Commission backs modified ordinance to restore HPC review of downtown signs while preserving some streamlined reviews

The Historic Preservation Commission recommended approval Dec. 6 of a Planning Code amendment that would change how new business signs on downtown historic properties are reviewed. Planning Department staff framed the measure as a response to the 2018 streamlining that moved many sign reviews to over‑the‑counter approvals; the ordinance would generally require hearings or administrative certificates for Article 10 and Article 11 properties in the C3 downtown area.

Michelle Taylor of the Planning Department said the ordinance "would amend the planning code to require compliance with the procedures of planning code, article 10, for certain work involving a business sign on a designated landmark site," and described three tiers of review: full HPC hearing, staff‑level administrative certificate of appropriateness, and expedited over‑the‑counter review. Staff estimated that moving some reviews back to administrative entitlement would raise permit costs from today’s flat $225 to roughly $400–$600 and increase processing time to about two to three months for the affected permits.

Public commenters and neighborhood advocates urged stricter HPC review. Eileen Bogan and other community representatives told the commission they opposed the Planning Department’s proposed amendments as weakening the ordinance’s intent. Conversely, business groups such as the Union Square Alliance supported planning staff’s modified approach to balance preservation and economic recovery downtown.

Commissioners pressed staff on how the Secretary of the Interior standards would be applied, when written findings are required for over‑the‑counter scopes, and whether fee increases would be matched by new staffing. Planning staff said Article 11 signs would generally remain eligible for OTC review under proposed modifications, while Article 10 signs would be reviewed through the administrative certificate program unless the commission delegates them under a specific motion.

Commissioner motioned to recommend approval with staff modifications and a technical correction to strike duplicate language in the draft; the motion passed unanimously, 6–0. The Planning Commission will consider the item next and the Board of Supervisors has final code adoption authority.

Next steps: the HPC’s recommendation will go to the Planning Commission for its review on Dec. 7. Planning staff noted they will prepare outreach materials and updated guidance for sign applicants if the ordinance advances.