Commission approves Jefferson Exchange Lot 1 with lighting and sign calculation conditions

The Planning Commission approved the Jefferson Exchange Lot 1 site plan (SP04-23) on Jan. 14 after receiving a proffered compromise on lighting and signage from the applicant.

Applicants from St. John Properties sought a signage-calculation modification and taller lighting to serve tenant signage on large industrial/office buildings. Commissioners balanced tenant visibility with nearby residential impacts and approved a modification that allows signage calculated per the applicant’s requested method (30 times the square root of F, as defined in code) while imposing a lighting restriction at the front of Building A.

Commissioner Joel Rensberger’s motion (as amended) granted the lighting modification except at the front of Building A, where the Commission required the fixtures be reduced to 14 feet and side-baffled so the bulbs are not visible from the second floor of townhouses across the street. The motion also incorporated Commissioner Elizabeth Pasierb’s amendment to clarify the sign-calculation modification language. The motion passed 7-0.

Why it matters: The conditions reflect a common planning compromise — allowing flexibility for commercial signage while protecting nearby residential livability through lighting controls. The Commission asked for specific baffling and height controls rather than blanket approval of taller fixtures.

Next steps: Applicant to provide final lighting details and baffle specifications consistent with the Commission’s condition.