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Commission approves Old Hillyard district plan update; signs for Cyclical Nature Bicycles get variance 6–1
Summary
The commission approved an updated Old Hillyard district plan and granted a sign and window‑sign variance to Cyclical Nature Bicycles, with concerns from one commissioner about the top graphic’s size and precedent for window signage. Applicant William Stugo said the proposed window frosting is translucent rather than opaque.
The Hilliard Planning and Zoning Commission on March 12 approved an update to the Old Hillyard district plan and, in a separate vote, approved a sign and window‑sign variance for Cyclical Nature Bicycles by a 6–1 roll‑call vote.
Staff described the roughly 0.172‑acre site on northwest Main Street in the Old Hillyard mixed‑use district and said the request is to update the district plan to match as‑built conditions. Staff also described two sign requests: a wall sign of about 22.5 square feet (code allows 17 square feet for that tenant frontage) and a window graphic that staff measured as exceeding the usual tenant storefront percentage. Staff recommended approval of the district plan and supported the sign and window sign variance with conditions, including limiting light trespass, requiring permits and noting the property owner’s responsibility for any relocation tied to utility work.
On the sign details staff said the bicycle shop’s sign was larger than permitted by the standard frontage calculation, but the applicant argued the tenant occupies more of the building area than typical and noted that the adjacent tenant, Bakes by Low, agreed to reduce its sign to help balance the appearance.
Multiple commissioners voiced concern that allowing the proposed window graphic could set a precedent across the Old Hillyard district. "We do not want this to set precedent that we would be approving larger window signs throughout the district," the staff presenter said, describing review and negotiation with the applicant and the adjacent tenant.
Applicant William Stugo, sworn for testimony, said the proposed window treatment is a satin frosting intended to be translucent rather than solid or colored. "It's only a satin frosting ... it's meant to be frost, not color," Stugo said, adding that he had prepared compliant mockups that appeared cramped and that earlier exceptions of up to 20% window coverage had been allowed in past cases, which informed his request.
The commission voted first to approve the Old Hillyard district plan update (motion carried 7–0). On the separate sign variance motion, the measure passed 6–1; Mr. Martin voted no, saying he felt "the top graphic is too large." Staff noted the case was treated as a unique situation because Cyclical Nature occupies a larger share of the building floor area and because Bakes by Low agreed to limit its window signage.
Conditions attached to the variance include compliance with the Hillyard design manual for lighting (no light trespass beyond code and lights off between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.), permit requirements, and that the property owner be responsible for relocation/removal costs if utility work requires it.
Next steps: staff will finalize permit conditions and monitor compliance; the approved district plan will be updated to reflect the as‑built site. The window graphic and wall sign may be installed pursuant to the approved variance and permit conditions.
