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Sweet Haven to reface grandfathered downtown sign; DRC favors a flat acrylic reface over 3‑D lettering
Summary
Sweet Haven’s owner proposed replacing an aging internally‑lit acrylic sign while retaining the existing sign structure. DRC staff and commissioners said a flat reface on the existing acrylic panel (no dimensional 3‑D letters) would preserve the legal nonconforming status and could be reviewed administratively if details comply with valance and sign‑count rules.
The owner of Sweet Haven sought DRC feedback on a plan to refresh a large, grandfathered internally‑lit sign at 214 East Main Street without losing its nonconforming status.
Katie Britt explained the existing acrylic sign is visually dated and said she wants a cleaner design that remains lit. Her sign contractor described options including a routed aluminum face with acrylic backer that would allow only the letter forms to glow, or shallow channel letters; the owner asked whether removing and storing portions of the existing acrylic face would jeopardize grandfathering.
Staff clarified that the existing sign structure may be refaced so long as the underlying structure remains unchanged; internal illumination can continue provided the sign structure is not fundamentally altered. The DRC cautioned against adding dimensional, backlit channel letters because that would increase nonconformity. Commissioners urged the applicant to present mockups and full dimensions and advised the applicant that a flat acrylic reface, with updated graphics and corrected lighting, is the most straightforward route to an administrative approval.
Next steps: the applicant will supply final panel art, dimensions and a lighting plan so staff can determine whether the reface can proceed through administrative review without a return to DRC.
