning commission approves halo-lit sign for new Keenz Hall tenant
Loading...
Summary
The San Anselmo Planning Commission unanimously approved an internally illuminated halo-effect wall sign for the new 2TAP venue at 625 San Anselmo Ave, with staff finding the modest LED lighting compatible with the C2 district and exempt from CEQA. The applicant said the sign will be turned off after business hours.
The San Anselmo Planning Commission on April 6 approved a permit for an internally illuminated wall sign at 625 San Anselmo Avenue to serve a new tenant in the historic Keenz Hall building.
Acting Chair Jennifer Asselstine and planning staff described the proposed sign as 84 inches by 16.5 inches—about 9.6 square feet—using internally diffused LED lighting designed to create a subtle halo effect, not a projecting glare. Staff recommended approval and concluded the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act for accessory structures.
The Community Development Director told the commission the sign includes shielded lighting and recessed placement intended to reduce visual impact in the C2 zoning district. Commissioners asked about examples, overnight illumination, and whether the design differs from recent approvals. Staff pointed to a recent Wells Fargo halo-style sign as a nearby, somewhat different precedent and confirmed the town has no ordinance restricting sign hours, but the sign designer and applicant indicated the sign will be turned off after close of business.
Applicant Adam Block, owner of 2TAP, described the construction: laser-cut face panels with raised acrylic letters that emit a soft, dim glow; he said the effect is intended to be subtle and less bright than nearby externally lit signs. "It's a soft LED…it's nothing that's, in fact, it will be less bright than Creekside," Block said, adding the sign is meant to be visible to those specifically looking for the business rather than to dominate the streetscape.
Commissioners voiced general support for the modest scale and the proposed lighting controls. Commissioner Shimano moved to approve the project as presented; the motion was seconded and passed by unanimous voice vote. Acting Chair Asselstine reminded attendees that the decision is subject to a 10-day appeal period.
The approval includes the findings and conditions contained in the staff report and the CEQA Class 1 exemption for existing facilities and accessory structures.
