PC 01/25/1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

freestanding sidewalk signs, menu displays, flags, temporary banners and directory signs where there are multiple tenants. Staff is concerned with the use of banners downtown because their placement will undoubtedly cover some of the architectural detailing of the older buildings. In response to Commissioner Hovingh, Mr. Swift advised that window painting, advertising sales, etc., is controlled under the current signage that limits it to 25 % of the window area. Commissioner Barker inquired if the Downtown Association has a policing authority. Mr. Swift advised that the Association has no authority; signs come directly to staff. The Downtown Association is solicited to give input to downtown building modifications. If the Commission wishes, this process could be used fOI the downtown signs, however, it would take longer to get signs approved because of their meeting schedule. Commissioner Barker noted she does not favor the banners and flags; Chairman Wright does not favor the decorations and banners. Chairman Wright voiced his concern for the dimensions of the freestanding signs; he felt stricter dimensions were needed. Commissioner Dove feels the wall-mounted menu display and building directory signs are acceptable. He does not approve of the freestanding signs; he feels they detract from the charm of the downtown area. In response to Chairman Wright, Mr. Swift advised that the directory signs would be very limited due to the fact that they are required to be associated with a landscaped area. There are very few areas Downtown that would accommodate a directory sign. Chairman Wright will accept the use of flags, however, he is opposed to decorations and banners. In response to Commissioner McGuirk, Mr. Swift advised that there is no requirement that the sidewalk signs would face the sidewalk. Commissioner McGuirk is willing to incorporate some modifications, analyze their use, and perhaps add more flexibility in the future. Chairman Wright is willing to allow the freestanding sidewalk signs because they are approved by staff, the menu displays are an important feature, the tenant directories are very limited in their placement, and flags are acceptable, as well. The decorations and banners are, in his opinion, not acceptable. Commissioner Barker is also willing to delete flags from the ordinance. Chairman Wright feels that decorative flags will not be allowed, a flag must have a specific business name and/or logo. Commissioner Hovingh would also like to allow ethnic flags (for ethnic Planning Commission Minutes Page 13 January 25, 1995