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Hartford design review committee approves single motorized awning, advises coordination on signage
Summary
At a Hartford design review meeting, members approved a request to install one motorized awning on a downtown storefront, recommending the planning commission process the design administratively and urging the applicant and a neighboring business to coordinate on signage to avoid blocking the Briggs Opera House sign.
Hartford’s design review committee approved a request from an applicant, Jackie, to install one motorized storefront awning after a discussion about safety, placement and the effect on neighboring signage.
The committee’s action followed Jackie’s presentation explaining that the original plan for three awnings was trimmed to a single awning because mounting issues and costs pushed prior estimates to roughly $40,000–$50,000. Jackie said the awning would be motorized to retract in high winds and when the business was closed: “the awnings will definitely … be in when we’re not open and also in the evenings,” she said.
Committee members emphasized two competing priorities: reducing hazards created by unstable umbrellas on the sidewalk and preserving visibility for the neighboring Briggs Opera House. A committee member asked whether the awning would be mounted above an existing black trim line; Jackie replied the awning would sit at that line and extend about seven feet at most. Members noted a nearby awning extends about 10 feet and that sightlines and storefront signage should be considered before installation.
Sarah Bergen, a committee member, proposed making coordination an advisory recommendation rather than a formal permit condition, saying the parties should try to work it out directly. The committee also discussed alternative signage options — building-mounted banners or a pole-mounted banner — and noted limits on off-site advertising and the town’s prior street-banner hardware problems.
On a motion to recommend the planning commission process the design review administratively and to approve the application, the committee seconded the motion and passed it. The chair said staff would send a formal decision to the applicant and provide a permit application for installation.
The committee recorded that applicants were expected to coordinate with public works (contact: Chris) to confirm there were no public-right-of-way concerns. The committee closed its hearing on the application and moved to adjourn following routine closing business.
What’s next: staff will issue the formal design review decision and provide the applicant with the paperwork needed to apply for a permit; the planning commission chair had indicated the commission could allow administrative processing based on the committee’s recommendation.
