Sunset Beach council tables proposed mixed‑use district sign standards over 79‑color palette

The Town of Sunset Beach opened a public hearing May 2 on a text amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance to create sign standards specifically for the Mixed Use (MUD) district. Planning staff explained the proposal and inventoryed existing signs in the district, noting one primary monument sign, several project entry monuments and directional and tenant signs.

Planning staff said the planning board recommended approval, but council members and members of the public questioned the breadth of a separate town‑initiated amendment that would expand the gateway and urban design color palettes. Staff acknowledged the color list in appendix C contains many entries and noted that when color swatches are converted to PDF or PowerPoint their appearance can change.

During public comment, resident Nancy Barnes said "79 colors is a bit much" and urged the council to narrow the palette to related color families. Following discussion, a council member moved to table the sign‑standards/color palette amendments and return them to the planning board to narrow the selections; the motion was seconded and carried.

Council members agreed staff can provide a narrowed set of colors for council review and noted that if certain hues are unacceptable the planning board and staff can reprint a reduced palette and codify the selected choices in the ordinance.