Design Review Board denies request for perforated‑vinyl storefront sign at 179 E. 1st St.

The Cannon Beach Design Review Board on June 18 denied an application to install a perforated‑vinyl storefront sign at 179 East 1st Street, concluding the proposed material and location did not meet the city’s sign‑code expectations.

Board members considered a staff report that described the application as a revised sign approximately 4 square feet in area and noted municipal code chapter 17.62 requires painted, carved, or wood exterior signs unless alternative materials are approved by the board. The applicant said the storefront is recessed and chose perforated vinyl so patrons and staff could see through the sign from the inside; the applicant said the material allows outward visibility while presenting a solid appearance from the street.

During discussion, board members questioned whether a painted or wooden sign would better match Cannon Beach’s established streetscape and visual priorities. One board member argued the board should 'stick closer to the code' and preserve the town’s character, saying, 'That's Cannon Beach. That's the look that we're going for.' Other members noted past exceptions but said those were rare and that future exceptions should be 'extraordinary.' The applicant acknowledged the board’s prior rejections but asked for guidance if the application was denied.

A motion to deny the application as submitted was moved, seconded and adopted; the Chair announced the application 'is denied as presented' and directed staff to prepare the appropriate orders. The staff report and board discussion show the denial centered on material and visibility concerns under municipal code chapter 17.62 rather than on the sign’s size, which was presented as roughly 4 square feet.

The board moved on to other agenda items; staff will record the board’s decision and notify the applicant of the denial and any options for appeal or resubmittal under the city’s procedures.