Sign variance hearing set for July 28 to weigh allowing an extra sign on large commercial sites

What the records say

The July 28, 2026 Planning Commission agenda lists a public hearing on Sign Variance Code Amendments, scheduled for 6:30 PM at 501 Delta Avenue ¹. Minutes from the commission's July 14 meeting show Interim Community Development Director Angela Gemmer introduced the item and the commission voted 5-0 to set the hearing for July 28 ¹. The agenda bill identifies the recommended motion as approving the amendments and sending them to the City Council for adoption by ordinance ¹. The packet describes the proposed change: current MMC 22C.160.300 bars a variance that increases the number of signs on a property, and the amendment would add a provision allowing a variance for one additional sign on large commercial sites (over two acres) or multi-occupancy complexes when the site is visible from multiple roadways or other unique site circumstances exist (draft code text included in the packet) ¹. The pre-meeting records do not establish that the July 28 hearing occurred or what the commission decided ¹.

• The Planning Commission voted 5-0 on July 14 to set the public hearing on the sign variance code amendments for July 28, 2026 ¹.
• The agenda bill recommends approving the amendments and sending them to the City Council for adoption by ordinance ¹.
• Interim Community Development Director Angela Gemmer introduced the sign variance amendment item at the July 14 meeting ¹.
• The proposed change would allow a variance for one additional sign on large commercial sites (over two acres) or multi-occupancy complexes when the site is visible from multiple roadways or other unique site circumstances exist ¹.
• Written public comments had to be submitted to staff by 4:30 PM on July 27, 2026, per the notice of public hearing ¹.

Why it matters

A sign variance is a deviation an applicant can request when unique site circumstances merit relief from the general sign code requirements. The proposed amendment would expand that relief to let businesses on large commercial properties or multi-occupancy complexes seek one additional sign in specified circumstances. If the commission recommended approval and the City Council adopts the ordinance, the change would affect how commercial signage is regulated citywide ¹. Council action is not covered by these pre-meeting records ¹.

What changed / what's next

• The Planning Commission moved to schedule the public hearing on the sign variance code amendments for July 28, 2026, during its July 14 meeting ¹.
• The outcome of the July 28 hearing is not established by these pre-meeting records ¹.
• City Council adoption by ordinance is still required before any change takes effect; these records cover only the Planning Commission recommendation stage ¹.
• The available records do not establish the meeting's outcome.