14.0 - 71 Rainey St — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Applications for Permits in National Register Historic Districts October 7, 2026 SB-2026-112656 Rainey Street National Register Historic District 71 Rainey Street 14 – 1 Proposal Install a freestanding sign. Project Specifications The proposed project includes installation of a single unlit sign. The proposed sign is an 8.7 square foot circle, mounted on a metal post near the entrance to the property. Design Standards The City of Austin’s Sign Standards for Historic Districts and Landmarks are used to evaluate projects at historic landmarks, in National Register districts, and in locally designated historic districts. The following standards apply to the proposed project: Number of Signs: The Commission allows one sign per building, unless the building has multiple tenants; in this case, the Commission may allow one sign per façade module, if the façade modules correspond to tenant spaces. The Commission may also allow one sign for each street frontage if the building is at an intersection. A single directory sign is appropriate for a large building with multiple tenants. A single sign is proposed. Sign Types: The Commission may allow window signs, awning signs, projecting signs, and flush mounted signs for most commercial buildings. Freestanding signs are allowed for office and retail uses in historic residential buildings. City codes prohibit the Commission from approving the following sign types: (1) rotating, (2) off-premise, (3) roof signs, (4) portable, or (5) signs which flash or blink at intervals. City code also prohibits handbills, posters, or placards on a structure except inside a window or on a bulletin board. The proposed sign is freestanding; however, it does not correspond to a commercial use in a historically residential building type. Sign Size: The maximum size for signs depends on the sign type: 1. Projecting (blade) signs: 6 square feet 2. Flush-mounted signs: 7% of the overall façade area, with a maximum height of 2 feet and a maximum size of 20 square feet 3. Window signs: The lesser of 20% of the window or 8 square feet 4. Awning signs: The lesser of 20% of the awning panel or 8 square feet. Large commercial buildings (over 3 stories): Cumulative signage may not exceed 40 square feet per façade and must comply with a signage plan for the building. The proposed sign is 8.7 square feet. It exceeds the size limit for blade signs but falls under the limit for flush- mounted signs. Sign Design, Coloring and Materials: Use simple shapes, such as rectangular or oval signs. The Commission recommends painted wood or metal signs with matte finishes for all signs; plastic, reflective materials, and unfinished surfaces are not allowed. Limit the colors used in a sign to no more than three. For sites with multiple signs, all signs should have corresponding or matching designs, coloring and materials. Signs should match or complement the existing color scheme of the building to the maximum extent feasible. Lettering: No more than two typefaces are allowed. Avoid lettering which appears too contemporary in the sign. 14 – 2 Design and lettering of the proposed sign is appropriate. Lighting: Lighting must be indirect, and may be accomplished through shielded incandescent lights attached to the top of the sign, “halo” lighting, or recessed can lighting in awnings. Internally-lit cabinet signs are not allowed for signs on historic buildings or within the historic districts. Neon Signs: Neon signs are prohibited on pre-1950 building facades; an exception may be made for existing pre- 1950 neon signage, or with photographic proof of a historic (pre-1950) neon sign on the building, but only if the neon sign does not detract from the historic character of the building or area. The Commission may consider limited neon on a post-1950 façade, but encourages backlit neon over exposed neon. The applicant has amended the proposal, based on staff feedback, to omit neon lighting from the sign. Sign Placement: Flush-mounted and projecting (blade) signs should be positioned near the business entrance immediately above the principal entry to the business. Single-tenant signs are not allowed over doorways serving multiple tenants. As required by the city land development code, the bottom of the sign shall be a minimum of nine (9) feet above the sidewalk. When feasible, place signs to align with others in the block. Signs should not obscure or cover architectural elements, such as windows, decorative banding, or other ornamentation. Sign Mounting: New signs should utilize existing mounting apparatus whenever possible. If new bolt holes or brackets are necessary for sign installation, care should be taken to ensure that installation does not damage historic building materials in any way. Bolting through mortar joints avoids damage to historic stone or brick. No building is currently located on the site. The proposed sign is mounted on a metal post near the entrance to the property. Exceptions: The City Historic Landmark Commission may consider exceptions to the foregoing provisions when warranted, and not prohibited by city ordinance. Summary The project meets some of the applicable standards. Staff Recommendation Approve the design and size of the sign, but require that it be mounted to one of the buildings shown on the provided site plan, rather than installed as a freestanding projecting sign, as it does not meet the requirements for a freestanding sign.