Planning Commission in Favor of Color Changing Sign for Northgate

The supported a resolution to bring a new multi-colored illuminated sign to Shopping Center, despite concerns over an ordinance that prohibits flashing or blinking signs.

The sign, which reads “Northgate One,” would be placed at the 350 Northgate One Shopping Center 300 feet away from the street. It is 15 square feet, and illuminated from behind with all the colors of the spectrum slowly fading into each other. The sign would hang on in the plaza near the and .

“The color transformation is subtle and it’s meant to celebrate the plaza,” said the project’s designer Scott Blair. “I mean, let’s give people the idea that there’s a heartbeat here.”

Blinking, flashing or fluttering lights as well as illumination that changes light intensity, brightness or color are all prohibited by the zoning ordinance. The project went through the Design Review Board on June 7, and board members said they found that “the fading color change is not appropriate” with the venue and recommended denial.

“I feel there is a reason why we’re not looking at signs that change colors or flash,” said Planning Commission Chair Dan Sonnet, noting that the certain ordinances were put in place to maintain an old-fashioned look to San Rafael.

Planning commissioners Maribeth Bushey-Lang, Kate Colin and Charles Pick voted against the denial, while Sonnet and Jack Robertson voted in favor.

“We need to be open to new, modern things,” said Bushey-Lang, who supported testing the new sign for a trial period to see how the community responds.

The Planning Commission sent the project on to the Building Department, with a new resolution supporting a trial period where they would assess the look of the changing colors in the plaza.

Northgate business owner Lori Thoriaott believes the sign adds a vitality to the shopping center and is a good step toward attracting more customers in the area, where business has been slow.

“Retailers need people to come in and spend money,” she said.