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La Conner commission discusses sign‑code rewrite, weighs dark‑sky rules and banner limits
Summary
Commissioners reviewed a draft sign‑code rewrite that would add building‑exterior lighting provisions, consider dark‑sky guidance for sensitive areas, set banner limits (commonly 52 sq. ft.) and recommend voluntary outreach for nuisance lighting; no ordinance vote was taken.
The La Conner Planning Commission spent much of the Jan. 6 meeting reviewing proposed changes to the town’s sign code, including a possible dark‑sky/exterior‑lighting policy, new language for civic streetscape elements and limits on banner and temporary signage.
Planning staff introduced the proposal and said a dark‑sky policy "is restrictions on the type of lighting you can have outside" and can help reduce local light pollution and protect wildlife. Staff cautioned such a policy would impose additional restrictions on property owners and businesses and recommended considering targeted application (for example, along the boardwalk and wildlife areas) rather than a broad townwide mandate.
Commissioners discussed enforcement limitations and tradeoffs between safety and light pollution. Several commissioners pointed to a recurring complaint about the Optum building’s bright, outward‑facing exterior lights located outside the Historic Preservation District and noted the town currently lacks a clear enforcement path to compel changes when lights are not in violation of existing code. Commissioners suggested starting with voluntary outreach (a template letter from code enforcement) and educational campaigns rather than immediate strict mandates.
On signage, commissioners supported a broader definition of "sign" while keeping regulatory triggers (size, location, illumination) in separate code provisions. Staff proposed a common banner maximum of 52 square feet because it matched the most commonly requested banner size in applications; community event banners placed on town property would require town council approval and remain subject to existing display limits in the LMLCMC. Installation and removal of banners on public property would be handled by public‑works staff.
For exterior lighting, the commission favored allowing white decorative exterior lighting year‑round while permitting colored lights inside windows seasonally and prohibiting flashing or strobing displays. Commissioners asked staff to add a numeric color‑temperature range (staff suggested specifying a warm Kelvin range) and to consider adopting the Skagit County glare standard by reference (Skagit County code 14.20.10.40 — directing light away from adjoining property and limiting spill to 1 foot‑candle at the property boundary) as an option for glare control.
No ordinance or final vote was taken; staff will revise the draft language and return it for further review. Commissioners discussed waiting to run public‑education campaigns until the town council gives preliminary approval and the state review period has completed.
