BZA delays St. Paul's Church sign decision to April 10 pending Historic Commission review

The Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeals continued a sign‑height variance request from representatives of Saint Paul's Parish to its April 10, 2025 meeting so the petitioner could obtain review from the Cambridge Historical Commission.

Tom Graves, the sign vendor, said the proposed wall‑mounted sign would be about 28 feet above grade—exceeding the city’s 20‑foot height limit—and would provide identification and wayfinding for the church’s multiple entrances. Graves said the Harvard Square Advisory Committee reviewed the proposal and forwarded a positive recommendation; the transcript confirms the committee’s recommendation is in the BZA file. The board said it wanted the Cambridge Historical Commission’s input before acting on a variance that affects the historic character of the building and Harvard Square.

Douglas Lee, director of finance and operations for Saint Paul's Parish, said visitors frequently ask where the church entrance is, describing that staff get two or more visitor inquiries daily; he said an elevated sign could improve wayfinding. The board set conditions for the continuance: the petitioner must change on‑site posting to reflect the new date/time and sign a statutory‑waiver form with the Inspectional Services Department; failure to provide required waivers or new submittals by the deadline could lead to an adverse ruling.

The board’s continuance gives the petitioner time to appear before the Historical Commission (the petitioner reported a March 6 CHC hearing date) and to return to the BZA with any CHC direction.