Sausalito is updating its signage rules to remove unconstitutional content restrictions.
The Planning Commission voted 4-1 on Wednesday to approve its rewrite of a 2003 ordinance to comply with a 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision. Commissioner Fred Moore voted no.
“Sausalito’s existing chapter … contains numerous provisions that distinguish between sign types based on the nature of the message displayed, including political signage, real estate signage, construction signage and holiday decorations,” said Katie Nelson, a city planner. “The proposed amendments remove and restructure these content-based distinctions to focus on objective content-neutral criteria.”
Sausalito’s city code already prohibits billboards and signs that are animated or inflated, mimic traffic sign shapes and colors, pose traffic safety hazards, are painted on street surfaces or float on docks or waterways.
The revisions, which go to the City Council for final approval, remove references in the city code to wording and branding, slightly adjust allowed size and height and streamline the review and permit process.
“The commission expressed concern over menu boards and indicated a willingness to retain freestanding outdoor signs for commercial businesses,” Nelson said, referring to a March study session. “The commission provided input on preserving memorial dedications, plaques and name plates, such as those commonly found on park benches throughout the city.”
During the discussion Wednesday, the panel tightened the revisions and suggested slight modifications for staff to include.
Commissioner Jeffery Luxenberg suggested extending the review period from 30 days to 45 days to accommodate applications that might come before the city in July. The commission, which wanted to review signage on larger projects instead of ceding that to staff, does not meet in August.
David Marlatt, vice chair of the commission, said regulations that require lettering in signs in store windows to be no more than an inch tall should be loosened.
“We can put a pin in that,” he said. “That’s a little harsh.”
Nastassya Saad, the commission chair, asked if commissioners wanted to review the revisions one more time before sending them to the council.
Moore said he would like the panel to look beyond “content-related items” and consider how the city’s signage could improve its “visual appearance.”
“There should be more of a study session of do we need to enhance this sign program to deal with certain wayfinding or other aesthetics that are not in violation of the content-based item, but to make sure the signage in our town is beneficial,” he said. “I think we’re maybe rushing this at this point.”
Commissioner Andrew Junius said the revisions address the constitutional issues and “cleaned up what was kind of a messy ordinance.”
“I like the creativity that people bring to their signage,” he said. “And I’d rather not be talking about spending time and energy to try to beautify the city in a way that’s completely subjective. Every human being is going to have a different idea of what that beauty is.”