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Commission denies large roof-sign permit for Selenus Valley Health at 5 Lower Ragsdale
Summary
The Planning Commission denied a permit for a 3,537-square-foot non-illuminated roof sign proposed by Selenus Valley Health, with staff finding the sign inconsistent with city sign guidelines and commissioners expressing concern about precedent and limited public visibility from passenger aircraft.
The Monterey Planning Commission denied a roof-sign permit for Selenus Valley Health's building at 5 Lower Ragsdale, rejecting a proposal for a 27-foot-by-131-foot (3,537-square-foot) matte, non-illuminated sign.
Planner Matthew Bugger presented staff's recommendation to deny SI-260028, finding the sign exceeded the guideline maximum for roof signs (50 square feet), did not function to identify the entity from an adjacent street frontage, and was inconsistent with the existing character of the area. Matthew told the commission the airport had reviewed the proposal for safety and raised no objection to the non-illuminated design.
Applicant Steven (Steve) Lion and vice president Brad McCoy said the sign's purpose was to raise locational awareness for people flying into the Monterey Peninsula and to signal Selenus Valley Health's presence in the community. "We just think that locational identity is a win‑win," McCoy said. Lion told commissioners the proportion of the sign was based on the roof size and that the applicant had coordinated with airport staff.
Commissioners expressed concerns about establishing a precedent for large roof signage and questioned the likelihood that commercial airline passengers would see the sign on approach. A commissioner who identified themself as a pilot said passengers on commercial flights would be unlikely to see the roof sign from their windows.
Commissioner Palmer moved to deny the sign-permit application; Commissioner Paulie seconded. The commission voted to deny: Chair Silva, Vice Chair Latasa, Commissioners Bluth, Freeman, Palmer and Paulie voted yes. The decision is appealable to the City Council within 10 days.
