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Old Lyme commission adopts revised design-review guidelines for signs
Summary
The Old Lyme Historic District Commission voted to adopt revised sign-design guidelines on July 6 after extended discussion about temporary signs, realtor signage and outreach to businesses and nonprofits.
The Old Lyme Historic District Commission voted July 6 to adopt revised design-review guidelines for signs, seeking to balance historic character with practical needs for temporary and realtor signage.
The motion to adopt the draft dated July 3 was moved by the chair and seconded; the commission approved the guidelines by voice vote. Commissioners thanked John, the co-chair, for drafting the revisions.
Why it matters: commissioners said the guidance aims to reduce visual clutter in the district while allowing nonprofits, businesses and realtors workable options. The revisions address categories such as structural signs fixed to the ground, exterior architectural-feature signage, and temporary or recurring portable signs.
What the commission discussed: John, co-chair of the commission, highlighted outreach tied to regional planning and other public engagement. "They said we anticipate it will be all wrapped up within 22 months," he said about the New Haven–Providence rail study and its public engagement timeline, and urged residents to consult the study website for pop-up events and materials.
On signs, members debated several practical questions: whether sandwich‑board/a‑frame signs should be allowed with restrictions on size, materials and hours; how long temporary directional or project signs should be permitted; whether to treat banners and pavement-style display signs differently; and how to accommodate contractor and realtor needs without undermining district aesthetics. Ed, speaking during the signage discussion, urged case-by-case determinations for signs tied to short-term projects: "We would set the time frame... we would set the time frame individually." Montez, the commission secretary, noted active enforcement items and upcoming expirations that make clearer policy timely.
Realtor signage: commissioners favor exploring smaller, less-branded realtor signs (examples discussed ranged from 12-by-12 to 14-by-14 inches) that provide a phone number or QR code rather than prominent agency branding. Commissioners proposed inviting local realtors to a future meeting (September or October) to refine practical standards.
Next steps: staff will post the adopted guidelines and coordinate follow-up outreach with businesses, nonprofits and realtor representatives. Commissioners asked members to continue refining a-frame and temporary-sign parameters and to monitor how the rules interact with upcoming zoning changes.
Action on record: The commission’s formal action was adoption of the revised design-review guidelines for signs (draft dated July 3). The decision was made by voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded in the meeting transcript.
