Historic District Commission
Minutes
Landuse Meeting Room
March 20, 2018
Members present: Chair Ken Fowler, (JB); Mark Smith (MS); Jason Berger, (JB); Pat Jaouen (PJ)
Absent without notification: Kameron Spaulding, (KS)
Staff present: Peggy Ammendola, Land Use Clerk, (PA)
Approve minutes: February 6, 2018-MS made a motion to approve the minutes with one amendment. JB seconded the motion and the Commission agreed 4-0.
Continued discussion of proposed sign revisions to the bylaw section in effort to streamline the approval process. Previously discussed at the meetings of December 5th and 19th of 2017; February 6, 2018. (It had been continued to January 16, 2018, but canceled on that date and rescheduled to Feb. 6th.)
JB provided copies of his updated version of proposed sign revisions based on the Commissioner’s discussion at the previous meeting. He, in his role as liaison to the Building Department, met with the Building Inspectors to get their opinion.
The Commissioners reviewed and agreed to the following:
Material-The Building Inspectors asked that the Commission clarify “Wood or wood- like in appearance”. After discussion it was agreed that “wood-like in appearance” be dropped. Thus, any sign made of any material other than wood, would require a review by the HDC.
Posts-Posts that are 4” x 4” wood are allowed by right. (Wood-like in appearance was dropped here as well.)
Lighting-Requests for neon, LED, internally illuminated signs and externally illuminated signs must be reviewed by the HDC. (JB will continue to work on this.)
Number of Signs- One sign per tenant. Requests for additional signs must be submitted to HDC for review.
Shapes-Square, oval, rectangle or circle would be allowed by right. Any other shape would require HDC review.
Size-It was agreed to replace “Less than 6 square feet” with “the maximum size permitted is 6 square feet”. This would apply to signs that are free standing or hanging perpendicular to the building. If sign is affixed parallel to the exterior face of the building the maximum size permitted is 12 square feet. Anything larger would have HDC review.
Location- Preexisting location
- Pre-existing location
- Pre-approved location
- Comply with Zoning Bylaw and Building Code
- The overall goal is to create signage which complements the architecture without creating visual clutter, and which reflects the historic use of signage in the District.
After considerable discussion it was agreed that this needed further consideration to determine the wording.
Bracket- Dark metal
Height-6’ for freestanding to the top of the post/sign-It was decided that the Commission should first define the item Location before having the conversation for Height. MS said that he will look at other towns’ bylaws.
Violations update-JB advised the Commissioners that he met with the Building Department with regards five violations the HDC brought their attention. Three have been resolved. Gateways Inn may still have signage that is in violation. Brava continues to maintain that their neon sign is grandfathered. JB is waiting for a ruling from Town Counsel.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Ammendola
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