Planning Commission approves variance allowing expanded signage at Fort George/Lovell building

The Astoria Planning Commission voted to approve variance request V‑25‑09 from Fort George applicant Roger McKay to allow expanded signage at the Lovell (Level) building on the Fort George campus. Staff presented that the proposal would "allow, a total of 39 signs totaling 550.16 square feet" in the C‑4 zone—exceeding code limits—and recommended approval of band signage with specific reductions and conditions; commissioners voted to adopt staff findings with a modification to allow a small neon merch sign to remain pending permit approval.

Associate planner Samuel Peterson told commissioners that the building currently has about 20 existing signs totaling roughly "94.16 square feet," and that the adaptive proposal—if reductions are made—would reduce the request to roughly "31 signs or 32" and bring square footage down to about "505 or 513.82" square feet. Applicant Roger McKay described the design intent as creating visual continuity: "So the idea was to tie in the building signage between the buildings to have it be more be a unified block." Commissioners expressed support for the band signage as architecturally compatible; Commissioner Henry moved to adopt the staff recommendations with the merch sign exception and the chair announced, "Application is approved." The approval is pending required sign and building permits and will expire after two years unless substantial construction or use begins; the community department director may grant a one‑year extension.