Commission debates canopy design, signage and fencing for Shell’s Wildwood EV hub

Staff described the design review application covering two canopies (one covering seven stalls, one covering four), 22 canopy lights, transformers and switchgear to be sited in an equipment yard, a proposed 8‑foot wall along the northern property line and site landscaping. The project proposes four brand canopy signs, bay header signs and six freestanding brand signs.

Commissioners said the canopy signage appeared large in proportion to the canopy and recommended limiting façade signs consistent with Chapter 17 design rules and reducing overall sign scale. Several commissioners and neighbors asked for a fence around equipment, additional planting in the rear corner to buffer noise and light spill, and an arborist report to protect nearby trees; staff confirmed there is a standard condition requiring an arborist report and tree protection measures for trees larger than 6 inches in diameter and that homeowner permission would be required for work on adjacent private property.

Applicants said some renderings predated the final design but that fencing/landscaping could be revised; they described a Trex fence proposal that staff subsequently recommended be replaced with an 8‑foot solid concrete wall to better mitigate noise and privacy impacts. The commission’s recommended conditions include design adjustments on signage, fencing/enclosure of equipment, and tree protection language for the record to be forwarded to City Council.