Town of Lenox
Joint Meeting
Historic District Commission and Planning Board
January 4, 2012
Land Use Meeting Room
Historic District Commission Members present: Jason Berger, JB; Steve Sample, SS; and Elaine Steinert, ES.
Planning Board Members present: Chair Joseph A. Kellogg, JK; Vice Chair Steve Sample, SS; Gary Schiff, GS; Kate McNulty-Vaughan, KMV; and Mark S. Smith, MS.
Staff present: Mary Albertson, Town Planner, MA
The meeting was called to order at 5:32 pm. ~JK served as chair.
JK explained that the meeting was being held as part of the Planning Board’s work to prepare a new sign bylaw. The new bylaw will be presented in two steps, with the first being the creation of a new section to the existing regulations which deals exclusively with the Historic District. The second step will be a new bylaw for the rest of the town. The Planning Board recognizes that the first step needs a strong partnership with the HDC and the development of a consensus on goals and objectives for the new bylaw. Discussion ensued on the following topics: sandwich board signs, banners and flags, window displays, by-right versus special permit and a design guidebook.
JK said that the Planning Board has conducted two public participation sessions seeking input on the existing bylaw and suggestions for changes. Responses to both meetings included the need for temporary signs and a clear review process that includes by-right options which avoid having to make a presentation before the HDC. It was noted that the Planning Board has discussed allowing sandwich board signs with reasonable restrictions as well as flags and banners as an alternative to sandwich boards to ensure a variety of signs in the village. SS suggested a maximum sign area that each business could be allowed by-right which could be used, either for permanent and/or temporary signs. Currently, the Selectmen have the authority to grant two week permits for temporary signs. The consensus was
that this is cumbersome and too restrictive. However, there is a need to control sandwich signs or the village will be cluttered and this is an aesthetic as well as safety concern. Concord was cited as an example of a community with by-right sandwich sign regulations.
KMV and JK expressed confidence that there will be self-policing of the new regulations by village businesses. JB is concerned that sandwich signs are not always well secured and this can be a safety concern. He is troubled by the use of sandwich signs on Town owned property. JK said he envisions regulations that will require strict standards for sandwich boards including a provision to indemnify the Town from liability.
Window displays were discussed and the consensus was that merchandise displayed in the window is not a sign. However, there should be regulations regarding signs that are displayed in the window.
The appropriateness of sign content was also discussed. JB and SS noted concerns regarding temporary signs that might contain inappropriate content. Discussion followed on how the right to free speech could hinder an ability to regulate sign content. It was suggested that sign content be restricted to the service or merchandise offered at the business. The consensus was to consider allowing businesses to replace existing signs by-right and to require HDC action for new signs or relocation of existing signs. HDC members indicated that placement of signs is important and should require review.
Discussion ensued regarding the concept of a sign standards guidebook which gives a clear idea of what is acceptable in terms of materials, design, colors, and placement. It was noted that MS has offered to prepare sketches for the guidebook. JK also suggested that it would be helpful to have a graphic artist assist in the preparation of the guidebook.
KMV suggested that there be additional discussion regarding multi-tenant buildings. The concept of a directory sign was discussed.
JK raised the issue of neon signs. The current HDC guidelines recommend that signs be externally lit. There were different opinions regarding internally lit versus externally lit signs.
Discussion ensued regarding the process. Town Meeting must approve changes to the Zoning Bylaw which can require compliance with the guidebook; however, the HDC can amend the guidebook as required without Town Meeting action. JK indicated that there is a need for additional input from the HDC and the public regarding potential zoning amendments.
It was agreed to have additional joint meetings and continue working together on the new bylaw.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Albertson
| 
