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7-11 sign approval delayed

Peet’s sign review also postponed

A full Design Review Commission agenda shrunk to three action items Tuesday, but not all commissioners were pleased by the postponements.

An application for several signs – many of which will change monthly – had been submitted by owners of the West Napa Street 7-Eleven Store, one block off the Plaza. But the applicant asked for additional time because most of the existing signs do not comply with current regulations and would require a variance. The applicant is asking the Commission to approve a pole sign, four window signs and a portable, double-sided, free-standing sign to advertise specials. The business has these, and more, in place, as well as a wall sign. The approvals are being sought as a result of a complaint.

“Does the staff have the power to force them to take anything down?” asked Commissioner Kelso Barnett. He noted that the original complaint was made more than seven months ago and illegal signage on the property is still in place.

Senior Planner Wendy Atkins, said it is the city’s policy to be business friendly and to work with owners, rather than bring administrative actions. She said the sign review for the 7-Eleven has been rescheduled for the March meeting.

A review of new signage for Peet’s Coffee and Tea was also postponed a month, but this is the first request and no signage is in place.

In other actions, the Commission approved a new sign program for Sonoma Valley Hospital, which features a variety of directional and informational signs in the same color scheme as the new building. A large monument sign will identify the hospital and will be internally lit at night in accordance with state requirements for hospitals. The location of the emergency room will appear in red and will be lighted 24 hours a day.

The Commission also approved pole signs for the upcoming Sonoma Valley Film Festival and the architectural details of a new residence on Second Street East.

In an effort to help applicants know what will be needed when they appear before the DRC, a new handout is being developed that is still a “work in progress.” In the meantime, a draft version is being given to applicants, according to staff.