Council approves change to historic preservation design area after sign-variance dispute

The Washington City Council voted to adopt an updated historic preservation design area map and considered a request tied to a denied sign-variance for a property at 600 West Front (the operator referenced as Elijah McLean's). Staff said the operator sought removal from the design review area after a board of adjustment denied a variance for a backlit cabinet sign; the Historic Preservation Commission recommended removal while the Planning Commission recommended denial over concerns about precedent.

Aaron (planning staff) outlined the case and told council that backlit cabinet signs and electronic message displays are prohibited in the design review area under current sign code provisions. He noted the subject property sits on the edge of the design review area and said the Historic Preservation Commission and staff were not strongly opposed to removal; planning commission members recorded concerns that allowing the removal after a variance denial could encourage others to seek the same route.

A letter from the property owner (Kurt Understall) was presented to the council; the council discussed the history of the design review boundaries and noted related upcoming code amendments and sign-code changes to be considered at the June 1 meeting. Council members weighing implementation and precedent ultimately approved the ordinance designating the updated design-review map; the roll-call result included one 'no' vote.

Council members and staff emphasized that demolition reviews remain a protection inside the design review area and said staff will bring a small code amendment and proposed sign‑code updates to the next meeting to address specific sign questions and boundary language.

The ordinance carried on second reading with the vote recorded in the meeting transcript.