Architectural Review Board approves two commercial signs with design conditions

The Richmond Hill City Architectural Review Board on March 31 approved two commercial building signs with conditions to meet gateway-overlay standards and improve roadside legibility.

For Gerber Collision & Glass at 8784 Ford Ave., board members noted internally illuminated cabinet signs are not allowed in the gateway overlay and suggested alternatives such as a white backerboard with dimensional letters or a channel-letter design. Jennifer Sheahan moved to approve the building sign contingent on the applicant selecting either the white backerboard with dimensional letters or a channel-letter sign, with the option to resubmit an alternate plan for future ARB review; Carrol Ann Coleman seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. The applicant later chose the channel-letter option and submitted an updated rendering, which staff approved.

At 9943 Ford Ave., the board discussed Huntington Bank’s proposed bright trademark green lettering. Members said the laserlime green was too bright and might reduce legibility from the road and suggested the applicant use the dark sage green trademark color or black instead. Jennifer Sheahan moved to approve the sign with that color suggestion; Carrol Ann Coleman seconded and the motion carried unanimously. The applicant elected to use the dark sage green and supplied an updated rendering that staff approved.

The approvals reflect ARB attention to visual consistency in gateway-overlay areas and to sign legibility along Ford Avenue. Both approvals were made by unanimous votes of the three board members present. Updated, staff-approved renderings have been filed for both projects.