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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDESIGN REVIEW MEETING - 10-00301 - 279 N 2nd E - Ray's Chevron Signs Design Review Committee Meeting Ray’s Chevron Signs – North 2nd East July 8, 2010 - 11:00 am Attendees Design Review Committee: Thaine Robinson, Ted Hill, Dan Hanna, Johnny Watson, Adam Stout Applicant: Steve Oakey – Owner; Dave Whitehead of Sign Pro Staff: Natalie Powell, Elaine McFerrin Thaine Robinson explained that the Design Review Committee meets if there is a development issue that deviates from the standards stated in the City of Rexburg Development Code #1026. The purpose of the Design Review Committee meeting is often to reach an amicable compromise for the applicant and the community. The issue brought before the Design Review Committee today is that the applicant would like to use neon lighted signs for his new building. There will be a free standing sign near the street on the north part of the property, and there will be signage on the building. The Development Code states that “… neon tubing shall not be an acceptable feature for building trim or accent…”. The Sign Ordinance #1027 does not address neon signs. It was felt that this request falls in a gray area. Steve Oakey said that he is interested in the preservation of buildings to look as they originally were, such as in the downtown area of Rexburg. He would like to incorporate the modern with the old, and that includes the signage. He brought photos of old gas stations with their signage and drawings of the neon signage for his business. The neon signs reflect a 1950’s style architecture. Mr. Oakey would like to resurrect the idea of preserving what is older. Neon signs are costly but worth it. They would be eye-catching and attractive. He clarified that the neon would be for signage only and not for accents on the building. Thaine Robinson asked about LED lighting. Dave Whitehead said LED lighting does not have as many colors. Neon has a cleaner look. The elements that can be done with neon cannot yet be done with LED lighting – the technology is not there yet. The neon signage they would use would be blue and white. Dan Hanna expressed concern for protection of the night sky. Johnny Watson stated neon lighting is very low. It was expressed that there are other neon signs in Rexburg. This neon signage would not be the first. Ted Hill said there is nothing in the Sign Ordinance that prohibits neon signs. Natalie Powell said that she consulted with Community Development Director Val Christensen and P&Z Commission Chairman Winston Dyer, and they felt this signage issue was in a gray area and needed to come before the Design Review Committee. Johnny Watson felt this neon signage would be an excellent addition. There are no grounds to make a judgment against it. Adam Stout liked the neon signage. He felt that the applicant was attempting to do something very nice for the area. Ted Hill said he is okay with this sign request. He expressed that the City’s Sign Ordinance needs some work. Dave Whitehead asked to be contacted if the City would like his input when working on the Sign Ordinance. In conclusion, the Design Review Committee gave their approval for the use of neon signage for Ray’s Chevron.