McMinnville historic zoning panel approves downtown sign replacements and allows metal roofing with neutral-color condition

The McMinnville Historic Zoning Commission approved a series of local design requests Tuesday, granting certificates of appropriateness for new or replacement ground signs at 200 North Spring Street and at the Magnus Community House and Library and amending a prior approval to allow metal roofing on a commercial building so long as the roof is a neutral color.

Michael Griffith, chair of the McMinnville Historic Zoning Commission, opened the business and called for votes on the three items, all of which passed by voice vote.

On the 200 North Spring Street application, the presenter said the proposal replaces three existing ground signs—one at the front and one on each side—with updated panels while retaining a historic ‘Pure Station’ marker. “They’re going to be the same size…just a different font and format,” the presenter said. Sean, a city staff member, told the commission the application met standards for a certificate of appropriateness and that the historic marker would not be affected. Commissioners offered minor aesthetic suggestions about color accents but raised no regulatory objections; the commission approved the COA.

Separately, the board considered a revision to a previously approved COA to permit metal roofing on a building (the property owner was not present). Sean explained that the roof would be a single-slope shed style and largely concealed behind parapet walls facing main streets, so visibility from the public right-of-way would be limited. Commissioners discussed material and color; one member asked for a condition that the roof be a “neutral color.” The commission amended the motion to add that condition and approved the amendment.

The commission also approved replacement ground signs for the Magnus Community House and Library at 118 West Main Street. The presenter said some existing signs were in poor repair and that one sign would be moved slightly toward the sidewalk to improve visibility while avoiding underground utilities. Sean said the proposed location and posts would not create sight-line problems. The COA was approved by voice vote.

All approvals were recorded by oral vote on the record; the meeting proceeded to staff updates afterward and then adjourned.

The zoning commission did not set any further deadlines for implementation during the meeting; staff indicated applicants will proceed with permits consistent with the COA approvals.