Redding historic review board approves Fine Wine & Good Spirits sign at 537 Penn Street

The City of Redding Historic Architectural Review Board approved a Certificate of Appropriateness on a proposal to replace an existing wall-mounted sign at 537 Penn Street with a set of non‑illuminated individual letters reading “Fine Wine and Good Spirits.” The board’s motion approved a linear, one‑line layout with a border, required the background to be painted to match the façade, specified acrylic letters, and delegated final layout approval to the preservation officer for staff‑level review.

Preservation staff opened the item by citing the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation (Standards 2, 5 and 6) and the board’s hard sign policy as the applicable guidelines. Jay Brett of Orman Sign Company, the applicant’s representative, told the board the proposal calls for 3/4‑inch acrylic letters, flush‑mounted to the stucco façade; he said the letters as shown fall within code and that the company would repair existing mounting holes and repaint the area before installation. “We would present all new drawings for permanent approval,” Brett said, adding the client values consistent branding but is willing to adjust sizing and layout to meet code and board direction.

Board members discussed alternatives including a single‑line layout versus the stacked logo, letter height if placed on one line (applicant estimated about 10 inches), the use of a narrow border, and whether a background panel was appropriate on a stucco surface. The applicant said a one‑line layout was feasible and that a border or acrylic raised strip could be fabricated; staff noted final dimensions and exact color would be confirmed on resubmittal.

Chair (speaker 1) moved to issue the COA with the stated conditions and with final layout approval delegated to the preservation officer; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call. After the vote, Brett said he would submit revised drawings to staff and that the zoning permit process could proceed once the preservation officer signed off on the final layout.

The board’s action formally authorizes the applicant to move forward with the design approved tonight, subject to the preservation officer’s sign‑off on final dimensions, placement and finish. The applicant was advised to provide final drawings and color references to staff for the record.