HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-02-11-DAC-MINLEXINGTON DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
February 11, 2007
To: David George
Zoning Enforcement Officer
Re: 396 Waltham Street- Mobil Service Station
Freestanding Sign
At its regular meeting on February 6, 2007, the DAC reviewed the installation of the new freestanding
sign at 396 Waltham Street. The sign appears to violate Sections 135-75 A & B of the Lexington By-
Laws, as follows:
Section 135-75 A (Illumination)
- The sign is illuminated 24 hours a day, even while the service station is closed throughout the
night. The by-laws specifically mention no illumination between the hours of 11PM and 6AM.
- The sign is internally illuminated using LED lights, it is unknown whether or not the illumination
exceeds 150 foot lamberts.
Section 135-75 B (Traffic)
- The sign uses a significant number of red LED lights, similar to those used on the adjacent traffic
light. Red and green lights are not permitted under the zoning by-laws.
While the DAC reviewed the proposed sign prior to construction and made its recommendations to the
Board of Appeals in its letter dated February 6, 2006 (attached), the DAC did not specifically address
each of the above-mentioned details in it's review with the applicant, nor were they presented by the
applicant as requiring a special permit to construct the intended sign. In addition, the tree the DAC
requested has not been planted (to replace the tree that was removed), per the 2/6/06 DAC letter.
For the reasons listed above, we ask you, the Zoning Enforcement Officer, to review the sign
installation and confirm its compliance with the zoning by-laws and conditions set forth by the Board of
Appeals. Should the applicant request a new hearing with the Board of Appeals to address the above
issues, the DAC would like the opportunity to meet with the applicant prior to such hearing.
Respectfully submitted,
Colin P. Smith AIA, Chairman
Lexington Design Advisory Committee
Cc: Board of Appeals
Board of Selectmen