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Planning commission approves Metalab creative sign on Melrose
Summary
The West Hollywood Planning Commission approved a 1,604‑square‑foot creative vinyl sign for Metalab at 8600 Melrose Avenue, adding a condition that no additional lettering or signage beyond the approved plans be placed on the façade. The item is appealable to city council; appeals are due Dec. 1.
The West Hollywood Planning Commission on Nov. 20 approved a 1,604‑square‑foot creative sign for Metalab, the Meta retail concept at 8600 Melrose Avenue, concluding a review that centered on design, maintenance and the sign’s fit with Melrose’s design district.
Associate Planner Derek (presented as Derek purification) told commissioners the sign is a printed vinyl overlay applied to the building façade and that creative signs larger than 50 square feet require planning commission approval under city code section 19.34.060. Staff noted the vinyl wrap was installed under a 30‑day special event permit that expires Nov. 23 and recommended approval subject to conditions in draft resolution PC25‑1627, including ongoing maintenance and retention of a landscaped hedge at the sidewalk.
Applicant representatives described the design intent as experiential retail. “Meta is a pioneer in wearable technology,” said Jeff McConnell, who represented the project team, and the design team said the sign’s lenses use storefront glazing to integrate the image with the retail interior. Designer Rick Gunter said the vinyl is 3M product rated for exterior use and can be repaired in segments to protect the underlying building.
At the design review subcommittee, commissioners had asked for clarity on whether the image could be made three‑dimensional; the project team said lot‑line constraints preclude physical projection. Commissioner Hoopen Garner and other commissioners also asked that the commission prohibit later additions of lettering that would alter the approved artistic image. Hoopen Garner moved approval with that added condition; the motion passed unanimously.
Genevieve Moral, president and CEO of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, and business‑district representatives urged approval, calling the sign consistent with the city’s creative‑sign purpose and beneficial to the Melrose streetscape.
The commission’s action is recorded in resolution PC25‑1627. The vote was unanimous. Appeals of the commission’s action must be filed in writing with the City Clerk within 10 calendar days; the appeal deadline for this item is Dec. 1, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
The commission’s approval includes required findings under the creative‑sign code and conditions requiring the applicant to maintain the vinyl installation and associated landscaping, and to adhere to the approved plans. If an appeal is filed the city council will make a final determination.
