Planning commission approves minor waiver for two illuminated directional signs at 2011 Professional Drive

A staff presenter told the Gaithersburg Planning Commission on July 1 that the applicant is requesting to install two new internally illuminated directional signs at 2011 Professional Drive to support a business name change and improve wayfinding. The proposal seeks a minor waiver because the directional signs are internally illuminated, which the city's zoning code allows the commission to approve under certain findings (section 24-8.16).

Staff described the signs as replacements in the same locations as existing directional signs, slightly taller than the current 31-inch signs (proposed at 4 feet 6 inches), and said the signs were appropriately scaled to assist visitors, deliveries and clients. A representative from H&M Signs (Shannon Wong) attended to answer technical questions.

Commissioners questioned the mounting style and noted the pole-mounted design is more visible at night. One commissioner recommended a small landscaping condition at the pole bases to soften the appearance; staff said the applicant could take that suggestion back to the client. A commissioner also noted the site's visibility challenges and agreed improved wayfinding supported safety and reduced U-turn maneuvers.

A motion to grant the minor waiver for sign-37844-2026 and sign-37847-2026, finding the applications compliant with the applicable sign provisions, passed unanimously following the single stated condition on landscaping.

What's next: The commission's action was a decision on the waiver request; the record shows the commission granted the minor waiver with the stated condition and closed consideration of the item.