Commission approves two downtown signs, tables Top Shot sign for a scaled elevation

The Augusta Historic Preservation Commission approved two commercial sign COAs for downtown and tabled a third after staff and Historic Augusta flagged application inconsistencies.

Staff presented COA‑2603 for Calberry at 559 Watkins Street with two vertical corner signs; Historic Augusta found the proposal compliant with downtown design guidelines. Applicant Jason Ty had no further comments and the commission approved the COA unanimously.

Staff then presented COA‑2604 for Bradley’s Barbecue at 1209 Broad Street; the applicant (Brad Ushri) reduced the sign height to bring it into compliance with the sign ordinance. Historic Augusta found the backlit vertical corner signs visually appropriate; the commission approved the COA unanimously.

COA‑2602 for a sign at 913 Broad Street (Top Shot and Fitness) was more contested. Staff reported inconsistent dimensions in the application (various places listed 4×8 ft, 5×10 ft, 18×96 inches). Applicant James Odin Jr. confirmed he submitted corrected dimensions of 1.5 ft × 8 ft (12 sq ft) but commissioners noted the renderings were not to scale and asked for an elevation showing the sign centered in the sign band. The commission voted unanimously to table that COA until a scaled elevation is provided.

For all approved signs staff recorded that proposals meet the downtown design guidelines and comply with the sign ordinance; staff will verify final permit submittals against the approved materials and scaled elevations where required.